Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - SA 255 D100

Introduction to Social Research (SA) (4)

Class Number: 3371

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the conduct of sociological and anthropological research. Topics covered include: the relationship between theory and research, concept formation, operationalization, exploratory studies, hypothesis generation and testing, data collection techniques within both sociology and anthropology, the assessment of causality, the critical evaluation of research on both theoretical and methodological grounds, the definition of research problems, and ethical issues in social research. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce students to the design and practice of social research. There is no standard, one-size-fits-all procedure for doing social research. Good research comes in many designs and flavours, and relies as much, if not more, on imagination, play and creativity than it does on technical knowledge and specialized skills. This course will emphasize methodological diversity. It will stress the importance of learning, and mixing together, a variety of different research techniques, including visual methods, ethnography, mapping, survey research, mobile methods, and more. It will highlight the analytical power and sociological significance of crossing the qualitative/quantitative divide, a skill central to understanding the complexity and dynamic nature of living together in the twenty-first century. Additionally, this course will focus on placing research methods in the context of the larger process of doing research. Namely, it will explore how social researchers: generate good questions, puzzles and hypotheses; relate social theory to research through various designs; operationalize concepts in multiple ways; select good case studies; collect, manipulate and analyze data; triangulate data from different methods; address ethical challenges associated with social research; and critically evaluate scientific knowledge. 

Grading

  • Personal Dossier and Participation 10%
  • Methods Application Assignments (3 x 15%) 45%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final Mixed Methods Portfolio 25%

NOTES:

In order to complete course assignments, students will be required to conduct independent research outside the classroom. These activities may require travel by vehicle or public transit, as well as on foot.

REQUIREMENTS:

Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. If you fail to complete 40% (or more) of course evaluations, you will receive an “N”, which for purposes of academic standing is equivalent to an “F”.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy 
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01- S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All mandatory readings will be posted on CANVAS.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS