Professor John Robinson
3131 Art/Sociology Bldg.
301-405-5734
robinson@bss1.umd.edu
Office Hours: M 12-3; 6-7 P.M.


SOCY 402: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS
OUTLINE:
This course is concerned with the design, collection and analysis of behavioral information using various sociological methods, with main emphasis on the social survey. Major course focus is on the control of major sources of survey variation: sampling, survey mode (telephone, mail, personal), questionnaire format, question framing, interviewing, coding and statistical analysis. Alternative measurement approaches and basic multivariate analysis strategies are also examined. The advantages and disadvantages of the survey method are contrasted with other methods of social inquiry.

In addition to systemic comparison of the various options available in the various options available in the various stages of the survey process, the student is expected to gain 'hands on' experience in the design, collection and analysis of data by conducting their own survey analysis. During the course of the term, each student will work on a general survey instrument and conduct about 10 interviews as part of a larger student course survey with a cross-section sample (e.g. the Washington DC area). Students will also be professionally trained in interview methods at the University's Survey Research Center and will conduct 8-10 hours of live interviews there outside of class time.

Students are also responsible for designing, testing and developing one (1) question to go on the student course survey and will also analyze the results and write a brief report based on the results of this study. They will also prepare a larger separate statistical report based on national surveys of public opinion (mainly the GSS) using SPSS-PC.

Although there is no formal prerequisite for the class, it must be assumed that students understand standard material in SOCY 201 (means, standard deviations, t-tests, chi-square tests, etc.) using SPSS on a personal computer (SOCY 202).

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Norman Bradburn and Seymour Sudman (1988) Polls and Surveys: San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

John Robinson and Robert Meadow, Polls Apart, Seven Locks Press (1982), (Available from BSOS Copy Center).

Selected articles on question framing and methods, such as from Warwick and Lininger's Survey Research (1975) and Kohl-Reisman (1990) World of Research (From BSOS Copy Center).

Jean Converse and Stanley Presser, Survey Questions: Handcrafting the Standardized Questionnaire, Sage (1986)

OPTIONAL:

Marija Norusis, SPSS Guide to Data Analysis, Chicago: SPSS (1986). Charles Judd et al. (1991) Research Methods in Social Relations, Orlando, FL: Holt Rinehardt.

GRADES:

• Grades will be assigned on the following basis:
• 5% - Exam I (take home), Week 3
  15% - Exam II (in class), Week 5
  15% - Exam III (in class), Week 8
  20% - Interviewing and Coding, Weeks 8-14
  10% - Interview/Question Report, Week 13
  5% - Survey Report, Week 14
  30% - Final Report and Class Presentation, Final Week
  100%

Course Procedures:

All classes will be held on the times below and attendance is expected. Attendance and class participation will be used to resolve borderline grades. Make-up exams are given, but only with a medical or other valid excuse. All exams are closed-book. Assignments are due on time, with penalties for late, sloppy or imcomplete work. Printed papers are preferred, but neat handwriting and charts are acceptable.

Each assignments has 10 points for each percent of grade (e.g., the 15% for the review is worth 150 points). Grades are given on a curve to be determined based on overall class performance. Using other students' work is strictly prohibited and full disciplinary action will be taken in case of cheating.

*Class participation is encouraged, and attendance and contructive participation will result in a higher grade if on the border.

If you have a documented physical or learning disability, I am willing to make the necessary accomodations. Please contact me by Week 3 so that we can discuss these accommodations.

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