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Sociology 485

SOCY 485
ORGANIZATIONAL RESEARCH

Catalog Entry

SOCY 485. Organizational Research
Three hours computer lab (3).

Prerequisite: SOCY 380 or equivalent, junior or senior standing.

This computer laboratory course covers how social organizations collect, analyze, and disseminate data to support planning, evaluation, and management. Students gain hands-on experience with the use of computers for social science research, analysis of data from at least two types of organizational databases and the creation and presentation of reports for at least two target audiences.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

1. Overview of organizational research

2. Ethics in organizational research

3. Topics of organizational research including clients/consumers, products, employees, organizational performance, etc.

4. Statistical analysis of data

5. Preparation of written and oral professional presentations

6. The presentation process

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

A workshop approach is used in the classroom where students apply lecture material to specific research projects. Students spend most of the semester conducting independent research projects with the help and guidance of the professor.

Goals and Objectives of Course

Students extend research skills learned in SOCY 380 by analyzing secondary data using statistical software and presenting their findings in written and oral forms. This course prepare students for careers in assessment and evaluation in various social organizations.

Assessment Measures

Graded assignments may include quizzes, a mid-term and final exam, homework, papers, and in-class or out-of-class assignments. The majority of the grade for the class reflects the student's ability to conduct independent research and present the findings from this research.

Other Course Information

Students in this course will be expected to be well-versed in the selection of appropriate statistical procedures to complete research problems, and to use statistical software to apply those choices to the assigned datasets.

Review and Approval

DATE ACTION REVIEWED
September 2007, Department of Sociology and Anthropology Curriculum Committee and Dr. Paula Brush, Chair, Department of Sociology and Anthropology