Section 3, MW, 3:00-4:50
Mendocino 2008
Professor Todd A. Migliaccio
Office: Amador Hall 451D
W 12:30-1:30, 5-6 Tu 10-11 or by appointment
Phone: 278-7573
Website: http://online6.csus.edu/
The objective of the course is to utilize the skills and knowledge you obtained concerning research methods and to put that information into practice. You will be expected to develop your own research project, obtaining both qualitative and quantitative data to test a theory concerning a larger social issue. This course will help you to develop all of your skills as you conduct social research, including the organization and presentation of research findings.
Neuman, W. Laurence. Basics of Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. 2004. Allyn and Bacon.
Babbie, Earl, Fred Halley, & Jeanne Zaino. Adventures in Social Research. 2003, Pine Forge Press.
As well, I will attempt to adhere to the schedule listed in the course calendar; however, I am willing to deviate from it through the duration of the course. I will confer with the class prior to any changes.
The paper will be in Q standard format, meaning 1 inch margins on all sides;
font at least 12 point; paper title at center top of first page; name,
assignment title, course number, and semester in header, footer or title page;
and bibliography on a separate page. It
must be typed and stapled and not placed in any covers, folders or any other
such contraption.
Throughout the course, each student will be allotted three extensions for the papers/assignments. Each extension is worth one class day (ex. If the paper is due on Monday, and you turn it in on Wednesday, that is one extension). You do not need permission from the professor. You may use these extensions whenever you want, subject to the rules given below:
1) You get two individual extensions.
Don’t ask me for more- you will not get them. Hence, you should use extensions wisely when
you really need them, such as sickness or an athletic event.
a) Your group will receive 4 extensions as well, to be used for
your group research. It cannot be
applied to the presentation, but any of the items due, it can.
2) You may use a maximum of two extensions
on the proposal paper; by using two on the paper, you can turn the paper in two
classes late.
3) You can use one on any assignment
(including lab assignments) given in the class, meaning the assignment can be
turned in one class period later. Any assignment turned in later, or if you
have used all of your extensions, will not be accepted.
4) Any paper that is submitted later than
two classes after it is due (regardless of your extension situation), or is
turned in late after you have used all of your extensions will be penalized two
full grades.
5) Any assignments submitted after one class
period (regardless of extension situation), or after you have used all of your
extensions, the assignment will not be accepted.
All papers must be typed and stapled and not placed in any covers, folders or any other such contraption. A title page is expected, which will contain the following information: Title of the paper, your name, and the name of the class (Sociology 102b for those of you not paying attention). Thank you.
Use of WebCT: While there are times when the site will be down, this is not an excuse for a missed assignment or late paper. The material will be up with sufficient time to copy it before it comes due. Ultimately it is your responsibility to either obtain it, or let me know of any problems you are having with it. Most problems are related to the computer department, so contact the help desk. If they are unable/unwilling to help you let me know, and I will attempt to correct any problems, but on occasion they are not my fault (I know, that is hard to imagine, but it is true).
If you are a student who has a disability that may necessitate accommodations being made in the classroom, please contact SSD, (916) 278-6955.
Turn off all pagers and cell phones before entering class. I accept the right to answer any that ring (and make up any wild stories about you to the person who has called).
Finally, cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you are caught engaging in either of these activities, you will receive an F.
The class is located on the webct campus server. Accessing this site requires a login and password, which are the following: Login: your saclink id (the same one used on your email address); Password: saclink password. You will be able to access the outlines for the course, any overheads used in class, any material that was handed out, a glossary of terms (if there is one not listed that you can not locate elsewhere, please let me know so I can include it), all of the assignments, and syllabus. You will also be able to locate your grade on-line if you desire.
One exam will be given in the class to test you on the material needed to complete the research projects for this class. It will be a combination long answer, short answer, and multiple-choice test, focusing on your ability to apply ideas from the class to the process of undertaking your research project. The exam is specifically about your understanding of your own research projects in relation to this class. This will be worth 10% of your grade.
Research Proposal: You will clean up and complete a research proposal, which includes a statement of the problem, literature review that discusses the literature about the topic you are attempting to study, setting up your hypothesis, a methods chapter, a results chapter and a discussion and conclusion chapter. This paper is worth 25% of the total grade.
Attendance, Class Assignments and Quizzes: Attendance, assignments, and quizzes will be given throughout the semester to help you prepare for you exam and projects. This is worth 5% of the total grade.
Group Research Project: You will be working on a group research project throughout the semester. You will develop a project that gathers both qualitative and quantitative data, which includes reviewing the literature that is relevant to your project, writing and submitting a human subjects review form, gathering and analyzing the date. This research project will be worth a total of 45% of your total grade (15% of your grade will be determined by your group members).
Presentation: You will present your research findings. You can present the material to the class OR you can present the findings to the CSA in November, but I will need to be informed of this earlier in the semester. If you present it at CSA, you automatically receive 100% of the presentation, but you must attend and be part of the presentation. In class, you will be graded on it. It is a group consensus about where you will present your findings. This will be worth 15% of your total grade.
DUE DATES:
September 6: First Day of Class
September 11: Class Research Subject determined
September 13: Pick a group topic
September 20: Outline
of Research design is due
September 27: Human Subject Review form is due
October 2: Annotated bibliography for 5 articles is due
October 11: Concepts and Variables due
October 23: Exam
November 1: Measurement tools due (Both qualitative and quantitative)
November 8: 5 more articles due
November 10 & 11:
CSA in
November 22: Data due
November 23 & 24: THANKSGIVING!!! ENJOY!!!
November 29: Findings due
December 4: Final Individual Research Paper due
December 11-13: PRESENTATIONS