SYLLABUS

1. Research process
   Babbie, PSR, chs. 1 - 4, 18 
    
2. Measurement 
   Babbie, PSR, chs. 5 - 6
     
3. Sampling 
   Babbie, PSR, ch. 8, Appendix I
    
4. Data collection 
   Babbie, PSR, chs. 11, 9, 10
    
5. Data analysis 
   Babbie, PSR, chs. 14 -17, Appendix A, B

Goals and Objectives: 

1. To develop an understanding of the research process and its component parts (measurement, sampling, data collection, and data analysis). 
2. To develop the ability to critically evaluate published research reports.
3. To gain experience in preparing and writing research reports.

Texts:

1. Earl Babbie, The Practice of Social Research, Wadsworth, 1998 (eighth edition).
2. The Sociology Writing Group. A Guide to Writing Sociology Papers, St. Martin's Press, 1998.

Research Report: See handout.

Exams: Two exams and final. Make-up exams will be given only if I'm notified prior to the exam that you will not be taking the exam and an acceptable reason given. Exams must be made up within one week. Make-up exams will not be given after one week, except for exceptional circumstances.

Grading: The exams each count one/fifth of your semester grade. The research report counts two/fifths of your grade. Regular attendance is expected of all students. The University's policy on cheating and plagiarism will be enforced.

E-mail: You will need a CSUF student e-mail account for this class. If you don't have one, go to the information desk in the Student Union and request one. They are free. When you get it, send me an email so I will know you have it. Send your e-mail to ednelson@csufresno.edu and include your name, the class, and your email address. Do this during the first week of class.

Web Sites: We will be using three websites during the semester:

1. http://www.csubak.edu/ssric/
   There is an online version of the SPSS for Windows Version 7.5 book on this site. There is also a glossary where you can look up many of the terms in this course and a list of links to many other sites on the web. We will also be using the online version of a module written by Elizabeth Nelson and myself, California Opinions on Women's Issues 1985-1995.
    
2. http://www.aapor.org/poq/
   This site has an index to the Public Opinion Quarterly, a journal that includes many articles on survey data. You will want to look at this site for your literature review.
    
3. http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/GSS99/news/newsindx.htm
   This site includes a list of articles that used variables from the General Social Survey. You will want to look at this site for your literature review.
    

Instructor: Edward Nelson
Social Sciences, Room 209A
Extension 2275
E-mail: ednelson@csufresno.edu 

Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 to 10:00;
Tuesday, Thursday, 8:30 to 9:30;
and by appointment