Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Program of Sociology (Turkish)

SOC112

RESEARCH METHODS

Course Code
SOC112
Semester
Second Term (Spring)
Theory+Practice
3 + 0
ECTS
5
Course TypeCompulsory Course
Course LevelBachelor's Degree
Year of Study1
SemesterSecond Term (Spring)
ECTS5
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Explains the basic concepts and methods of sociological research.
  2. Understands the design and stages of scientific research.
  3. Compares quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and presents application examples.
  4. Adheres to ethical principles in the research process.
  5. Gains research planning skills by preparing a sociological research proposal.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme ComponentsNo
Course DescriptionThis course aims to introduce students to basic quantitative and qualitative research approaches by addressing the theoretical foundations and application processes of scientific research in sociology. By focusing on topics such as formulating the research problem, literature review, conceptualization, research design, sampling, data collection techniques, and basic analysis strategies, it enables students to develop a systematic and critical research perspective. The course provides a theoretical and methodological foundation for the Quantitative Research Methods and Qualitative Research Methods courses included in the departmental program, as well as preparation for the graduation project. In this context, the course is a fundamental requirement for students to gain the competence to design an independent research project, select appropriate methods, and produce and evaluate data in accordance with scientific ethical principles.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Science, Knowledge, and the Role of Sociological Research: The nature of scientific knowledge, the function of research in sociology, the relationship between theory and empiricism
2nd Week Sociological Research Process and Planning: Research stages: process map from problem to report
3rd Week Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods: Comparison of methods, strengths and limitations
4th Week Literature Review and Conceptual Framework: Systematic review, academic databases, conceptualization
5th Week Research Question and Hypothesis Development: Criteria for formulating a research question, testability
6th Week Sampling: Probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling, representation and margin of error
7th Week Quantitative Data Collection I: Surveys and Scales: Survey design, scale types, validity and reliability
8th Week MIDTERM
9th Week Quantitative Data Collection II: Experiment and Observation: Experimental design, variable control, systematic observation
10th Week Qualitative Data Collection I: In-depth Interview and Focus Group: Interview techniques, question types, data recording
11th Week Qualitative Data Collection II: Fieldwork and Participant Observation: Field access, field notes, researcher Positioning
12th Week Measurement, Variables and Scaling Variable types, measurement levels, scaling logic
13th Week Data Analysis and Interpretation in Social Sciences
14th Week Research Report Writing Academic writing, report structure, APA style
15th Week Research Ethics and Academic Integrity Ethical principles, confidentiality, ethics committee processes
16th Week Digital Research Methods Online data collection, social media research, digital ethnography
Recommended or Required ReadingMain Textbooks
Neuman, W. L. (2016). Toplumsal araştırma yöntemleri: Nitel ve nicel yaklaşımlar (Çev.). Yayın Odası.
Creswell, J. W. (2017). Araştırma deseni: Nitel, nicel ve karma yöntem yaklaşımları (Çev.). Eğiten Kitap.
Bryman, A. (2017). Sosyal araştırma yöntemleri (Çev.). Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık.
Durkheim, E. (2014). Sosyolojik yöntemin kuralları (Çev.). Cem Yayınevi.
Bourdieu, P., & Wacquant, L. J. D. (2014). Düşünümsel bir antropoloji için cevaplar (Çev.). İletişim
Yayınları.

Suggested Readings
Babbie, E. R. (2019). Toplumsal araştırma yöntemleri (Çev.). Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık.
Becker, H. S. (2013). Sosyal bilimcilerin yazma çilesi (Çev.). Heretik Yayıncılık.
Burawoy, M. (2015). Kamusal sosyoloji (Çev.). Heretik Yayıncılık.
Punch, K. F. (2014). Sosyal araştırmalara giriş: Nicel ve nitel yaklaşımlar (Çev. D. Bayrak). Siyasal
Kitabevi.
Wallerstein, I. (Ed.). (2016). Sosyal bilimleri açın: Gulbenkian Komisyonu raporu (Çev.). Metis Yayınları.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Questions/Answers
  • Presentation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 30
Assignment 2 20
Total(%) 50
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 50
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 50
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 2 2
Preparation for Quiz 1 2 2
Individual or group work 0 0 0
Preparation for Final exam 1 55 55
Course hours 14 3 42
Preparation for Midterm exam 1 50 50
Laboratory (including preparation) 0 0 0
Final exam 1 2 2
Homework 0 0 0
Total Work Load153
Total Work Load / 30 (h)5.1
ECTS Credit of the Course5
Language of InstructionTurkish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
K1 X X
K2
K3 X X X X X
K4 X X X X X
K5 X X X X X
K6 X X X X
K7 X X X
K8 X X X X X
K9 X
K10
K11 X X X X X
K12 X X X X X