Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Program of Sociology (English)

SOCI112

RESEARCH METHODS

Course Code
SOCI112
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. Explain the fundamental concepts and methods of sociological research.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of research design and the stages of the scientific research process.
  3. Compare quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and provide practical examples of their application.
  4. Act in accordance with ethical principles throughout the research process.
  5. Develop a sociological research proposal, demonstrating the ability to plan and structure an independent research project.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme ComponentsNo
Course DescriptionThis course examines the theoretical foundations and practical processes of scientific research in sociology, introducing students to fundamental quantitative and qualitative research approaches. It focuses on key components of the research process, including the formulation of research problems, literature review, conceptualization, research design, sampling, data collection techniques, and basic analytical strategies, enabling 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 offered in the department, while also preparing students for the senior-year graduation project. In this regard, it constitutes a core requirement for equipping students with the competencies necessary to design independent research, select appropriate methodologies, and generate and evaluate data in accordance with principles of scientific ethics.
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 The Sociological Research Process and Planning Stages of research: From problem formulation to research reporting; mapping the research process
3rd Week Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Methods Comparison of methodological approaches; strengths and limitations
4th Week Literature Review and Conceptual Framework Systematic review strategies; academic databases; conceptualization and theoretical framing
5th Week Developing Research Questions and Hypotheses Criteria for research questions; testability; linking theory and method
6th Week Sampling Probability and non-probability sampling; representation; sampling error
7th Week Quantitative Data Collection I: Surveys and Scales Survey design; types of scales; validity and reliability
8th Week Midterm Examination
9th Week Quantitative Data Collection II: Experiments and Observation Experimental design; control of variables; systematic observation
10th Week Qualitative Data Collection I: In-Depth Interviews and Focus Groups Interview techniques; question types; recording and transcription
11th Week Qualitative Data Collection II: Fieldwork and Participant Observation Access to the field; field notes; researcher positionality
12th Week Measurement, Variables and Scaling Types of variables; levels of measurement; logic of operationalization
13th Week Data Analysis and Interpretation in Social Sciences Introduction to quantitative and qualitative data analysis; interpretation strategies
14th Week Research Report Writing and Academic Style Structure of a research report; academic writing; APA style guidelines
15th Week Research Ethics and Digital Research Methods Ethical principles; confidentiality; ethics committees; online data collection; socialmedia research; digital ethnography
16th 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
Recommended or Required ReadingRequired Texts
*Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). Pearson.
*Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.).
SAGE Publications.
*Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
*Durkheim, E. (1982). The rules of sociological method (S. Lukes, Ed.; W. D. Halls, Trans.). Free Press.
*Bourdieu, P., & Wacquant, L. J. D. (1992). An invitation to reflexive sociology. University of Chicago Press.
Recommended Readings
*Babbie, E. R. (2020). The practice of social research (15th ed.). Cengage Learning.
*Becker, H. S. (2007). Writing for social scientists (2nd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
*Burawoy, M. (2005). For public sociology. American Sociological Review, 70(1), 4?28.
*Punch, K. F. (2014). Introduction to social research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
*Wallerstein, I. (Ed.). (1996). Open the social sciences: Report of the Gulbenkian Commission on the
restructuring of the social sciences. Stanford University Press.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Discussion
  • Lecture
  • 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 InstructionEnglish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

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