SOSC 366: Research Methods in the Social Sciences (Rev. 7–8) Report a Broken Link

Social Science 366: Research Methods in the Social Sciences is designed to show students the limits and potentials of social-science research and to teach them how to research social phenomena scientifically. The course explains the research process and shows students how to conduct research thoroughly and ethically using appropriate research strategies. This course has technical and critical components. This means that understanding the course requires gaining a thorough understanding of many technical concepts and processes, and then applying these concepts to the study of social phenomena.

Unit 2: Theory and Research


Unit 3: The Ethics and Politics of Social Research


Unit 4: The Logic of Causation


Unit 5: Obstacles to Scientific Inquiry


This summary has been prepared by Athabasca University staff members because (1) Simon’s text is one of the few to comprehensively address the impact of researcher’s humanity on the
research process but (2) the age of Simon’s text means that its examples contain offensive and harmful material. If you wish to read the original text, it can be accessed through the Athabasca
University library.

This summary has been prepared by Athabasca University staff members because (1) Simon’s text is one of the few to comprehensively address the impact of researcher’s humanity on the research process but (2) the age of Simon’s text means that its examples contain offensive and harmful material. If you wish to read the original text, it can be accessed through the Athabasca University library. 

Kastner, J. (Writer & Director). (1998). Ask a silly question [Television series episode]. In J. Kastner (Producer), Witness. CBC.

Streaming permission provided by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Unit 8: The Logic of Sampling


Unit 9: Survey Research


Unit 12: Qualitative Field Research


Unit 15: Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis