SOC 4850 - Research Methods
Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 30851,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Dr. Amanda Fehlbaum
Professional Qualifications:
Ph.D., Sociology, The University of Oklahoma
Master’s, Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor’s, Gender Studies, University of Texas at Dallas
Associate Professor of Sociology
Email: afehlbaum@ysu.edu
Office: DEB 507
Office Phone: 330-941-2716
Preferred Contact Method: Email
Communication Expectations:
I typically respond to email within 24 hours on weekdays. I strive to grade assignments within one week.
How to Refer to me:
Dr. Fehlbaum
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Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | The Art and Science of Social Research. 2nd Ed. | Carr, Deborah, et al. | 9780393537529 |
- Gordon, Liahna E. “Reviewing the Literature” in Real Research, 2nd Ed. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
- University of California Berkeley Library. 2026. Sociology: Lit Reviews.
- Blackstone, Amy. 2012. “Research Design” in Principles of Sociological Inquiry – Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
- Oregon State University Department of Sociology. Writing Within Sociology: A Guide for Undergraduates.
- The University of California Berkeley Department of Sociology. 2011. Writing for Sociology, 2nd Edition.
This course is First Day Ready which means that your book is included as part of your tuition and fees. You may opt-out of these charges though it is strongly discouraged.
Students are required to have access to Blackboard as this course takes place online. These are the computer lab locations on campus.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | • Syllabus • ASSR: Chapter 1 - The Art and Science of Social Research: An Introduction • ASSR: Chapter 2 - Linking Sociological Theory to Research |
MODULE 1 Sociology as a Research Discipline |
• Discussion: Whatcha Studyin'? • Watch: "Research Methods On The Job with Deborah Carr" • Watch: "Research Methods Can Be Fun! With Shelley Correll" • Watch: "Sociology Capstone: Picking a Research Topic" • Writing for Sociology Tutorial: Organizing Your Ideas • Writing for Sociology Tutorial: Developing Research Questions • Research Questions Brief + Instructor Check-In • Syllabus Quiz |
| 5/18 | • ASSR: Chapter 3 - Ethical Issues in Social Science Research | MODULE 2 Research Ethics & Human Subjects Protection |
• Discussion: CITI Training Reflection • Watch: "Ethical Issues in Social Science Research with Mary Waters" • CITI Training • Ethics & Feasibility Memo |
| 5/25 | • ASSR: Chapter 4 - From Concepts to Models • "Reviewing the Literature," Gordon • RECOMMENDED: "Sociology: Lit Reviews," UC Berkeley |
MODULE 3 Research Questions, Concepts, & Literature |
• “How to Frame Sociological Questions for Research Papers, from a Professor”Watch: • Peer Review: Concept Lab - What Dimensions Are We Missing • Writing for Sociology Tutorial: Writing a Literature Review • Applied Literature Mapping and Annotated Bibliography |
| 6/1 | • ASSR: Chapter 5 - Evaluating Research • ASSR: Chapter 6 - Sampling Strategies • ASSR: Chapter 7 - Survey Research |
MODULE 4 Quantitative Research Methods |
• Watch: “Writing Effective Survey Questions with Deborah Carr”Watch: • Watch: “Sampling Strategies with Jeremy Freese” Peer Review • Peer Review: Concept Precision and Measure Validity Lab • Quantitative Methods Research Assignment |
| 6/8 | • ASSR: Chapter 10 - Ethnography • ASSR: Chapter 11 - In-Depth Interviewing • ASSR: Chapter 12 - Materials-Based Methods |
MODULE 5 Qualitative Research Methods |
• Feedback Fruits Discussion – CHOOSE ONE: “CJ Pascoe on Ethnographic Research” OR “Shamus Khan on Historical Data” • Qualitative Research Methods Assignment |
| 6/15 | • REVIEW: ASSR: Ch 4, 6-7, 10-12 • RECOMMENDED: "Research Design," Blackstone |
MODULE 6 Research Design & Methods Integration |
• Feedback Fruits Discussion: • “Vinnie Roscigno on Mixed Methods” • Proposed Methods Section Assignment |
| 6/22 | • ASSR: Chapter 14 - Communicating Social Science Research Findings • RECOMMENDED: Writing Within Sociology by Oregon State University • RECOMMENDED: Writing for Sociology by UC Berkeley |
MODULE 7 Interpreting & Communicating Sociological Research |
• Discussion: Journal Fit - Where Would Your Research Belong? • Writing for Sociology Tutorial: Writing an Effective Introductory Paragraph • Final Research Proposal • LinkedIn Profile & Portfolio |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.