Course Description
An experimental research methods course emphasizing hands-on experience in the lab. Readings and weekly seminar meetings focus on ethics in human research, sociological theories of social interaction, experimental design, experimental procedures, data interpretation, and scholarly writing. Students will work in collaborative teams to conduct original research in the Laboratory for the Study of Social Interaction.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to the readings and assignments completed by
undergraduates enrolled in the class, graduate students will
have additional written assignments that test their in-depth
understanding of experimental methods and design. This may
include a "comprehensive exam style" final exam and/or proposal
for an original experimental research project.
Athena Title
Experimental Rsrch Sociology
Non-Traditional Format
Students will be expected to spend approximately 12 hours a week in course-related activities, including lectures, discussions, trainings, collecting and processing data, and independent scholarship. In the early part of the semester, course activities will primarily involve instruction in experimental methods, ethics, and best practices. In the last part of the semester, course activities will primarily involve hands-on research in the laboratory.
Undergraduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students learn about experimental research in sociology through readings, discussion as well as first-hand experience. Students will work in collaborative teams to conduct original research in the sociology. Specific topics and tasks will vary based on current research activities in the Laboratory for the Study of Social Interaction. Students will learn about the process of designing and conducting original experimental research as well as about interpreting and communicating the resulting data. Students will receive training and acquire certification in CITI’s Basic Course in Social and Behavioral Research as well as the CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course in Social and Behavioral Research. Course activities will be divided between group research tasks and traditional scholarship. When appropriate, students will be encouraged to submit the results of their research for professional presentation and/or publication. Students will be evaluated on their participation in weekly discussions, the quality of their performance on lab tasks, and on written assignments tailored to the specific research project at hand.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction to Course and LaSSI Procedures and Policies 2. Overview of Current LaSSI research projects 3. Completion of CITI Social and Behavioral Research Module, Basic Course 4. Ethics in Human Research 5. Experimental Research Design 6. Creating a Setting: Scope Conditions and Manipulations 7. Deception: Ethical and Methodological Concerns 8. Issues of Control: Minimizing Bias and Experimenter Effects 9. Debriefing and Post Experimental Interviews 10. Interpreting and Communicating Research Results 11. Completion of CITI Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Syllabus