{"id":189,"date":"2021-03-09T11:25:18","date_gmt":"2021-03-09T16:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/?page_id=189"},"modified":"2026-03-19T08:59:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T12:59:14","slug":"research-design","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/courses\/research-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Design"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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Research Design<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

SYA 7933:\u00a0\u00a0Research Design<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Mondays, periods 7-9 (1:55 – 4:55 pm) —\u00a0Matherly\u00a0Hall, room 118<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

3227\u00a0Turlington\u00a0Hall\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

office\u00a0hours: Tuesday 1:00-3:00 pm,\u00a0<\/strong>Thursday 1:00-2:00 pm; and by appointment — email me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Phone:\u00a0\u00a0294-7177<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Email:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0tkcox@ufl.edu<\/span>\u00a0[best way to reach me]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

TEACHING ASSISTANT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Kate\u00a0Hartikka\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0khartikka@ufl.edu<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

office\u00a0hours: Thursday 2:00 – 4:00 pm —\u00a03347\u00a0Turlington\u00a0(office hours)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

COURSE DESCRIPTION:<\/strong>\u00a0Required course for first-year graduate students in Sociology. It is the study of major social science research designs and techniques of conducting empirical inquiry into social phenomena.\u00a0\u00a0It is useful to more advanced sociology graduate students, and to graduate students in other social science programs, for development of a research agenda or development of a dissertation or thesis proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

PURPOSE OF COURSE:<\/strong>\u00a0The purpose of this course is to orient students toward the core research designs and techniques of social science, including contemporary debates and emergent techniques.\u00a0\u00a0The emphasis in the course is practical \ufffd developing the critical skills to evaluate completed research and prepare to conduct original empirical research. We will also discuss broader questions about how to make choices about research topics, construct research questions, and choose appropriate methods of data collection and analysis. By practicing critical evaluation of methodological choices, the course will prepare students to become critical reviewers, users, and creators of sociological knowledge. Course themes include the nature of social relationships, selecting observations, and conceptualization-measurement.\u00a0\u00a0Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods are covered.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Goals:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Demonstrate broad understanding and application of empirical sociological research methods and analytical techniques<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

(2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Demonstrate competencies in designing independent empirical research with scientific integrity<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

(3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Demonstrate competencies in applying substantive sociological knowledge in critical thinking, analysis, and communication<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Student Learning Objectives:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Describe, explain, and compare-contrast multiple major research designs and analytical techniques<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Engage in weekly discussions of key concepts, issues, and techniques in prominent and emergent research designs used by social scientists<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Present an emergent research technique not covered in the course<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Lead class discussion of a research design, covering the primary readings and exemplars<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of specific research designs used in current empirical sociological research<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Construct a portfolio of research activities that lead to a detailed mixed-methods research proposal<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Develop an overarching conceptual frame that integrates use of mixed methods investigations of a single research topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Precis: write 3 precis that outline 3 empirical projects using at least 2 different research designs<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Research Proposal: write a detailed proposal of a mixed-methods research project\/agenda that is built from the conceptual frame assignment and the 3 precis<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

COURSE MATERIALS:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0All materials will be available online on Canvas (elearning.ufl.edu).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nCOURSE POLICIES:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

ATTENDANCE POLICY:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Approach this seminar (and all seminars) professionally.\u00a0\u00a0Career professionals attend all meetings, arrive on time, complete all work conscientiously and punctually, and arrive to meetings prepared to engage mindfully and civilly with colleagues.\u00a0\u00a0In a small graduate seminar, both your individual success and the value of the course for the group\u00a0are strongly based\u00a0on the weekly discussion that occurs in the classroom.\u00a0\u00a0Maintaining an open, respectful environment in which students feel comfortable participating and contributing to the class discussion is also an important part of the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

You\u00a0are expected\u00a0to complete the assigned readings for each week and come prepared to discuss the readings.\u00a0\u00a0Everyone gets\u00a01\u00a0absence, with no questions asked. Additional absences\u00a0must be approved; absences will be excused in the case of serious illness or other circumstance beyond the student’s control (see UF policy:\u00a0https:\/\/catalog.ufl.edu\/ugrad\/current\/regulations\/info\/attendance.aspx<\/a>)<\/a>. Attendance at academic conferences\u00a0will be excused, but you must inform me at least 2 weeks in advance (earlier if possible). I reserve the right to apply a 5% grade penalty (final grade) for each unexcused absence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

It is the student’s responsibility to get the notes and announcements from the instructor and classmates for any missed class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

REVISED (3\/25\/2020) – Beginning on March 23, classes will be held online using Zoom Conference. Please email me with any concerns about possible missed classes due to pandemic-related or other unanticipated challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

COMMUNICATION:\u00a0Email<\/strong>\u00a0is usually the best and quickest way to reach me, either directly or through the Canvas system. If I do not respond to your email within 48 hours, please resend it, as it might not have gotten to me. All email and other communication in the course should be respectful, civil, and professional — see\u00a0Netiquette Guidelines<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Office hours<\/strong>\u00a0will be held\u00a0each week —\u00a0you do not need an appointment, just drop by. If you need to schedule an alternative time, please email us so we can arrange a meeting time. If my office door is open, feel free to drop in to say hello or for quick questions; for longer conversations, I encourage you to use office hours or arrange a meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Canvas<\/strong>\u00a0– Course announcements\u00a0will be sent out\u00a0through Canvas. Please check your Canvas email regularly, and make sure to adjust your settings in Canvas so that you get notifications of announcements and emails to your UF email address. This is particularly important if you are emailing through the Canvas system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

OTHER POLICIES:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Details on course assignments\u00a0will be provided\u00a0online in Canvas. Failure to complete assignments on time and according to specifications may result in grade penalties. Inadequate class participation will result in grade penalties.\u00a0\u00a0Feel free to talk with me if you have any questions about participation or other grades; any concerns with regard to specific point assessments must be resolved within 2 weeks of the grade being posted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nUF POLICIES:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

UNIVERSITY POLICY ON ACCOMMODATING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:<\/strong>\u00a0Students requesting accommodation for disabilities must first register with the Dean of Students Office (http:\/\/www.dso.ufl.edu\/drc\/<\/a>). The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor when requesting accommodation. You must submit this documentation prior to submitting assignments or taking the quizzes or exams. Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore, students should contact the office as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

UNIVERSITY POLICY ON ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Academic honesty and integrity are fundamental values of the University community. Students should be sure that they understand the UF Student Honor Code at\u00a0https:\/\/sccr.dso.ufl.edu\/policies\/student<\/a>honor<\/a>–<\/a>code<\/a>–<\/a>student<\/a>–<\/a>conduct<\/a>–<\/a>code\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Counseling and Mental Health Resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Students facing difficulties completing\u00a0the course or who are in need of counseling or urgent help\u00a0should call the Counseling and Wellness Center (352-392-1575;\u00a0http:\/\/www.counseling.ufl.edu\/cwc\/<\/a>)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Supports<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The University of Florida Division of Student Affairs has created “U Matter We Care” to provide supports for students who are dealing with challenges or stressors. Information on available resources and supports is available here:\u00a0https:\/\/umatter.ufl.edu\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On-Line Evaluation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Students\u00a0are expected\u00a0to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via\u00a0GatorEvals. Guidance on how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available at\u00a0<\/a>https:\/\/gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu\/students\/<\/a>.<\/a>\u00a0Students\u00a0will be notified\u00a0when the evaluation period opens, and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from\u00a0GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu under\u00a0GatorEvals, or via\u00a0<\/a>https:\/\/ufl.bluera.com\/ufl\/<\/a>.<\/a>\u00a0Summaries of course evaluation results are available to students at\u00a0<\/a>https:\/\/gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu\/public<\/a>–<\/a>results\/<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nCOURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Assignments<\/td>\nDue date<\/td>\n% of final

Course\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0grade<\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Engagement<\/td>\n<\/td>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a045<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Class participation – demonstrate preparation through critical reading

of\u00a0assigned material and actively contribute to class discussion, 3.4%<\/p><\/td>\n

[weekly]<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Reflection and commentary essays (weeks 2 and 3), 2% each, 4% total<\/td>\n1\/13, 1\/27<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Participation in online discussion, 6 separate weeks, 2% each, 10%

total\u00a0(drop lowest score)<\/p><\/td>\n

2\/10 – 4\/6<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Discussion leader (solo or duo), 10%<\/td>\n2\/10 – 4\/6<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Evaluation of exemplar articles, 2 exemplars, 3.3% each, 6.6% total<\/td>\n1\/27 – 4\/13<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Presentation of an additional design or technique, 8%<\/td>\n2\/10 – 4\/20<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Application<\/td>\n<\/td>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a055<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Conceptual framework essay, 8%<\/td>\n2\/20

11:59pm<\/p><\/td>\n

<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03\u00a0precis, 9% each, 27% total<\/td>\n1: 3\/27

11:59pm<\/p>

2: 4\/3<\/p>

11:59pm<\/p>

3: 4\/10<\/p>

11:59pm<\/p><\/td>\n

\u00a0

these are target dates — deadlines will be flexible;\u00a0we will adjust as needed\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Final research proposal, 20%<\/td>\n4\/27

11:59pm<\/p><\/td>\n

<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Because of the reduction in requirements, the grades will be calculated in terms of points (out of 97) instead of percentages.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

GRADING SCALE:<\/strong>\u00a0A 90-97; A- 87-89, B+ 84-86, B 79-83, B- 76-78, C 70-75, E 0-69\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nCOURSE SCHEDULE:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0Course Schedule<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Jan. 6<\/td>\nIntroductions, Syllabus, Objectives, Plans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jan. 13<\/td>\nGetting started: What does a good research study look like?\n
    \n
  • \u00a0Reflection and commentary on selected research study — Choose an example of an empirical article or book that you find interesting or compelling from a major sociological source (peer-reviewed journal or academic press; check with me if\u00a0you’re\u00a0unsure). Write a 1-2 page commentary that discusses the following:\u00a0 (a) Briefly summarize the research questions, methods, and main findings of the study; (b) Discuss why you chose this reading — what specifically do you find important or compelling about this article? Why do you think it is important or striking? (c) What do you see as its weaknesses or limitations?\u00a0 Due 9:00 am on Monday, Jan. 13.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jan. 20<\/td>\nHOLIDAY — NO CLASS\n
    \n
  • \u00a0Self-reflection – Think about what motivates you as a scholar and your career goals and plans. Write a 1-2 page commentary that discusses the following:\u00a0 (a)\u00a0What\u00a0inspired or motivated you to go to graduate school? Describe any specific courses, experiences, professors, or others that have inspired you in your current path. (b) What are your plans or goals with regard to your career? What would you like to get out of graduate school so that you can pursue that career? What is the role of research in your overall career plan? (c) Looking over the syllabus for this course, identify 2-3 course topics that you find most interesting or relevant and briefly explain why.\u00a0 Due 9:00 am on Tuesday, Jan. 21.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jan. 27<\/td>\nParadigms, Epistemologies, Methodologies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Feb. 3<\/td>\nOperationalization, Measurement, Analyses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Feb. 10<\/td>\nMixed Methods<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Feb. 17<\/td>\nExperimental Designs and Surveys

** Conceptual framework essay due 9:00 am, Thursday, Feb. 20<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Feb. 24<\/td>\nSurvey Designs –\u00a0cross-sectional, comparative, longitudinal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mar. 2<\/td>\nSPRING BREAK<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mar. 9<\/td>\nEthnography and Interviewing<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mar. 16<\/td>\nNO CLASS MEETING – pandemic response – shift to online instruction; possible moves from Gainesville; shelter in place<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mar. 23<\/td>\nAdministrative and Demographic Data

**\u00a0Precis 1 due 11:59 pm, Friday, Mar. 27\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 (or as arranged in consultation with\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Dr. Koropeckyj-Cox)<\/strong><\/p>

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\n

<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mar. 30<\/td>\nCase Study

** Precis 2 due 11:59 pm, Friday, Apr. 3<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\n

<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Apr. 6<\/td>\nHistorical Methods

** Precis 3 due 11:59 pm, Friday, Apr. 10<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\n

<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Apr. 13<\/td>\nContent Analysis,\u00a0Focus Groups, and Professional Writing<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Apr. 20<\/td>\nResearch Funding, Job Market\u00a0 and Future Plans<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

Final proposal due 5:00 pm, Monday, Apr. 27<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0This syllabus represents my current plans and objectives.\u00a0\u00a0As we go through the semester, those plans may need to change to enhance the class learning opportunity.\u00a0\u00a0Such changes, communicated clearly, are\u00a0not unusual\u00a0and should be expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The syllabus and course materials draw heavily from Dr. Barbara\u00a0Zsembik’s\u00a0graduate Research Design course at UF.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1075,"featured_media":0,"parent":8,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"featured_post":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-189","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1075"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=189"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":209,"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189\/revisions\/209"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.clas.ufl.edu\/tkcox\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}