Write a 3-4 page essay in which you explain how you would use the scientific method and steps of the sociological research process to study two issues.
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Introduction
If you have ever tried to complete a jigsaw puzzle, you probably know that one of the most common techniques is to assemble all the edge pieces first. Framing the picture in this way helps you develop a strategy for finding the pieces you need to complete the puzzle. Similarly, when you’re trying to solve a problem in society or your personal or professional life, you first need to frame the problem, then develop a strategy, and finally gather the pieces of evidence you need to find a solution.
One way sociologists do this is by using the scientific method, a step-by-step process for collecting evidence to test a hypothesis (or explanation) about the way the world works. Sociologists use this step-by-step approach to explore observations and answer questions about society, such as which social factors influence the choice of romantic partners or to what extent gender affects economic mobility. For this assessment, you will review two scenarios and explain how you would use the scientific method and steps of the sociological research process to study two issues.
Preparation
Review the suggested resources for this assessment. Note that Chapter 3 of the Sociology: The Essentials textbook provides useful background information, including details about the scientific method and the steps involved in sociological research.
Read the scenarios below:
Scenario 1: Jessica is a sociologist who studies culture in the workplace at Company Y. She is designing a research study to get a better understanding of differences in productivity between mixed-gender teams and teams whose members are of the same gender.
Scenario 2: There is growing concern over the issue of bullying in the local school district. Julius, who works in the school administration office, has been asked to design a research study to identify if the strict school policies (that some students and parents view as unfair) may be contributing to the increase of bullying.
Instructions
For each scenario, address the following questions in essay form. Organize your paper with a heading for Scenario 1 and a heading for Scenario 2.
- Develop a research question for each research scenario.
o For each scenario, provide a clear research question that captures what the researchers (Jessica and Julius) are studying.
- Explain how each researcher should use the remaining steps of the sociological research process to answer the research question.
o For each step of the sociological research process, explain what the researcher should do to achieve the goal of that particular step. For example, during the data collection process, Julius might gather information about school policies; conduct interviews with students, parents, and teachers; and review data on school incidents reported to teachers or principals.
o Be sure to address all four steps that follow the development of a research question: (1) research design and literature review, (2) data collection, (3) data analysis, and (4) conclusion.
- Explain how each researcher can use the study results to inform decision making.
o Discuss how both researchers can use the results of their research to make decisions. For example, how might Jessica use the findings from her research to improve organizational culture, collaboration, and productivity in her workplace? Similarly, how might Julius use the findings from his study to propose and develop effective bullying policies?
Be sure to write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Additional Requirements
Your Word document submission should meet the following requirements:
- Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- Citations: Include both in-text citations and a references list of your sources. Review Evidence and APA for more information on how to cite your sources.
- Number of References: Citing at least one course resource is required. Any additional sources are optional.
- Length: 3–4 double-spaced pages of content in addition to the title page and reference page.
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Review the assessment scoring guide for details on how your assessment will be graded.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Demonstrate how scientific methods or sociological principles are used to study society.
o Develop a research question for each scenario.
o Explain how each researcher could use the remaining steps of the sociological research process to answer each research question.
o Explain how each researcher can use the study results to inform decision making.
- Competency 4: Address assignment purpose in a well-organized manner, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.
o Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Scoring Guide
Use the scoring guide to understand how your assessment will be evaluated.
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Criterion 1
Develop a research question for each scenario.
Distinguished
Develops a clear, specific research question for each scenario, with a clear explanation of why the question was chosen.
Proficient
Develops a research question for each scenario.
Basic
Develops a research question for each scenario, but the questions are not relevant to the scenarios or are incomplete.
Non Performance
Does not develop a research question for each research scenario.
Criterion 2
Explain how each researcher could use the remaining steps of the sociological research process to answer each research question.
Distinguished
Fully explains how each researcher could use the remaining steps of the sociological research process to answer each research question, providing clear, specific information.
Proficient
Explains how each researcher could use the remaining steps of the sociological research process to answer each research question.
Basic
Partially explains how each researcher could use the remaining steps of the sociological research process to answer each research question, but the explanation is unclear or not relevant.
Non Performance
Does not explain how each researcher could use the remaining steps of the sociological research process to answer each research question.
Criterion 3
Explain how each researcher can use the study results to inform decision making.
Distinguished
Explains how each researcher can use the study results to inform decision making, providing multiple examples to illustrate the possibilities.
Proficient
Explains how each researcher can use the study results to inform decision making.
Basic
Partially explains how each researcher can use the study results to inform decision making, but the explanation is unclear or not relevant.
Non Performance
Does not explain how each researcher can use the study results to inform decision making.
Criterion 4
Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Distinguished
Organizes content so clarity is enhanced and all ideas flow logically and smoothly. Writes concisely, precisely, and directly, with nearly flawless adherence to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Proficient
Writes in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Basic
Writing is unclear, wordy, or disconnected, with errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Non Performance
Does not write in a well-organized and concise manner.
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