Topic assignment 1

Topic Assignment 1
COMPOSITION:

Each student’s paper should have three basic components: an introduction, body, and a
conclusion.

The student’s paper must answer all parts of the question.

The paper should include at least
one reference to the textbook by Seccombe
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All references must be cited in proper APA format (this includes a works
cited/references).

The goal of sociology is to be as unbiased as possible, therefore, this is NOT an opinion
paper.
FORMATTING
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Papers must be a minimum of 450 words.
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Paragraphs must be at least three sentences in length.
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Reflections must be saved as .doc, .docx, or .rtf
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Assignments in other formats can not be opened and will receive a 0
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Reflections must be Times New Roman 12 point font
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Double spaced, 1” margins
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Proper grammar and spelling must be used
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The paper much include a cover page per APA requirements
QUESTION
In chapter 1 of Seccombe (2012) you have learned a few of the methods sociologists use to
conduct research. Choose a research topic and develop a research question related to marriage
and family (for example: Do children of divorced parents tend to be less likely to go to
college*). * You can not use this example question. You are NOT conducting this research. You
are just telling me how you WOULD conduct this research.
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How would you study this topic?
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Why should this topic be studied?
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What methods would you use (i.e. surveys, interviews, ect.)
o
Why would you use those methods?
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What theory would you use (conflict, symbolic interactionist, etc.)?
o
Why would you choose that theory?

Would your research be qualitative, quantitative, or both?
o
Why?

Who would you gather data from/who is your sample?
o
Why?
o
How would you reach out to those in your sample to invite them to participate?

What ethical concerns might arise (are you interviewing children, special needs, ect.)?

What types of bias might you have in relation to your research?