Reference no: EM132256497
ASSIGNMENT PURPOSE: This paper asks you to propose a sociological research question or set of research questions and to outline a research method that allows you to answer your question(s). Bit of advice: over-share, over-describe and be as specific as possible. At the proposal stage, it is difficult to be too fine-grained in the detail you describe.
Introduction [~ .5 - 1 page]
In the first section of your paper, explain the general theme or topic that you are interested in studying:
Convince your reader/audience/me that this topic is either important to study or so darn interesting that the project needs to be conducted
Make clear that this topic or theme is appropriate for a sociological research project
Research Question(s)
In the next section, clearly outline (using numbered bullet points) your research question or set of research questions.
Methodology
In this section, you will describe - in depth - the sociological research method that you propose to use to answer your research question(s). Depending on the method or methods you plan to use, this section should:
Discuss your sampling strategy or who/what you plan to collect data from
Make a statement on whether you are using a deductive or inductive approach to your project (and make clear that you know what that means)
Explain how you will collect data
Survey data: What variables you plan to include in your analysis? How will you operationalize these variables in your survey? Include some sample survey questions.
Ethnographic observation: Describe in detail the social context that you plan to observe. What things will you focus on? How will you take notes? How might you gain access to this space and position yourself within it?
Interview data: Describe the kinds of questions you plan to ask respondents and connect these questions\ directly to your research questions. Include sample questions.
Outline what you expect to find in the data collection/analysis process. This should include some clear hypotheses (i.e. preliminary answers to your research questions).
Word Bank of Potentially Useful Terms/Concepts (your call; don't force it!!):
Dramaturgical theory
Symbolic interactionism
Survey data
Interview study
Ethnographic observation
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Front-stage work
Back-stage work
Code switch
Ideology
Cultural script
Subculture
Socialization
Norms
Values
Reflection theory
Hegemony/Hegemonic
Mead's "Social Self"
The "I" and the "Me"
Generalized other
Status
Role
Role strain
Role conflict
Gender role
Dyad
Triad
Small group
Party
Large group
Primary group
Secondary group
In-group vs. Out-group
Social network
Tie
Node
Diffusion
Social Institution
Organization
Conflict Theory
Functionalist Theory
Critical Theory
Culture
Agency
Social Structure
Race
Class
Gender
Immigration Status
Age
Socially Constructed
Resources
Style/Format
Free of typo's and grammatical errors; double-spaced; 12-point, Times New Roman font; 1-inch margins on all sides ("Normal" margins in Word)