Integrating Sociological Research Into Large Introductory Courses: Learning Content and Increasing Quantitative Literacy

Author:

Atkinson Maxine P.1,Czaja Ronald F.2,Brewster Zachary B.3

Affiliation:

1. Maxine P. Atkinson is an associate professor of sociology at North Carolina State University and the university's Director of the First Year Inquiry Seminar Program. She focuses on teaching introductory level undergraduate courses and preparing graduate students to teach. She co-ordinates North Carolina State's Integrating Data Analysis project and is a member of the ASA Department Resources Group.

2. Ronald Czaja is an associate professor of sociology and anthropology at North Carolina State University. He teaches courses in both undergraduate and graduate research methodology and medical sociology. He is the senior author of Designing Surveys: A Guide to Decisions and Procedures, published by Pine Forge Press.

3. Zachary W. Brewster is a Ph.D. student in the department of Sociology and Anthropology at North Carolina State University. He received his M.A. in sociology from Western Kentucky University and his B.S. in Sociology from Grand Valley State University. His primary research interests are in work and organizations and medical sociology.

Abstract

Sociologists can make meaningful contributions to quantitative literacy by teaching sociological research skills in sociology classes, including introductory courses. We report on the effectiveness of requiring a research module in a large introductory class. The module is designed to teach both basic research skills and to increase awareness of race and gender inequality. We find that a majority of students are able to interpret basic percentage tables with a minimum of instruction. Under the condition that students are willing to acknowledge inequality in our occupational system, completing the research assignment increases their awareness of race and gender inequality. We argue that one of sociology's most powerful contributions to quantitative literacy is that our core content provides a challenging and relevant context in which to learn quantitative skills.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Sociology and Political Science,Education

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