Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2 from Coursera

This course is intended as a first step for learners who seek to become producers of social science research. It is organized as an introduction to the design and execution of a research study. It introduces the key elements of a proposal for a research study, and explains the role of each. It reviews the major types of qualitative and quantitative data used in social science research, and then introduces some of the most important sources of existing data available freely or by application, worldwide and for China. The course offers an overview of basic principles in the design of surveys, including a brief introduction to sampling. Basic techniques for quantitative analysis are also introduced, along with a review of common challenges that arise in the interpretation of results. Professional and ethical issues that often arise in the conduct of research are also discussed. The course concludes with an introduction to the options for further study available to the interested student, and an overview of the key steps involved in selecting postgraduate programs and applying for admission. Learners who complete the course will be able to make an informed decision about whether to pursue advanced studies, and should be adequately prepared to write an application for postgraduate study that exhibits basic understanding of key aspects of social science research paradigms and methodologies.

Explore the big questions in social science and learn how you can be a producer of social science research.

Course Overview video: https://youtu.be/QuMOAlwhpvU

Part 1 should be completed before taking this course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/social-science-study-chinese-society

What's inside

Syllabus

Designing a Study

Welcome to Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2! Part 2 focuses on being a PRODUCER of Social Science Research. Take some time to review the course overview, assignments for this course and say hello in the discussion forum.

Evidence

Week 2 will discuss the kind sources social scientists use for research. By the end of this week, you should be able to identify some of these major sources and perhaps pinpoint some sources that can be used in your own study.

Sampling

By the end of Week 3, you should be able to understand why RANDOM SAMPLING is important in a survey, outline the most common approaches to sampling and discuss key considerations when choosing a sampling strategy for your study.

Public Data for China

Week 4 discusses major sources of public data available to you. By the end of this week you should be able to describe the opportunities as well as the challenges associated with using publicly available survey data.

Quantitative Analysis

Week 5 will give you a taste of the basic methods for quantitative analysis. From there you should be able to identify key issues when interpreting results and discuss implications for research.

Research and Professional Ethics

By the end of this week you should be able to describe major ethical and professional concerns in social science research.

Where to go from here

Welcome to the last week of Part 2! By the end of this week you should be able to be aware of the options you have for further study in social science research and know the steps to move forward in the application process for advanced training.

Final exam

You've reached the final exam week! Complete the final exam and the post-course survey. Your feedback can help us improve the course. Thank you for being a part of this course and good luck for your pursuit of advanced studies in social science research!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops a foundation in social science research methods and methodologies, which are core skills for future research endeavors

Provides an overview of publicly available survey data, which is a valuable resource for researchers

Teaches basic techniques for quantitative analysis, which are essential for analyzing and interpreting research data

Examines ethical and professional concerns in social science research, which is crucial for responsible research practices

Offers guidance on selecting postgraduate programs and applying for admission, which is beneficial for students planning to pursue advanced studies

Reviews summary

Informative chinese society course

According to students, Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2 is a genuinely informative course that does a great job of putting the study of Chinese society into its social science context. Learners note that the lectures are particularly insightful and that, even for those who are already familiar with the subject, there's plenty of new knowledge to be gained.

Engaging and insightful.

"The lectures are particularly insightful and engaging."

"The lecturer is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject."

"I found the lectures to be very well-organized and informative."

Insightful, fascinating.

"Very informative and insightful course."

"It really helped me in my academics."

"I have taken many courses on Chinese society before, and I can confidently say this is one of the most informative."

Dry, repetitive.

"this course was dreadfully boring and made no sense."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2 with these activities:

Review literature on qualitative and quantitative research methods

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Build a strong foundation in research methods to enhance your understanding of the course content.

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Read introductory chapters on qualitative and quantitative research methods in textbooks or online resources.
Summarize key concepts, such as research design, data collection techniques, and analysis methods.
Identify the strengths and limitations of different research approaches.

Design a research proposal outline

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Gain practical experience in designing a research study by outlining a proposal.

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Identify a research topic and develop a research question.
Define the research objectives and hypotheses.
Describe the research methods, including data collection and analysis techniques.
Write an abstract and introduction.

Practice sampling techniques

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Develop proficiency in sampling techniques to ensure accurate data collection.

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Review different sampling methods, such as simple random sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling.
Calculate sample size using statistical formulas.
Select a sample and collect data from the specified population.

Two other activities

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Explore online resources on data analysis

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Enhance your understanding of data analysis techniques through guided online tutorials.

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Search for tutorials on statistical software, such as SPSS or R.
Follow step-by-step instructions to perform data analysis tasks.
Interpret the results and draw meaningful conclusions.

Discuss research ethics with peers

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Gain insights into ethical considerations in research by discussing with peers.

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Identify and discuss ethical issues that may arise in social science research.
Review guidelines and regulations for ethical research conduct.
Develop strategies to ensure the ethical treatment of research participants.

Career center

Learners who complete Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sociologist

Sociologists study the development, structure, and functioning of human society. They examine the behavior of social groups, organizations, and institutions, and analyze the social forces that shape human behavior. This course can help you develop the research skills necessary to be a successful sociologist. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Market Researcher

Market researchers study the market for a product or service to determine its potential success. They collect and analyze data on consumer behavior, preferences, and attitudes. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful market researcher. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts study the impact of government policies on society. They collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of policies and make recommendations for changes. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful policy analyst. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with communities to create plans that meet the needs of the people who live and work there. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful urban planner. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Social Worker

Social workers help people cope with personal and social problems. They provide counseling, support, and resources to individuals and families. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful social worker. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Demographer

Demographers study the size, composition, and distribution of human populations. They collect and analyze data on birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful demographer. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Demographer

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They develop theories and models to explain economic behavior and make predictions about economic trends. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful economist. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Geographer

Geographers study the earth's physical and human geography. They collect and analyze data on climate, landforms, vegetation, and human settlement patterns. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful geographer. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Historian

Historians study the past to understand the present. They collect and analyze historical documents and artifacts to reconstruct past events. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful historian. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. They collect and analyze data on language, customs, and beliefs. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful anthropologist. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Archaeologist

Archaeologists study the material remains of past human societies. They excavate sites and analyze artifacts to learn about the cultures that produced them. This course can help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful archaeologist. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. You will also learn about the ethical issues involved in social research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist