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Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project

The Final Research Project consists of a research study that you will perform in collaboration with fellow learners. Together you will formulate a research hypothesis and design, come up with operationalizations, create manipulation and measurement instruments, collect data, perform statistical analyses and document the results.

In this course you will go through the entire research process and will be able to help determine what research question we will investigate and how we design and perform the research. This is an invaluable experience if you want to be able to critically evaluate scientific research in the social and behavioral sciences or design and perform your own studies in the future.

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What's inside

Syllabus

About the Final Research Project

This section provides all the general course information. You can find info on how this very special final research project is organized, what the important deadlines are, and how the grading works.

Preparing for Milestone 1 - Research topic

In this section you will learn about the research topic in preparation of reaching your first milestone - formulating a general research hypothesis and design. Make sure you read the material well, you will be working on this research topic for the next six weeks!

Milestone 1 - General hypothesis and design

In this section you will work on Milestone 1 - formulating a general hypothesis and design.

Milestone 2 - Design, operationalizations and expectations

In this module - based on the collective general hypothesis and design - you will create a more detailed design.

Milestone 3 - Measurement and manipulation material

In this module - based on the collective detailed design - you will create instruments to measure and manipulate the variables in our study.

Milestone 4 - Data collection, methods documentation and analysis plan

In this module you will document the methods and material used to perform the study and you will create a statistical analysis plan.

Milestone 5 - Statistical analysis

In this module you will perform and document the final statistical analyses

Milestone 6 - Report

In this module you will work on the final milestone, reporting the results of your research study.

Putting it all together (catch-up week)

In this module we'll reflect on the outcome of our study and look back on the entire research process. If you're behind schedule submitting your last milestone assignments, there's still time to catch-up!

Reflection (catch-up week)

In this final module we'll reflect on this final research project course and the entire specialization. Last chance to catch-up and give us feedback!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides hands-on experience with research design and analysis techniques

Involves collaboration with fellow learners, fostering teamwork and communication skills

Develops a strong foundation in research principles and methodologies

Guided by instructors Annemarie Zand Scholten, who are experts in research methodology

Requires learners to come in with some background knowledge in social and behavioral sciences

Involves extensive teamwork and collaboration, which may not be suitable for all learners

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Reviews summary

Helpful social science analysis

learners say this course is helpful and great especially for apprentice researchers looking to practice methods and statistical analysis. The course includes hands-on exercises and covers topics on how to design experiments and analyze data.

The course is rigorous and pushes students to think critically.

"Through the study of social science methods and statistics, I learned how to design experiments and how to analyze data, and I gained a lot."

The course is clear and helpful to understand for students.

"Through the course study, I gain a lot!"

The course offers helpful hands-on exercises.

"Hand on exercise and useful for apprentice researcher to understand in social science research."

There have been issues with grading for this course.

"Now it's already week 6 but I haven't been checked my work of week 4."

Some students felt that the course lacked guidance.

"this course may benefit from having more guidance in some parts"

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 Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project with these activities:

Review Statistics

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This activity will help you to refresh your statistics skills and prepare for the statistical analysis of your research data.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review your notes from previous statistics courses.
Take a statistics refresher course.
Practice solving statistics problems.

Review Statistical Analysis Concepts

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Reviewing statistical analysis concepts will help you strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals, making it easier to grasp the more advanced concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Statistical Analysis

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Revisit basic probability distributions, such as normal, binomial, and Poisson distributions.
Review hypothesis testing, including null hypothesis significance testing and p-values.
Practice interpreting and summarizing statistical results.

Attend a Research Methods Workshop

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This activity will allow you to learn from experts in the field of research methods and gain valuable insights.

Browse courses on Research Methods

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Find a research methods workshop to attend.
Attend the workshop.

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Conduct a Literature Review

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This activity will help you to develop your research skills and find relevant sources for your research project.

Browse courses on Literature Review

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Identify a topic for your literature review.
Search for relevant sources.
Read and evaluate the sources.
Write a literature review.

Create a Research Hypothesis and Design

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This activity will provide you with hands-on experience in formulating a research hypothesis and designing a research study. It will help you to understand the importance of these steps in the research process.

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Review the course materials on research hypotheses and design.
Identify a topic that you are interested in researching.
Develop a research hypothesis.
Design a research study to test your hypothesis.
Write up your research hypothesis and design.

Participate in a Research Discussion Group

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This activity will allow you to interact with other students in the course and discuss research methods and findings. It will help you to gain different perspectives and learn from others.

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Find a research discussion group to join.
Participate in the group discussions.

Create a Data Visualization

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This activity will help you to present your research findings in a clear and concise way. It will help you to develop your communication skills and make your research more accessible to others.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Review the course materials on data visualization.
Choose a dataset to visualize.
Create a data visualization.

Develop a Research Poster

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This activity will help you to share your research findings with a wider audience and develop your presentation skills.

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Review the course materials on research posters.
Develop a research poster.
Present your research poster.

Write a Research Proposal

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This activity will give you the opportunity to put together all that you have learned throughout the course and develop a complete research proposal. It will help you to refine your research ideas and prepare for future research projects.

Browse courses on Research Design

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Review the course materials on research proposals.
Develop a research topic.
Write a research proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, interpret, and present numerical data. Whether it’s for research, development, quality control, or risk assessment, they provide statistical tools that drive smarter decisions and improvements in areas as diverse as healthcare, education, marketing, and public policy. This course on Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project would be particularly helpful for those wishing to enter or advance their career as a statistician, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of statistics and programming to extract insights from data. They work with large datasets to uncover patterns, trends, and anomalies, which can then be used to develop new products, improve existing ones, or make better decisions. The material covered in Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project would be highly relevant, as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis techniques and statistical modeling, skills which are essential for data scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Market Researcher

Market Researchers conduct surveys, focus groups, and other forms of research to understand consumer behavior and preferences. They use this information to help businesses develop new products and services, as well as to target their marketing campaigns more effectively. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project course would be a great asset for aspiring market researchers, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Survey Researcher

Survey Researchers use questionnaires to collect data about people's attitudes, opinions, and behavior. They work in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and market research firms. This course on Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project would be highly valuable for those interested in a career as a survey researcher, as it provides a comprehensive overview of survey design, data collection, and statistical analysis, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survey Researcher

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues, and make recommendations to policymakers. They work in a variety of settings, including government, non-profit organizations, and think tanks. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project course is highly relevant to this career, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data analysis, and policy evaluation, all of which are critical skills for public policy analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Social Science Researcher

Social Science Researchers study human behavior and society, using methods such as surveys, interviews, and experiments. They work in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and non-profit organizations. This course on Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project would be highly beneficial for those interested in a career as a social science researcher, as it provides a comprehensive overview of research design, data collection, and statistical analysis, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Science Researcher

UX Researcher

UX Researchers study how users interact with products and services. They use this information to improve the user experience, making products and services more usable, efficient, and enjoyable. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project course would be highly beneficial for UX Researchers, as it provides a strong foundation in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Researcher

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to solve business problems. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. This course on Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project would provide a solid foundation for those interested in a career as a data analyst, as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis techniques and statistical modeling, both of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Economist

Economists study how people make decisions in the face of scarcity. They use this knowledge to develop policies that can improve economic outcomes. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project course could be helpful for those interested in a career as an economist, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data analysis, and statistical modeling, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. They use this information to develop and evaluate public health programs. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project may be useful for those interested in a career as an epidemiologist, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to medical data. They work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to design studies, collect data, and analyze results. This course on Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project may be useful for those interested in a career as a biostatistician, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data analysis, and statistical modeling, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify, assess, and manage risks. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, insurance, and healthcare. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project may be useful for those interested in a career as a risk analyst, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data analysis, and statistical modeling, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Teacher

Teachers educate and inspire students in a variety of subjects. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project may be useful for those interested in a career as a teacher, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with life challenges. They provide counseling, support, and resources to individuals and families. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project may be useful for those interested in a career as a social worker, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They work in a variety of industries, including management consulting, financial consulting, and marketing consulting. The Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project may be useful for those interested in a career as a consultant, as it provides a solid foundation in research design, data analysis, and statistical modeling, all of which are essential skills for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Reading list

We've selected 31 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project.

Science and Morality in Medicine

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This widely used textbook in research methods, now in its seventh edition, provides a comprehensive overview of the research process, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Science and Morality in Medicine: A Survey of...

Kindle Edition

A Course in Item Response Theory and Modeling with...

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Provides a detailed overview of statistical methods used in social science research. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who are looking for a more in-depth understanding of statistical methods.

Methods and Statistics in Social Science - Final Research Project

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Helpful social science analysis

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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