Social Research Design

Unit 2: Theories and Research

 

Overview of the Chapter


    Welcome to Unit 2 of Sociology 201 online.  In this unit of the course, we are going to take a look at the nature of theories and paradigms and how they relate to social research.

    The discussions and activities of this unit are linked to Chapter Two of The Practice of Social Research. To preview the topics contained in Chapter Two, click here .  You can click on any of the major headings for a brief overview of that topic.  You might want to read the overview prior to reading that section of the chapter and/or read the overview after the chapter to make sure you got what you were supposed to get from it.

    Your tasks for completing this unit of the course are to

(1) Preview and read Chapter 2
(2) View the modules provided below


Online Modules
 

Click here for a presentation on Deduction and Induction, two approaches to inquiry and understanding.

Click here for a presentation on Paradigms, the models or frames of reference within which we structure and pursue inquiry into the nature of things.

Click here to discover the Truth.  Since research is about finding out what's so, this discussion of truth and reality will provide a useful background.