Examines systematic approaches for addressing questions about poverty, family life, racial inequality, and a range of other issues central to public policy. It emphasizes the logic and methods of social science research, including the measurement of social phenomena, generalizing results to groups of interest, establishing cause and effect, social experiments, survey research, and qualitative methods. It develops skills to critically evaluate the research of others and provides hands-on experience applying research methods to policy-related problems.

Outcome 1
Discuss the possibilities and problems of studying the social world.

Outcome 2
Utilize and understand a variety of research methods, their strengths, and their limitations.

Outcome 3
Critically evaluate the research of others.

Outcome 4
Apply research methods to policy-related issues.

Outcome 5
Identify critical ethical issues in the responsible conduct of social research.