社会调查与研究方法 （上）Methodologies in Social Research (Part I)

Peking University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/shehu-yanjiu-fangfa

Introduction

### Course Review: Methodologies in Social Research (Part I) As the world becomes increasingly complex, understanding social phenomena through rigorous research methodologies is more important than ever. The course titled **"Methodologies in Social Research (Part I)"** on Coursera provides a comprehensive foundation for anyone interested in the systematic study of social sciences. #### Overview This course offers a dual perspective on social research. First, it serves as a toolkit for observing and measuring societal phenomena. Second, it teaches scientific methods to analyze and apply data from these studies effectively. Ultimately, it aims to refine the thinking and communicative abilities needed to convey findings related to various aspects of human life, including society, economy, education, politics, law, management, public health, and journalism. The course is thoughtfully structured into a series of weekly modules, each focusing on critical components of social research methodologies. #### Syllabus Breakdown - **Week 0: Introduction to the Course** This module lays the groundwork by introducing the key concepts, objectives, and methodologies that will be explored in the course. It provides an overview of the fundamental questions within the domain of social research. - **Week 1: Science and Social Research** Here, participants dive into the differences between social and natural phenomena, the characteristics of social phenomena, and the ethical considerations in social research. Understanding concepts like informed consent and the relationship between scientific thinking and social research is crucial for aspiring researchers. - **Week 2: Social Science Research and Theory** This week examines the role of theory in social research. It delineates how common sense differs from scientific theory and emphasizes the connection between empirical research and theoretical frameworks. - **Week 3: Principles of Social Research Methods** Participants gain insights into the principles of scientific experimentation and how these principles are applicable to social research. The module discusses experimental design and the critical challenges researchers face during this phase. - **Week 4: Problem Selection and Data Acquisition** Focusing on formulating research questions and obtaining data, this module teaches the process of operationalizing research problems and explores the various forms of research data. - **Week 5: Concepts, Variables, and Measurement** Measurement is vital in social sciences, and this week offers an in-depth look at conceptualization, operationalization, and the different levels of variable measurement. Participants learn the principles that govern the measurement process. - **Week 6: Sampling Design** Educating students on sampling strategies, this topic is fundamental for producing reliable data. The course covers the types of sampling, sources of sampling error, and how to design effective sampling plans. - **Week 7: Implementation Plans and Research Design** This module addresses the importance of collaboration in social research and the documentation required to prevent errors during the research process. Students learn how to create implementation and research proposals. #### Recommendation Overall, **"Methodologies in Social Research (Part I)"** is a valuable course for anyone eager to build a solid foundation in social research techniques. Whether you are a student pursuing a degree in a related field or a professional looking to enhance your research skills, this course provides essential knowledge that will benefit you in practical applications. The course is well-structured and integrates both theoretical insights and practical methodologies, equipping participants with the tools necessary to conduct rigorous social research. Strongly recommended for anyone passionate about understanding and analyzing the social world. Enroll today to sharpen your research skills and enhance your ability to make meaningful contributions to society through evidence-based findings!

Syllabus

第00周 关于这门课

进入一个新的学习领域，首先要对这个领域的基本问题有所了解。本周将概要地说明什么是社会调查与研究，讨论这门课涉及的5个基本概念；介绍课程的课程目的、主要内容；介绍课程会用到的教材和参考教材、扩展读物；以及教学安排、学习方式、成绩评定方法。

第01周 科学与社会研究

对社会现象的研究，是人类科学活动的重要组成部分。本周的主要内容包括：什么是社会现象？与自然现象相比，社会现象有哪些特征？社会现象有规律吗？对于国人皆知的春运，可以从中提炼出哪些研究性议题？社会研究与科学思维有什么关系？社会研究等于社会调查吗？什么是知情同意？在研究中，研究者还需遵循哪些伦理与政治原则等。

第02周 社会科学研究与理论

在科学研究中，理论是起点，也是目标。本周在理论层次探讨社会研究、社会调查与研究方法。课程从常识开始，逐步过渡到理论，同时试图区分常识与理论的关系。主要内容包括：什么是社会科学理论？社会科学理论与自然科学理论有什么异同？如何在理论与经验研究之间建立衔接？如何理解社会调查与社会科学理论之间的关系？在社会调查中，如何与理论互动？

第03周 社会调查与研究方法的原理

近代以来，社会科学研究方法的基础是科学实验。本周探讨社会调查与研究方法的原理——科学实验原理。主要内容包括：什么是科学实验？科学实验由哪些基本要素构成？科学实验的基本原理是什么？怎样设计一项科学实验？实验设计有哪些种类？实验设计的核心难题是什么？如何解决？实验原理与社会研究与调查方法有什么关联？

第04周 社会科学研究的问题选择与数据获取

运用科学原理进行研究的基本素材是围绕研究问题的数据。本周关注两个议题：选题和获取数据。主要内容包括：什么是研究问题？研究问题从哪里来？如何选择研究问题，以及如何把研究问题操作化？什么是研究数据？研究数据有哪些形态？如何获取数据？

第05周 概念、变量与测量

在社会科学中，获得数据的基本方法是测量。本周讨论一个非常重要的议题：概念、变量和测量，也是社会调查与研究的基础。主要内容包括：什么是概念化和操作化？概念化和操作化有哪些方法与程序？变量有哪四种测量层次？针对各类变量的测量，需要遵循什么原则？作为测量工具的指标和量表，两者之间有何异同？如何检验测量质量？

第06周 抽样设计

经济且有效地获取研究数据的方法之一是抽样调查。本周讨论另一个非常重要的议题：抽样。主要内容包括：什么是抽样？抽样有哪些基本要素，需要遵循什么逻辑？抽样误差有哪些来源？如何才能减少抽样误差？概率抽样和非概率抽样分别有哪些类型？各自适用于什么样的情境？如何选择、设计并实施一个抽样方案？

第07周 实施方案与研究设计

社会调查与研究需要广泛的合作。规则性的文本，是避免合作中出现差错的依据。本周讨论社会调查与研究准备阶段的文本写作。主要内容包括：什么是实施方案？实施方案必须包含哪些内容？技术方案和组织方案分别又包含哪些内容？什么是研究计划书？如何撰写研究计划书？

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