I am currently an undergrad at UMBC (University of Maryland’s Bastard Child) majoring in sociology. I have recently fallen behind in my studies and after careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that lurking and posting on this board are a large part of the problem. So since this wouldn’t have happened if there weren’t so many interesting posts here, I’ve come to the conclusion that my situation is all your fault.
But I’m giving you a chance to redeem yourselves. I have to come up with a research proposal for my Methodology of Social Research class, and was thinking you guys could help me. Basically all I need is something I can go and dig up articles on. I’m having a little bit of trouble coming up with a decent proposal; everytime I think of something it either concerns events concerning WTC and events stemming from it (which have no journal entries yet) or I think up something that is kind of boring (i.e. amount of leisure reading, and effect on income).
Basically all I need is something that concerns any segment of society (or all society) and thoughts on what are cause and effects in that segment.
Seriously, I’m kinda stumped and could use some help. I’m not actually expecting anyone to do my homework (there’s actually alot more to the assignment than this) but could use some good ideas and thoughts to work from.
I recall news articles about college students and ethnicity in the U.S. For example, the number of Asian-Americans enrolled in colleges has been greater than some other groups. What would cause certain groups to further their education and others to not do so? Good luck. I know the SDMB addiction too well. But will be dropping out soon due to travel. Then hopefully return!!
If you go for the Asian-Americans in higher ed angle, let me know because I have a bibliography to get you started. I did a conference presentation a few years back on this.
Here’s another idea: why not research and discuss how social scientists conduct research on marginalized groups (homeless, gang members, disadvantaged children, illegal imigrants, criminals, etc.). Traditional methods don’t work–you can’t mail them a survey, conduct a phone interview, or invite them to a focus group. But some really neat projects have been done using participant observation and other qualitative methods.
I think such a topic would give you a primo opportunity to discuss research methods, yet as you read about others’ research it would also afford you a chance to learn more about a group (or groups) you may not know much about.
