Social Analysis and Research

Description

The Sc.B. concentration in Social Analysis and Research provides both a conceptual and a working knowledge of the techniques for data collection and analysis used for social research in academic and non-academic environments. The centerpiece of the concentration is a rigorous and comprehensive collection of courses: (1) that develop an understanding of the principles underlying the processes of data collection and analysis; and (2) that train students in the application of advanced statistical techniques for data description and analysis. The concepts and skills learned in these courses are reinforced through engagement in applied research with Sociology faculty and/or internships with local organizations in the for profit and not-for-profit sectors.

Concentrators also take courses that provide grounding in the theoretical approaches to social phenomena that are foundational to social research. Graduates develop an understanding of the concepts and processes that underlie the issues studied by sociologists and the analytic techniques that allow sociologists to understand social relations and individual behavior.

Student Goals

Students in this concentration will:

• Learn to calculate, interpret, and communicate data and statistics
• Apply advanced statistical techniques for data description and analysis to real-world problems
• Complete a research internship in their junior year
• Conduct a capstone project in their senior year

Requirements

Click here for a list of concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.

Honors and Capstones

A capstone is required for all concentrators. Students may choose either 1) a one-semester research internship (not for credit or for credit as SOC 1970 – Individual Research Project), or a summer research internship (not for credit) or 2) the Sociology Senior Seminar (SOC 1950), which requires a senior project or thesis. Visit the program website for complete information on the eligibility requirements for Honors.

Liberal Learning

This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:

• Engage with your community
• Develop a facility with symbolic languages
• Experience scientific inquiry
• Experience scientific inquiry
• Evaluate human behavior

Download the full statement on Liberal Learning at Brown

Affiliated Departments

• Applied Math
• Mathematics
• Sociology

Advisors

• Michael Kennedy
• Carrie Spearin

Alumni Pathways

Students in this concentration develop the pragmatic and logical skills that will prepare them for a career in social research, whether basic research (such as found in academia or research institutions) or applied (such as found in policy and marketing research).