Quantitative Social Research
10 weeks · 0 milestones
Conduct a real survey study (minimum 40 respondents) or secondary data analysis using a named real dataset (BHPS, GSS, ANES, NLSY, or equivalent). Document your methodology, produce your analysis output (SPSS, R, Stata, or Python), and write a sociologically-framed interpretation of your results. Proof is your methodology record, analysis output, and written interpretation plus a documented review by a sociologist or social statistician who challenges your operationalisation of key variables — specifically, how your concepts were measured and whether the chosen dataset is representative for your question. Your written response is a required part of the proof.
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Milestone map
3 milestones
Develop a specific social science research question that can be addressed with quantitative methods using existing data — a question about income inequality and social outcomes, migration patterns and economic effects, political participation and demographic factors, or similar. Identify an appropriate design (cross-sectional survey analysis, longitudinal analysis, comparative analysis across units) and locate a real existing public dataset. Pre-register the research design on OSF before any analysis begins.
Proof required
Research design document (500+ words) with OSF pre-registration link, covering: research question with theoretical rationale, dataset source and access method, study design and justification, key variables with operational definitions, planned analysis, and ethical considerations.
What gets checked
- Research question is specific and testable with existing data
- OSF pre-registration link present and timestamped before analysis begins
- Key variables are operationally defined — not just named