Research
Methods in Social Science
Essay Assignment
Essay topic:Compare and contrast the purpose, mechanics, strengths, and
weaknesses of field, experimental, and survey research.
Length:About 2500 words (8–10 pages)
Instructions:Write an essay about the topic specified above. Your essay must
address the following questions:
·
What are the main
purposes of field, experimental, and survey research?
·
What are the mechanics of
each method? This should include a brief description of sampling techniques and
the data collection process.
·
What are the advantages
and disadvantages of the three methods?
·
When is it appropriate to
use each method?
·
What are the similarities
and differences between the methods?
This assignment gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your
knowledge of the similarities and differences between these methods. This task
requires drawing on information from Units 6, 9, 10, 11, and 13. Make reference
to readings from the units listed in the previous sentence. You may use
additional references that are not part of the course readings, although this
is not required.
Format:
·
The essay must be
double-spaced, in 12-point font, with standard 1.25-inch margins on the top,
bottom, left and right.
·
The essay must have a
cover page with the title of the assignment, your name, and your student ID.
·
Use APA style for all
in-text citations and references. Visit theWrite Sitefor detailed information about APA style.
·
Submit your work using
the assignment link in Moodle.
·
Students who do not
follow these guidelines will be penalized.
Plagiarism:Plagiarism is a form of academic misconduct prohibitedby Athabasca University’s regulations, and these regulations
also set out sanctions against offenders. Plagiarism occurs when a student uses
the words or ideas of another person without giving proper credit.
Evaluation Sheet for Essay Assignment
Students will be awarded full marks if they address all the
requirements in each section of the essay.
I.
Introduction (5 points)
Clear statement about the purpose of the essay.
Overview of the essay.
II.
“Body” (75 points)
Address all of the following (not necessarily in the same
order):
·
Main purposes of the
three methods (10 points)
·
Appropriate use of the
methods (10 points)
·
Mechanics of the methods
(30 points)
·
Strengths and weaknesses
of each method (15 points)
·
Emphasis on similarities
and differences between the methods (10 points)
III.
Conclusion (5 points)
Clearly summarize what you have addressed in the essay.
IV.
Format (10 points)
In-text citation and references
Structure and organization
V.
Creativity and originality of essay (5 points)
