Introduction

This class provides an introduction to the course, both in terms of logistics and content. Please come to class having read the readings listed below and prepared to discuss both the readings and the following questions:

• What is research? What is the point of doing it?

• Why do we need research methods (and by extension, a course in it)?

• What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative?

• What is epistemology and why do we care?

  • Is it hypocritical to espouse social constructionist and post-positivist views and then do research?

• Is a separate science of man needed? Or could the social sciences be folded under biology? Is social science possible?

• Avoiding the trap of junk science and cargo cult science (btw, can you think of any examples?)

The format for today's class will be free-flowing discussion. Come prepared with a point of view on each of these questions.