LFU:online

Students should be able:
- …to develop a research question and hypotheses based on classical or contemporary sociological theories on social inequality or social change.
- … to operationalize hypotheses using questionnaire inventories from studies such as EVS, ESS, or ISSP.
- … to utilize advanced statistical methods to test hypotheses using the software package STATA.
- … to interpret and present the results of their analyses and to produce a research report in which the theoretical background, hypotheses, data, methods, and results are documented.

In this two-semester course students conduct a quantitative-empirical study on basis of secondary data from the European Social Survey, the International Social Survey Programme, or the European Value Study. Students learn to practically deal with social theories and to test hypotheses using statistical methods. The prerequisite for participation is the conclusion of all previous methods and statistical courses. The course is linked to the modules ‘Wandel von Gegenwartsgesellschaften’ (change of contemporary societies) and ‘Markt/Staat/Institutionen’ (market, state, institutions).

Continuous assessment (based on regular written and/or oral contribution by participants).

Course examination according to § 7, statute section on "study-law regulations"

Esping-Andersen, Gøsta (1990) The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Florida, Richard (2002) The Rise of the Creative Class. New York: Basic Books.

Weber, Max (2000 [1904]) Die Protestantische Ethik und der Geist des Kapitalismus. Weinheim: Beltz Athenäum.

Schumpeter, Joseph (1950) Kapitalismus, Sozialismus und Demokratie. Bern: Francke Verlag.

positive completion of the compulsory modules according to § 5 Para 1 No 3, 4 and 11.

This is a follow-up course of the research seminar 1 (WS 2014/15). Only students that have successfully participated in the first (quantitative) research seminar can participate.