SOC220
Social Problems
Week 1 Assignment
Research Analysis Exercise
It is important for students of sociology to understand the
importance of research as well as the value. To fully comprehend research,
sociologists must know how to analyze and evaluate research. To learn this
skill, complete the following assignment:
Access and use the “Journal Article Review Analysis
Worksheet” to analyze the journal article:
https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsbl&AN=RN142320330&site=eds-live&scope=site
While GCU style is not required for the body of this
assessment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and
references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be
found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a scoring guide. Please review the
scoring guide prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the
expectations for successful completion.
You are not required to submit this assignment to
LopesWrite.
Submit the assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic
1.
SOC-220 Journal Article Review Analysis
Instructions: Please read the article below and complete
each section of the analytic review table. Be sure to include a response for
each checked item in the “areas of review/analysis.”
What is a scholarly source?
Scholarly books and articles are written by researchers and
field-based experts. The article may be empirical (research-based), theoretical
(conceptual) or a combination of both research and theory.Research studies
typically use one of three different main research study designs (experimental,
quasi-experimental, nonexperimental), and may use different methods to collect
data (e.g., administer a survey, conduct an interview or focus group, use a
standardized measurement tool, use formal or informal observation techniques).
Research studies may collect and analyze two different data types: quantitative
data (numeric data) and qualitative data (non-numeric data).
Peer-reviewed journals contain articles generally written by
a scholar associated with a university, research institute, government agency,
or reputable nonprofit human service agency. To be accepted into a
peer-reviewed journal, the paper goes through a rigorous review process, where
other scholars and the journal editorial staff evaluate the merits of the paper
prior to publication.
A high quality weekly magazines or on-line journal may
publish an investigative report. This type of reporting is not research-based
in scope or content, but rather is based on an in-depth analysis of a
controversial social issue, generally focusing on historical and/or current
events and “case” studies. One drawback to this kind of reporting is that it
generally does not include citations in the body of the report or include a
list of references. It is also not reviewed by professional or academic peers,
although the editor typically requires the piece to be consistent with high
standards of investigative reporting.
Why read scholarly articles?
A good journal article presents you with new, research-based
information and/or explores new concepts and ideas to help you expand and
deepen your thinking about social issues and problems. A scholarly article
helps you to distinguish between opinion and rigorous analysis of a social
phenomenon. A single research study does not offer conclusive “proof,” but it
can add to a cumulative body of evidence to support or negate ideas about how
the world works.
What are the main sections of a research study?
Abstract---Gives you a summary of information contained in
the article.
Introduction---Introduces you to the purpose, scope, and
context of the study.
Background---Summarizes relevant “literature” or other
studies focusing on the topic.
Methods---Describes the study design and methods used to
collect and analyze data.
Results---Delineates specific outcomes related to the
investigative question(s).
Discussion/Conclusions---Contains the author’s observations
about the results.
References/Footnotes---Documents sources used in the investigative
analysis.
What are good strategies to read a scholarly article?
Be sure to set aside enough time to read the article and
truly understand what the author is saying. Clearly, it will take longer to
read a scholarly article than a short opinion piece found on social media! Give
yourself enough time to engage with the material. Sometimes, you may need to
read and reread a passage. As you read, ask yourself the following questions:
What is the author saying? What methods did the author use
to better understand a social issue? What is compelling about the author’s
arguments and where does the author fall short?Grappling with these questions
will expand your own critical thinking capacity.
A good strategy is to first, read the abstract and then skim
through the entire paper. This will give you an overview of the topic and
investigative approach. Then, go back and work through the main sections of the
paper. Highlight key passages, and write (or type) your own notes or questions
in the margins of the paper.Suspend judgement or forming an opinion until you
feel you have a good grasp of what the author is trying to communicate. See if
you can briefly summarize the overall meaning in your own words. Try to connect
ideas or findings contained in this article with other core ideas, theories, or
facts with which you are already familiar.
Many research articles report statistical findings. Even if
you don’t understand this material, you can still get a basic understanding by
reading the narrative explanation of the results. How does the author “make
sense” of the investigative process and the newly acquired knowledge? Ask
yourself: what is the underlying logic of the report? What practical
implications do the study findings have in terms of better understanding a
social issue?
Recommended Video: How to Read a Scholarly Journal Article
(Kishwaukee College Library)
(Or similar content developed by GCU)
SOC-220 Journal Article Review Analysis
Analytic Review Table: Scholarly Source
To complete this assignment, read the following journal
article and then use it for the analysis below.
“An Exploration of Alienation and Replacement Theories of
Social Support in Homelessness,” by Eyrich, fromSocial Work Research(2003).
https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsbl&AN=RN142320330&site=eds-live&scope=site
Article Citation
Cite the full article in GCU Style format:
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
Publication Type
How would you classify the publication source of this
article?
Peer-reviewed journal?
Scholarly book?
Weekly magazine/investigative report?
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
Dates
What is the date of article publication?
If a study was conducted, when was the investigation
conducted?
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
Key terms
What are three to six key terms of importance to
understanding article content?
Provide definitions of each term (as noted by the author(s)
or using some other standard definition).
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
Main topic or focus of the paper
What is the main topic of interest?
What social problems) that can be better understood by
reading this article?
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
Article type
Categorize the article by type* (study types are listed
below). Briefly explain how this article is consistent with the type you
selected. (50-75 words)
Study Types:
*Is this a research study where the researchers collect
primary data?
*Is this a conceptual paper, where the author(s) develop
and/or expand theoretical concepts?
*Is this a systematic review, where the authors review and
critique studies conducted by other researchers?
*Is this an essay using investigative reporting on a
controversial issue?
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
Guiding questions and key topics of interest
What were the main investigative question, questions, and/or
areas of interest explored by the author(s)? (40-50 words)
Describe other studies and research, discussed in the
introduction or in the literature review section, that support this research
study. (50-75 words)
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
Narrative description of results/findings/conclusions
Looking at the narrative sections of the article (e.g.
discussion section, conclusions), what are the main findings/conclusions
reported by the author(s)? (50-75 words)
What importance and/or relevance do these
findings/conclusions have in terms of better understanding the social problem
identified in this article? (50-75 words)
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
References
Identify two sources included in the list of references you
think might be interesting to read. What can these articles potentially
contribute to better understanding a specific social problem? (50-75 words)
Areas of Review/Analysis Analytic
Responses
Critique
Did this article challenge any preexisting ideas or biases
you may have had about the social problem explored by the author(s)? Briefly
explain. (50-75 words)
What do you think are the three most important “take away”
ideas expressed in this article? (75-100 words)
SOC220
Social Problems
Week 3 Assignment
Social Problem Analytic Framework: Human Trafficking Essay
In this assignment, you will access the “Social Problem
Analytic Framework: Human Trafficking” worksheet to assist you in completing
the essay.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric
prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for
successful completion
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
Submit the assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic
3.
SOC-220: Social Problem Analytic Framework:
Human Trafficking
In sociology, it is important to understand how to analyze a
social problem using the micro and macro analytic perspectives. This assignment
will help you learn this skill. In an essay (1,000-1,500 words) you will
analyze the problem of human trafficking.
Use the following analytic framework to construct your
essay. Required: a minimum of three scholarly sources to support the analysis
(your text can be one source).Be sure this is an integrated, fully developed
essay (e.g., do not simply provide a response in each category of the analytic
framework below).As with all analytic essays, you should have a well-formulated
introduction and conclusion.
1. Problem
Statement about Human Trafficking
What is the social problem?
In this section of the essay, encapsulate the essence of the
social problem of Human Trafficking:
What is the extent, scope, and severity of this problem?
(Use your text or other scholarly sources to support your description of the
problem.) Briefly summarize the negative consequences of this problem to
society as a whole and/or to specific groups of people. Why is it important to
understand and address this social problem? Why change the status quo?
2. Vision of
Change and Goal Clarification
What is the envisioned change as it relates to the social
problem of Human Trafficking?
In this section of the essay, briefly describe what things
would “look like” if the social problem were effectively addressed, minimized,
eliminated, or if prevention steps were taken to alleviate undesirable
consequences of the problem. What are specific goals to achieve the desired
change (e.g., test and implement local programs to address and reduce the
problem). Who stands to gain or lose if the envisioned change is realized?
3. Historical
Background and Current Conditions
What contextual factors influence this social problem?
In this section of the essay, briefly describe two
contextual factors that have influenced this social problem (e.g., historical,
economic, cultural, structural, or technological factors). (Use the text or
other scholarly sources to support your discussion of contextual factors
influencing the problem).
Select oneof the sociological theories (functionalist
theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionist theory) to briefly explain
this social problem, given the contextual conditions you have identified.
4. Possible
Directions to Achieve Desired Change
What is needed to achieve the vision of change and address
the identified social problem?
In this section of the essay, briefly summarize and provide
a rationale for adopting one possible approach to achieve the desired change.
Approaches to consider using to address this problem includeprevention,
intervention, social reform, and reconstruction. (Refer to Chapter 1 Section
1.4 Future Prospects: Solving Social Problems in Introduction to Social
Problems).
How might stakeholders (those who might support or oppose
the desired social change) be considered in planning an approach to social
change?
5. Future
Prospects: Suggested Strategies to Alleviate the Problem
Finally, in this section of the essay, propose two to three
practical steps or strategies to move forward with the selected approach to
change. Make sure your suggestions are aligned with the approach you proposed
above (e.g., prevention, intervention) What are the strengths/limitations of
your proposed strategies?
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
SOC220
Social Problems
Week 4 Assignment
Solutions for Vulnerable Populations Presentation
For this assignment, imagine you are assigned the task of
presenting to a local community center
recommendations to alleviate the following social problem:
Criminal behavior among teens in the neighborhood.
Prepare a PowerPoint presentation, citing two to four
sources in addition to the textbook, that addresses the following:
Explain how the selected social problem affects an
individual on a micro level. Next, explain how society, policies, and practices
influence and affect this population. Finally, provide recommendations to
alleviate the selected social problem that involve community stakeholders:
Local police - How can local police help alleviate this
community problem?
Local businesses - What can local businesses do to help
alleviate this problem?
Local schools - How can local schools get involved?
Local churches/clergy - What can local churches or clergy do
to help alleviate the problem?
The PowerPoint presentation should consist of 10-15 slides,
not including the title slide and reference slide for APA citations. Images may
be included in the presentation, but be sure to keep all image sizes small file
sizes for this presentation.
Refer to the resource, "Creating Effective PowerPoint
Presentations," located in the Student Success Center, for additional
guidance on completing this assignment in the appropriate style.
While GCU style is not required for the body of this
assessment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and
references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be
found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric
prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for
successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
Submit the completed assignment to your instructor by the
end of Topic 4.
SOC220
Social Problems
Week 5 Assignment
In this assignment, you will access the “Social Problem
Analytic Framework: Equity in Education” worksheet to assist you in completing
the essay.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric
prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for
successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
Submit the assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic
5.
SOC-220:Social Problem Analytic Framework:
Equity in Education
In sociology, it is important to understand how to analyze a
social problem using the micro and macro analytic perspectives. This assignment
will help you learn this skill. In an essay (1,000-1,500 words) you will
analyzethe problem of equity in education.
Use the following analytic framework to construct your
essay. Required: a minimum of three scholarly sources to support the analysis
(your text can be one source).Be sure this is an integrated, fully developed
essay (e.g., do not simply provide a response in each category of the analytic
framework below).As with all analytic essays, you should have a well-formulated
introduction and conclusion.
1. Problem
Statement about Equity in Education
What is the social problem?
In this section of the essay, describe the social problem of
Equity in Education.Clearly describe the social problem of inequity and
inequality in education. What is the extent, scope and severity of this
problem? (Use your text or other scholarly sources to support your description
of the problem.) Briefly summarize the negative consequences of this problem to
society as a whole and/or to specific groups of people. Why is it important to
understand and address this social problem? Why change the status quo?
2. Vision of
Change and Goal Clarification
What is the envisioned change as it relates to the social
problem of Equity in Education?
This section of the essay, briefly describe what things
would “look like” if the social problem were effectively addressed, minimized,
eliminated, or if prevention steps were taken to alleviate undesirable
consequences of the problem. What are specific goals to achieve the desired
change (e.g., test and implement local programs to address and reduce the
problem). Who stands to gain or lose if the envisioned change is realized?
3. Historical
Background and Current Conditions
What contextual factors influence this social problem?
This section of the essay, briefly describe two contextual
factors that have influenced this social problem (e.g., historical, economic,
cultural, technological factors). Explain the purpose of public education as a
social institution. Use the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic
interactionist perspectives to explain the importance of this social
institution.
Select one of thesociological theories (functionalist
theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionist theory) to briefly explain
this social problem, given the contextual conditions you have identified.
4. Possible
Directions to Achieve Desired Change
What is needed to achieve the vision of change and address
the identified social problem?
This section of the essay, briefly summarize and provide a
rationale for adopting one possible direction to achieve the desired change
(e.g., prevention, intervention, social reform, and reconstruction),
alleviating consequences. (Refer to Chapter 1 Section 1.4 Future Prospects:
Solving Social Problems in Introduction to Social Problems).
5. Future
Prospects: Suggested Strategies to Alleviate the Problem (200-300 words)
Finally, in this section of the essay, propose two to three
practical steps or strategies to address the social problem. What are the
strengths/limitations of your proposed strategies?
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
SOC220
Social Problems
Week 7 Assignment
Benchmark - Social Problem Analytic Framework: Urbanization
Essay
In this assignment, you will access the “Social Problem
Analytic Framework: Urbanization” worksheet to assist you in completing the
essay.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric
prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for
successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
Submit the assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic
7.
This assignment assesses the following programmatic
competencies: 1.3: Analyze a social phenomenon from both the macro and micro
perspectives.
SOC-220:Social Problem Analytic Framework: Urbanization
In sociology, it is important to understand how to analyze a
social problem using the micro and macro analytic perspectives. This assignment
will help you learn this skill. In an essay (1,500-2,000 words) you will
analyzethe problem of urbanization.
Use the following analytic framework to construct your
essay. Required: a minimum of three scholarly sources to support the analysis
(your text can be one source).Be sure this is an integrated, fully developed
essay (e.g., do not simply provide a response in each category of the analytic
framework below).As with all analytic essays, you should have a well-formulated
introduction and conclusion.
1. Problem
Statement about Urbanization
What is the social problem?
In this section of the essay, encapsulate the essence of a
social problem associated with urbanization (e.g. urban renewal and “top down”
city planning, air & water quality, housing)
Clearly describe a
specific problem associated with urbanization. What is the extent, scope and
severity of this problem? (Use your text or other scholarly sources to support
your description of the problem.) Briefly summarize the negative consequences
of this problem to society as a whole and/or to specific groups of people. Why
is it important to understand and address this social problem? Why change the
status quo?
2. Vision of
Change and Goal Clarification
What is the envisioned change as it relates to the social
problem of Urbanization?
In this section of the essay, briefly describe what things
would “look like” if the Urbanization were effectively addressed, minimized,
eliminated, or if prevention steps were taken to alleviate undesirable
consequences of the problem. What are specific goals to achieve the desired
change (e.g., test and implement local programs to address and reduce the
problem). Who stands to gain or lose if the envisioned change is realized?
3. Historical
Background and Current Conditions
What contextual factors influence this social problem?
In this section of the essay, briefly describe two contextual
factors that have influenced this social problem (e.g., historical, economic,
cultural, structural, or technological factors). (Use the text or other
scholarly sources to support your discussion of contextual factors influencing
the problem).
Select TWOof the sociological theories (functionalist
theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionist theory) to briefly explain
this social problem, given the contextual conditions you have identified. Use
one theory associated with MACRO analysis, and one theory associated with MICRO
analysis to explain the problem.
4. Possible
Directions to Achieve Desired Change
What is needed to achieve the vision of change and address
the identified social problem?
In this section of the essay, briefly summarize and provide
a rationale for adopting one possible approach to achieve the desired change.
Approaches to consider using to address this problem include prevention,
intervention, social reform, and reconstruction. (Refer to Chapter 1 Section
1.4 Future Prospects: Solving Social Problems in Introduction to Social
Problems).
How might stakeholders (those who might support or oppose
the desired social change) be considered in planning an approach to social
change?
5. Future
Prospects: Suggested Strategies to Alleviate the Problem
Finally, in this section of the essay, propose two to three
practical steps or strategies to move forward with the selected approach to
change. Make sure your suggestions are aligned with the approach you proposed
above (e.g. prevention, intervention) What are the strengths/limitations of
your proposed strategies?
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
