A Pyramid Model for Teaching and Applying Sociology

Abstract

Students actually do sociological research in the community. They self-select into secondary research, primary research, and/or experiential projects. No one is forced into the applied approach nor penalized for opting to do traditional work. For the applied projects, there is a pyramid model of successively more complex roles. Beginning at the freshman level, in Social Problems, alternative joint projects are examined. The Public Interest Research Group research designs, coming out of Nader's college-based program, are used to illustrate the kinds of things that might be explored and the possible methodologies. A special library is then set up for the applied group to enlarge their knowledge of the subject; they meet with the professor and an upper-division major who has had both social statistics and methods of research. As project coordinator, this student earns credit in Independent Study and is responsible for disseminating information to the group, conducting special sessions, assigning responsibility for segments of the job, developing a PERK chart