A Research Project for Family Sociology Students on Family History

This two-part research project was developed as a term assignment for students taking an undergraduate course in family sociology. Each student was asked to respond thoughtfully in writing to 18 open-ended questions which focus on what and how he or she has learned about his/her family's past....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Teaching sociology 1987-07, Vol.15 (3), p.279-284
Main Author: Haynes, Alan E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sociology
Children
Divorce
Family History
Family Research
Family Structure
Gender roles
Higher Education
Interviews
Learning experiences
Marriage And Family Education
Qualitative data
Research Papers (Students)
Research Projects
Social constructs
Social research
Sociology
Sociology Education
Teachers
Teaching Methods
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Summary:This two-part research project was developed as a term assignment for students taking an undergraduate course in family sociology. Each student was asked to respond thoughtfully in writing to 18 open-ended questions which focus on what and how he or she has learned about his/her family's past. Using the same questions as an interview schedule, the student interviewed two additional people. After organizing and transcribing this information, the student chose from a suggested list of topics relevant to the subject and wrote a paper. The project accomplishes several objectives. It helps to bridge the distance between each student's own family experiences and sociological insights covered in a family sociology course. Students are challenged to search out, discover, and, in a limited way, analyze how information about three different family histories (including their own) is transmitted across and between generations. The assignment gives students an opportunity to learn and practice interviewing skills as well as to acquire some practical experience and appreciation of the difficulties involved in organizing, controlling and analyzing qualitative data. And, it demands that students communicate their results and insights in written form.
ISSN:0092-055X
DOI:10.2307/1318343