A Research Project for Family Sociology Students on Family History

• 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
• ISSN: 0092-055X
• DOI: 10.2307/1318343

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.