Everyone involved with LaSSI has been fully trained in experimental methods and in working ethically with human subjects. Those interested in becoming involved as researchers in the laboratory must become equally prepared through the Experimental Research in Sociology course, a semester-long training seminar offered through the department of Sociology. Taught by one of the three co-directors of the laboratory each fall, this class is a non-traditional format course of lecture and practical experience. Interested students may submit an application to Zara Jillani. Applications for Fall 2025 are due February 28, 2025. Athena's course catalog description for the class is as follows: Course ID: SOCI 4930/6930. 3 hours. 8 hours lab per week.Course Title: Experimental Research in SociologyCourse Description: An experimental research methods course emphasizing hands-on experience in the lab. Readings and weekly seminar meetings focus on ethics in human research, sociological theories of social interaction, experimental design, experimental procedures, data interpretation, and scholarly writing. Students will work in collaborative teams to conduct original research in the Laboratory for the Study of Social Interaction.Athena Title: Experimental Rsrch SociologyNontraditional Format: Students will be expected to spend approximately 12 hours a week in course-related activities, including lectures, discussions, trainings, collecting and processing data, and independent scholarship. In the early part of the semester, course activities will primarily involve instruction in experimental methods, ethics, and best practices. In the last part of the semester, course activities will primarily involve hands-on research in the laboratory.Undergraduate Prerequisite: Permission of departmentGraduate Prerequisite: Permission of departmentSemester Course Offered: Offered fall semester every year.Grading System: A-F (Traditional)
