Soc 424L Lab Project #1 Paper Guidelines
Length: Minimum 500 words
Due: Friday, October 3 by 5:00 pm
Short extensions of 24 hours may be granted by emailing me by 12noon on the due date.
Academic Integrity: This paper is to be completed by you without the assistance of your classmates or Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT. If you have questions, please reach out to your instructor or TA. Failure to follow these instructions will result in an F on this assignment.
Overview
In this lab project, you will describe, interpret, and analyze the data using both graphs and bivariate analyses using data from the General Social Survey (GSS) to analyze the economic well-being of Americans. You will focus on one of the following variables:
- SATFIN (satisfaction with financial situation)
- JOBLOSE (concern about losing one’s job)
- FINALTER (perceived change in family financial situation)
Section One: Introduction, Data, and Methods
1. Research Question
Begin your paper by stating your research question. For example: “In this paper, I investigate [your topic] using bivariate analysis.” Explain why this question matters—why should we study this aspect of economic well-being?
2. Data Set
Explain that you are using the General Social Survey (GSS). In at least four sentences, briefly describe the GSS: what it is, when it began, what topics it covers, and why it is widely used in social science research. (Read the “About the GSS” page for background.)
3. Dependent Variable
Clearly identify your dependent variable (either SATFIN, JOBLOSE, or FINALTER). Explain how it is measured in the survey: include the exact wording of the question and the possible response categories.
4. Independent Variables
Identify and describe two independent variables: race and one Breakdown variable of your choice (from your GSS graph). For each variable, provide the wording of the survey question and list the possible response categories.
5. Hypothesis
State your hypothesis clearly, using language such as “more likely” or “less likely.” Make sure you are comparing two or more groups.
Section Two: Results
6. Time Series Graphs
In one paragraph, interpret the results of your two GSS graphs. For the first graph: choose at least three years and cite the specific percentages for those years. Discuss whether attitudes or perceptions improved, declined, or remained stable over time. For the second graph that includes the Breakdown variable: describe differences between groups and explain any patterns you observe. Again, focus on a few years and cite specific percentages for those years. Make sure you describe any differences you see between groups in the Breakdown variable.
7. Bivariate Analyses
Write one paragraph interpreting your bivariate table results. Do not use bullet points. Be sure to include: the percentages for at least one or two categories you focus on, the total or overall percentage, and the percentage difference between the racial groups relevant to your hypothesis. You will need to calculate the percentage difference yourself because SPSS does not calculate it. Remember: differences of 10% or more are typically considered meaningful. Indicate whether your results lend support your hypothesis. This is a descriptive analysis, so we cannot say that for certain that your hypothesis is correct.
Section Three: Conclusion
8. Summary and Discussion
Restate your research question (e.g., “In this project, I studied…”). Summarize your findings: highlight the main patterns from your graphs and bivariate analysis. Briefly discuss what your results suggest about Americans’ perceptions of their economic well-being. What do your results say about whether there are racial differences in American’s feelings of economic well-being?
9. Application
Connect your findings to at least one contemporary policy debate or real-world issue. For example, you might consider discussing:
- How financial insecurity relates to current debates on inflation, affordable housing or access to health care.
- Whether racial or other differences in economic well-being indicate a need for better, more updated public policies or expanded social safety nets.
- How concerns about job loss connect with discussions of increasing economic inequality in the U.S. with families in the top 10% gaining more ground over working-, middle-, and lower-class families, globalization, or economic recessions.
- In this section, I want you to:
- Identify at least one specific policy debate, social issue, or newsworthy development connected to your results.
- Explain how your findings either support or challenge the way policymakers, politicians, or the media discuss that issue.
- Reflect on why your findings matter beyond this classroom. That is, how do your findings contribute to understanding inequality, opportunity, or social change in the U.S. today?
✅ Final Reminder: Your paper should be written in essay form (not bullet points or lists), with well-structured paragraphs in each section. Clarity, accuracy, and interpretation matter as much as reporting the statistics.