The project is designed to increase the involvement of undergraduate sociology students in research. Using MicroCase software on a portable microcomputer with high quality projection equipment, instructors test student-generated hypotheses in 11 substantive and methodological sociology classes. Students also participate in research by doing assignments and writing term papers that involve testing hypotheses using microcomputers located in a Social Science Computer Cluster. The faculty coordinates in selecting software so that the same software is used across several courses. For the first year and in lower-division courses, simple software, such as MicroCase, is being used. In upper-division courses, software such as SPSS-Windows, PC Globe, and U.S. Census software for the CD-ROM is being used. This project funds the purchase of the computers, software, and projection equipment that is necessary. Involving students in research across the entire curriculum is important because (a) students retain more of the content of the courses, since they are active learners; (b) students are challenged to think critically, and (c) students gain experience and training they can use in a variety of occupations as professional sociologists.
