Racial Bias (Independent Variable)

This assignment will have you consider a variety of issues social scientists face when creating a new research design.

Directions

In a word processing program (e.g. Word, Google Docs, etc.), thoroughly respond to the questions below, and save your document as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file.

1. Identify and give an example of the four levels of measurement (examples should be different from those in the text and lesson).
2. Racial bias (independent variable) is often discussed as a cause of the disproportionate arrests of people of color (dependent variable). Make a list of at least three other potential causes for the dependent variable. This does not necessarily mean that the independent variable chosen has no utility, it just means most social phenomenon sociologists study are complex. Is there any concern of spuriousness (that the independent variable is also caused by these other factors)?
3. Is it possible to establish a causal relationship between the variables of interest using cross-sectional research, or is a longitudinal research design strategy needed? Why?
4. How different would the research proposal be if the objective were to explore or describe, rather than explain, a particular social phenomenon of interest?
5. Professor Root was studying the arrest rates for driving under the influence in urban and rural areas of Ohio. Data showed that the arrest rate was higher in rural areas. Professor Root concluded that people who live in rural areas are more likely to drive while intoxicated than are people who live in urban areas. What fallacy did Professor Root commit? How would you modify his conclusion to avoid this trap?

Remember, part of being a good sociologist is communicating your ideas clearly, so please write in complete sentences, use appropriate vocabulary, explain your thoughts thoroughly, use proper punctuation and grammar, etc.