Applied Sociological Research for Data-Driven Decision Making

SOC 4306
Closed
The University of Texas at Dallas
Dallas, Texas, United States
She / Her
Assistant Director
(2)
4
Timeline
  • February 7, 2025
    Experience start
  • February 7, 2025
    Check in with employer
  • February 21, 2025
    Check in with the employer
  • March 7, 2025
    Check in with the employer
  • March 28, 2025
    Check in with the employer
  • April 11, 2025
    Check in with the employer
  • May 10, 2025
    Experience end
Experience
3/3 project matches
Dates set by experience
Preferred companies
Anywhere
Any company type
Any industries

Experience scope

Categories
Data analysis Workplace culture Workplace health/wellness Communications Volunteer organizing
Skills
effective communication presentations statistical analysis applied research interpersonal communications professional writing communication research design marketing data-driven decision making
Learner goals and capabilities

The Advanced Sociological Research course at UT Dallas is designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in applied research methods and data analysis. Students in this course will engage in real-world projects that address complex societal issues, utilizing techniques such as surveys, interviews, case studies, and statistical analysis. Their work will support evidence-based decision-making for businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

These learners are refining their professional skills in research design, data collection, data analysis, and effective communication of findings. The primary goal is to help students develop a deep understanding of how sociological research can be applied to solve pressing challenges in various sectors, including education, housing, public health, and marketing.

We invite employers to collaborate with our students by offering relevant projects that allow learners to apply their academic knowledge and further develop their professional writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Employers will be expected to engage in regular communication, offer guidance and resources, and participate in final presentations to provide valuable feedback to the students. This collaboration will provide a fresh, data-driven perspective on real-world problems.

Learners

Learners
Undergraduate
Beginner, Intermediate levels
25 learners
Project
100 hours per learner
Educators assign learners to projects
Teams of 5
Expected outcomes and deliverables

At the conclusion of this collaboration, the employer will receive:

  • A Final Report summarizing the main findings, insights, and actionable recommendations derived from the research.
  • A Final Presentation where students present their research, including key findings and recommendations, and respond to any questions or feedback from the employer.


Project timeline
  • February 7, 2025
    Experience start
  • February 7, 2025
    Check in with employer
  • February 21, 2025
    Check in with the employer
  • March 7, 2025
    Check in with the employer
  • March 28, 2025
    Check in with the employer
  • April 11, 2025
    Check in with the employer
  • May 10, 2025
    Experience end

Project Examples

Requirements

This experience is ideal for employers seeking data-driven research projects that require in-depth analysis and practical recommendations. Examples of suitable projects include:

  1. Education Policy Analysis: Students analyze the effectiveness of a local school district’s policy on student engagement and academic performance, offering recommendations for improvement.
  2. Affordable Housing Research: Researching trends in urban housing markets, analyzing the impacts of housing policies, and making recommendations for improving affordable housing access.
  3. Public Health Assessment: Conducting a study on community healthcare access, analyzing health disparities, and providing insights on improving health outcomes in underserved areas.
  4. Human Resources and Employee Engagement: Studying employee satisfaction levels, identifying factors affecting workplace morale, and suggesting strategies to improve employee retention and engagement.
  5. Market Research for Consumer Behavior: Conducting a survey to understand consumer preferences in a specific industry, providing recommendations for marketing strategies based on the findings.


Additional company criteria

Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:

  • Q1 - Text short
    Are you available to participate in regular meetings and provide guidance to students throughout the duration of the project?  *
  • Q2 - Text short
    Will you provide an opportunity for learners to present their work and receive feedback?  *
  • Q3 - Checkbox
     *