Discussion Memo
Memos are 750-word minimum essays due in the Turnitin submission dropbox found on Blackboard before we discuss weekly assigned readings and videos (a physical copy should also be brought to class for discussion purposes).
Memos are not mere summaries of course reading and videos material but intellectual interrogations. They must reflect your ability to discuss central ideas, synthesize, and critically evaluate the central thematic points intersecting weekly supplemental videos and readings.
To assist in this process, below are discussion questions to facilitate your probing and to help stimulate your written responses. Ensure that you write in a grammatically correct manner and alignment and spacing utilized are in accordance with standard academic custom.
Note that you must not utilize outside information (from the internet or otherwise). The only information to be utilized is assigned course material. Evidence to the contrary may result in an ungraded memo. If you are paraphrasing or quoting the videos, articles or textbook, please ensure that you quote and cite in accordance with standard academic custom.
You may use MLA or APA style if you like. There will be no make- up memos and late memos will not be accepted. Plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty will result in an ungraded assignment and thus a failing grade for the assignment. Memos are worth 15 points and are pass or fail.
Guided Questions: Answer 3 or more of the following questions ensuring that you demonstrate knowledge of the major themes in the textbook, videos and articles under discussion. Your answers should succinctly synthesize the interlocking themes across the assigned videos and readings.
1) Ethnographic research is an integral research method for exploring the social world and apprehending social phenomena? When do we use it? What are its strengths and weaknesses? How does the video, Adventures of a Rogue Sociologist exemplify these strengths or weaknesses?
2) When might one consider comparative-historical research design? How is Weber's Protestant Ethic and The Spirit of Capitalism an example of comparative-historical research?
3) According to your text, explain the difference between causality and correlation. How are those concepts related to a spurious relationship? Give an example.
4) What do the videos on Facebook and Lies and Misinformation demonstrate about research, the ethics of research, and knowledge in our society?