Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze and critically evaluate the research process, including its purpose, components, and ethical considerations, in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of social science research methods; compare and contrast different research methods and their strengths and limitations, in order to select and justify appropriate methods for specific research questions; apply theoretical frameworks to formulate research questions and hypotheses, demonstrating the ability to integrate theory into the research process; discuss qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and observation, to collect data, and analyze and interpret qualitative data in order to generate meaningful insights; design and execute surveys, ensuring ethical considerations, and analyze and interpret quantitative data using appropriate statistical analysis techniques to draw valid conclusions; evaluate statistical results and interpret their significance, considering factors such as practical significance and statistical power, in order to make informed decisions and draw accurate conclusions; assess and apply strategies for establishing causation in social science research, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, in order to understand and interpret causal relationships; and communicate research findings effectively in writing employing appropriate terminology and methodologies.