Applied Social Research - JSM032

• Title: Applied Social Research
• Form of teaching: lecture+practicals
• Guaranteed by: Department of Sociology (23-KS)
• Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
• Actual: from 2026
• Duration in semesters: 1
• Semester: both
• E-Credits: 7
• Hours per week, examination: 2/1, Ex [HT]
• Capacity: winter:24 / 24 (24); summer:unknown / unknown (24)
• Maximum number of enrolled students: 24
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Repeated enrollment: 2 / 2 / 1 / 2
• Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan; enabled for web enrollment; priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan; you can enroll for the course in winter and in summer semester
• Guarantor: Mgr. Jiří Remr, Ph.D.
• Teacher(s): Mgr. Jiří Remr, Ph.D.
• Class: Courses for incoming students
• Incompatibility : JSM540
• Is incompatible with: JSM548, JSM540

Aim of the course

Course Objectives:

This course has several learning objectives for students. Students are expected to develop the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
a. Understand the nature and purpose of social research.
b. Learn relevant vocabulary and terminology in the field of attitude measurement.
c. Distinguish between methods for identifying bias and other research errors.
d. Understand the basic methodology of attitude measurement.

The course will take place in room B216 of the Jinonice building on Wednesdays from 11:00 to 13:10 p.m., from September 30 to December 16, 2026.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (15.09.2026)

Course completion requirements

Examination:
Students are required to take a midterm and a final exam. The exams are closed book and require single best answer selections.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.09.2026)

Literature

Obligatory Reading:

Hedrick, T. E., Bickman, L., & Rog, D. J. (1993). Applied Research Design: A Practical Guide. London: SAGE Publications.

Rog, D., 2009. Applied Research Design: A Practical Approach. The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods.

 

Recommended Reading:

Batini, C. and Scannapieco, M., 2006. Data Quality. Concepts, Methodologies, and Techniques. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

Biemer, P.P. and Lyberg, L.E., 2003. Introduction to Survey Quality. New Jersey: Wiley.

Sudman, S., Bradburn, N. M., & Schwarz, N. (1996). Thinking About Answers: The Application of Cognitive Processes to Survey Methodology. New Jersey: Wiley.

Willis, G. B., 2005. Cognitive Interviewing: A Tool for Improving Questionnaire Design. London: SAGE Publications.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.09.2026)

Course assessment methods and requirements for successful completion, grading scheme

Grading:

     91-100% = A

     81-90% = B

     71-80% = C

     61-70% = D

     51-60% = E

     50% or less = F (failed)

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.09.2026)

Syllabus

Major Topics:

Lecture 1: Course overview and introduction to the total survey error paradigm

Lecture 2: Mode Effect

Lecture 3: Social Desirability Response Bias

Lecture 4: Satisficing

Lecture 5: Other response biases

Lecture 06: Midterm

Lecture 8: Cognitive Interviewing

Lecture 9: Nonresponse Bias

Lecture 10: Mixed Design

Lecture 11: Validity and Reliability

Lecture 12: Final Exam (December 16, 2026)

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.09.2026)

Learning outcomes

The goal of this course is to help students understand the nature and purpose of social research. Students will learn the relevant vocabulary and terminology of attitude measurement. They will also learn to distinguish between methods of identifying bias and other research errors. Finally, students will grasp the fundamental principles of attitude measurement methodology.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (14.09.2026)