MLSC 507. An Introduction to the Social Sciences and Social Systems.

Winter 2007

Written Assignment 1. Due January 18.

Introduction

The first week's reading in Lave and March is designed to introduce you to the concept of models as practiced in the social sciences. In particular chapter 2 steps you through the process of building models. As I noted on the home page for the course, to become good at "doing social science" you have to practice. This assignment will be your first practice. You will complete a number of other exercises like this during the course.

Develop a Model

One issue that many schools are discussing is whether or not to require either school uniforms, or to have some sort of dress code. Proponents argue that uniforms have a positive impact on students. Even the US Department of Education believes that school uniforms have a positive impact. But precisely how do uniforms create positive effects, and exactly what effects should we expect to see if uniforms help?

Using the guidelines and discussion in chapter 2 of Lave and March, create a model that describes (a) How uniforms "work" to create positive effects, and (b) What effects you would expect to see if uniform advocates are right. I want to give you as much flexibility as possible in doing this, but your assignment should include:

A written description of the model. Describe the relationship between the variables that are part of the model. This involves both specifying the hypotheses that are part of the model, and the links between them.
Your model should contain at least three hypotheses.
Draw a diagram to illustrate the model. This diagram should show the links between variables, including indicating whether the relationships are positive or negative.

You can use ideas that are taken directly from the Department of Education webpage (the link above) or you can reason this out on your own.

Let me give you a brief example of a model (we discussed this a bit in class; your model should be a bit more extensive than this example). This model deals with voter turnout. The chances of someone voting increase with higher and higher levels of formal education. The more formal education a person has, the greater her or his level of civic duty (a good model, and certainly a good theory, would be able to explain why). The more formal eduction a person has, the greater that person's knowledge of the issue positions of the candidates running for office (why?). The greater the sense of civic duty of a person, the more likely she or he is to vote (why?). The greater the knowledge the person has of the positions of the candidates, the more likely she or he is to vote (why?).

The following diagram illustrates the model:

Note: the model is discussed on pages 110-111 of Johnson, Janet and H.T. Reynolds. 2005. Political Science Research Methods. 5th Edition. Washington, DC: CQ Press.

What to Turn In

You should also turn in the items noted in the bullet points above (the items from a written description through a diagram).

Honor Code.

This assignment is pledged. You can look at any source of information you wish. But you may not consult anyone else in the class. If you have any question about how the Honor Code applies to this assignment, please consult me.