A Cue from POOL Lecture and Activity: Units of Analysis and the Power of Other Levels

Abstract

Use this innovative and engaging lecture/activity to introduce students to units of analysis in research methods and statistics courses. With inexpensive props representing the game of billiards, students explore the Power of Other Levels (POOL) through the individual, group, organization, social interaction and social object units of analysis. They learn...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Research Methods

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 300

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

A thorough grasp of social research methods requires an understanding of units of analysis and their role in research planning, perspective, and avoiding logical fallacies. Students may view social science research as limited to studying individuals (reductionism), which obscures phenomena at higher levels of abstraction. Unfamiliarity with units of...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students should be able to identify the unit of analysis in various examples of research.
2. Students should be able to explain the importance of examining phenomena using various units of analysis when possible.
3. Students should be able to name and describe two logical fallacies that can result from poor understanding of units of analysis in research, and explain why they are dangerous.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Test question.
   
   What is the unit of analysis in a study where [insert example]?
   
   A. Group
   B. Social Object
   C. Individual
   D. Social Interaction
   E. Organization
   
   See "Assessment" in Activity and Extended Usage Notes for details.
2. Short answer or essay test question.
   
   Why should researchers examine social phenomena using various units of analysis if they can? Explain.
   
   See "Assessment" in Activity and Extended Usage Notes for details and alternative assessments.
3. Essay test question.
   
   Name and describe two logical fallacies that can result from poor understanding of units of analysis in research. Why are these fallacies dangerous?
   
   See "Assessment" in Activity and Extended Usage Notes for details.