SECTION 113.48. Social Studies Research Methods (One-Half Credit), Beginning with School Year 2011-2012

(a) General requirements. Students shall be awarded one-half unit of credit for successful completion of this course. Students may take this course with different course content for a maximum of two credits.

(b) Introduction.

(1) In Social Studies Research Methods, an elective course, students conduct advanced research on a selected topic in social studies using qualitative and/or quantitative methods of inquiry. Students present their research results and conclusions in written and visual or oral format. The course is designed to be conducted in either classroom or independent settings.

(2) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.

(3) Students understand that a constitutional republic is a representative form of government whose representatives derive their authority from the consent of the governed, serve for an established tenure, and are sworn to uphold the constitution.

(4) State and federal laws mandate a variety of celebrations and observances, including Celebrate Freedom Week.

(A) Each social studies class shall include, during Celebrate Freedom Week as provided under the Texas Education Code, §29.907, or during another full school week as determined by the board of trustees of a school district, appropriate instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical contexts. The study of the Declaration of Independence must include the study of the relationship of the ideas expressed in that document to subsequent American history, including the relationship of its ideas to the rich diversity of our people as a nation of immigrants, the American Revolution, the formulation of the U.S. Constitution, and the abolitionist movement, which led to the Emancipation Proclamation and the women's suffrage movement.

(B) Each school district shall require that, during Celebrate Freedom Week or other week of instruction prescribed under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, students in Grades 3-12 study and recite the following text: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed."

(5) Students identify and discuss how the actions of U.S. citizens and the local, state, and federal governments have either met or failed to meet the ideals espoused in the founding documents.

(c) Knowledge and skills.

(1) Social studies skills. The student understands the need for an organizing framework to identify an area of interest and collect information. The student is expected to:

(A) select a social studies issue, topic, or area of interest;

(B) write a rationale and preliminary ideas for research methods;

(C) develop a literature review; and

(D) develop a thesis.

(2) Social studies skills. The student applies a process approach to a research topic, applying the ideas, theories, and modes of inquiry drawn from the social sciences in the examination of persistent issues and social questions. The student is expected to:

(A) understand the basic requirements and philosophical foundations for qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry, including inductive and deductive reasoning, to determine the most effective research approach from a variety of alternatives;

(B) select and design a research project, including an examination of the theory and methods applicable to the research topic;

(C) collect information from a variety of sources (primary, secondary, written, and oral) using techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, and library research;

(D) use current technology such as library topic catalogues, networks, online information systems, academic journals, primary sources on the Internet, email interviews, and video interviews to collect information about the selected topic;

(E) use information from sources that take into account multiple perspectives;

(F) differentiate between primary and secondary sources and use each appropriately to conduct research and construct arguments;

(G) develop and use criteria for the evaluation of qualitative and/or quantitative information;

(H) describe the results of the research process;

(I) generate logical conclusions from research results;

(J) justify a conclusion with supporting evidence;

(K) make predictions as to future actions and/or outcomes based on conclusions of research; and

(L) develop a bibliography in a format appropriate to the social sciences such as Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA) and Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) to document sources and format written materials.

(3) Social studies skills. If doing qualitative research, the student employs the processes of critical social science inquiry to understand an issue, topic, or area of interest using a variety of sources, checking their credibility, validating and weighing evidence for claims, and searching for causality. The student is expected to:

(A) interpret the historiography of the research topic;

(B) apply key social science concepts such as time, chronology, causality, change, conflict, and complexity to explain, analyze, and show connections among patterns of historical change and continuity;

(C) investigate, interpret, and analyze multiple historical and contemporary viewpoints within and across cultures;

(D) relate important events, recurring dilemmas, and persistent issues to topic; and

(E) employ empathy, skepticism, and critical judgment to analysis of topic.

(4) Social studies skills. If doing quantitative research, the student is expected to:

(A) apply the scientific method in a research project;

(B) create a matrix applying research methodologies that employ survey research, ethnography, primary documents, and statistical analysis to given subject areas;

(C) determine the most efficient research approach;

(D) utilize basic statistical approaches and tools in the analysis of aggregate information;

(E) define and compute statistical information using various statistical approaches such as means testing and correlation, measures of central tendency and distribution, the development of categorical systems, and logical analysis;

(F) analyze information using a spreadsheet or statistical analysis information software;

(G) apply the fundamental principles and requirements of validity and reliability as used in the social sciences;

(H) interpret patterns of behavior reflecting attitudes and values that contribute or pose obstacles to cross-cultural understanding; and

(I) utilize applicable ethical standards in collecting, storing, and using human experimental or survey data.

(5) Social studies skills. The student creates a written and oral presentation of research and conclusions. The student is expected to:

(A) apply the conventions of usage and mechanics of written English;

(B) present a thesis and conclusion;

(C) use appropriate social science terminology;

(D) justify a conclusion with supporting evidence and address counter arguments as appropriate;

(E) construct visuals such as statistical compilations, charts, graphs, tables, timelines, and maps to convey appropriate data;

(F) create a presentation on a selected topic using word-processing, graphics, and multimedia software;

(G) incorporate and present visual images (photographs, paintings, and other media) to enhance presentation; and

(H) develop a bibliography with ideas and information attributed to source materials and authors using accepted social science formats such as Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA) and Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) to document sources and format written materials.

(6) Social studies skills. The student understands the principles and requirements of the scientific method. The student is expected to:

(A) select a social studies issue, topic, or area of interest;

(B) select and design a research project, including an examination of the theory and methods applicable to the research topic;

(C) describe the results of the research process; and

(D) justify a conclusion with supporting evidence and make predictions as to future actions and/or outcomes based on the conclusions of research.

Source Note: The provisions of this §113.48 adopted to be effective August 23, 2010, 35 TexReg 7232