Take It or Leave It

This study employs a cross-sectional design to explore sociology majors’ attitudes toward research methods. Survey data from a convenience sample of students enrolled in 16 departments are used to compare the attitudes of students who have and have not completed a research methods course. Despite consistent anecdotal claims that students harbor disdain or anxiety about research methods, the results indicate that students’ attitudes are lukewarm, at worst. Completion of a research methods course is associated with more positive affect toward research methods and feelings of greater cognitive competence in research methods knowledge and skills. The results also indicate that completion of a research methods course is not associated with being more interested in research methods or feeling the subject is less difficult.