What is social science research?

Social science research is the research that scientists do that focuses on the causes and motivations of human behavior. Social scientists seek to understand why and how individuals and groups behave. These researchers apply the scientific method to examine behavior. Social scientists collect and analyze data in order to perform their research. You can put social science research to use in the fields of psychology and sociology, and you can apply your findings to any number of industries from economics to public health to business.

Why is it important to learn about social science research?

Social science research helps you learn about the reasons behind human behavior. Just as other forms of science can help you comprehend the world around you, social sciences can help you understand the motivations behind human actions and reactions, as well as how our institutions regulate and control behavior. You can apply the principles of social science research to help people become safer, healthier, and better connected to individuals and groups around them. The study of social science can help improve society as well.

What are careers that use social science research?

The two major disciplines that rely on social science research are psychology and sociology. Psychologists study the motivations and reasons behind the behavior of individuals and groups, while sociologists study the factors that determine the behavior of larger groups of people. If you perform social science research, either as a psychologist or sociologist, you can conduct studies for educational institutions or foundations. You can also work as a consultant to corporations or nonprofit organizations to help them better serve their clients and customers. Social science research allows you to help make life better for people locally and globally.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn about social science research?

When you take online courses on Coursera, you can learn a variety of topics from the history of social science disciplines to the issues that face today's analysts and researchers. You can learn the basics of effective statistical research, or you can take courses that explore more specific topics like how social science research affects the law profession or how to include more minorities in your research projects. Coursera hosts courses from prestigious partners like Vanderbilt University, the University of London, and Johns Hopkins University. From statistical analysis to the technological applications of data, you'll gain a firm grasp of the concepts you need to be successful in psychological or sociological research.

What are the benefits of taking an online Social Science Research course?

Online Social Science Research courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Social Science Research skills. Choose from a wide range of Social Science Research courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Social Science Research courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Social Science Research, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Social Science Research Courses - Learn Social Science Research Online

Explore the Social Science Research Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University of Amsterdam
Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences
Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Scientific Methods, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Research, Research Design, Sampling (Statistics), Research Reports, Science and Research, Interviewing Skills, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Research Methodologies, Social Sciences, Surveys, Quantitative Research, Statistics, Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference, R Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Amsterdam
Qualitative Research Methods
Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Interviewing Skills, Social Sciences, Research, Research Methodologies, Data Collection, Surveys, Research Design, Research Reports, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
O.P. Jindal Global University
Statistical Methods and Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Analysis, Probability Distribution, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Methods, Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis, R (Software), R Programming, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Inference, Probability, Big Data, Decision Tree Learning
Build toward a degree
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
National Taiwan University
Operations Research (1): Models and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Mathematical Modeling, Process Optimization, Business Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Business Modeling, Industrial Engineering, Business Operations, Operations Management, Resource Allocation, Business Analytics, Production Planning, Inventory Management System, Case Studies, Microsoft Excel, Scheduling, Linear Algebra, Decision Making, Portfolio Management, Algorithms
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
568 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Market Research
Skills you'll gain: Surveys, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Focus Group, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Data Synthesis, Market Research, Proposal Writing, Data Storytelling, Statistical Analysis, Presentations, Discussion Facilitation, Marketing Analytics, Marketing, Research Methodologies, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Market Analysis, Business Research, Data Collection
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Queen Mary University of London
Market Research
Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Proposal Development, Market Research, Research Reports, Data Collection, Research Design, Research Methodologies, Analytics, Data Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Survey Creation, Statistical Analysis, Surveys, Correlation Analysis, Quantitative Research, Research, Science and Research, Market Analysis, Focus Group, Regression Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
660 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Preview
University of Cape Town
Research for Impact
Skills you'll gain: Climate Change Adaptation, Research, Program Evaluation, Community Development, Sustainable Development, Communication, Systems Thinking, Research Methodologies, Policy Development, Collaboration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
189 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Amsterdam
Classical Sociological Theory
Skills you'll gain: Sociology, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Socioeconomics, Culture, Political Sciences, Economics, Qualitative Research, Research Methodologies, Science and Research
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Research Proposal: Initiating Research
Skills you'll gain: Market Research, Proposal Writing, Research Methodologies, Market Analysis, Business Research, Data Collection, Quantitative Research, Business Writing, Sampling (Statistics), Survey Creation, Qualitative Research, Request for Proposal, Client Services, Professional Networking
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
937 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of Toronto
The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs
Skills you'll gain: Relationship Building, Social Skills, Active Listening, Interpersonal Communications, Communication, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Needs Assessment, Assertiveness, Psychology, Cultural Diversity
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
National Taiwan University
Operations Research (3): Theory
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Network Model, Case Studies, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Machine Learning, Transportation Operations, Operations, Operational Analysis, Operations Management, Business Analytics, Process Optimization, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Machine Learning Algorithms, Resource Allocation, Engineering Analysis, Calculus, Algorithms
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
93 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Lecturio
Psychology and Sociology
Skills you'll gain: Health Disparities, Stress Management, Social Determinants Of Health, Psychology, Sociology, Behavioral Health, Human Development, Cultural Diversity, Human Learning, Mental Health, Socioeconomics, Neurology, Biology, Non-Verbal Communication, Physiology
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months