Reserch Paper-Demographics

Research Paper

The focus of this paper is to explore how residential
patterns affect intergroup relations. You will use research approaches
such as observation and secondary data analysis to further understand
your community. Remember, you should conduct the observation (Step 2
below) on the same locale for which you completed the demographic report
in your Week Three assignment (Step 1 below). If you are currently
overseas or have other barriers that prevent you from physically
accessing a location in the U.S., please contact your instructor for
alternative assignment instructions.

Step 1: Using Secondary Data
Use the data gathered on your chosen locality in the Week Three
assignment, “Demographic Report,” and implement any feedback from your
instructor into your paper. If more data is needed, use demographic data
from the latest census (available online using the US Census American FactFinder)
and identify the various social and economic characteristics (i.e.,
education, population, housing, race, class, etc.) of this locale. You
can also check government websites for your state, county or city for
data. Present your findings in two to three pages of the paper.

Step 2: Using an Observational Study
Next, spend 30 to 60 minutes observing your community. Go
to a central place in your town such as the center of the city, a major
landmark, or you can drive or walk to different areas and observe for a
few minutes. Take notes of what you observe, including the types of
people you see, the economic conditions, as well as the businesses or
other institutions that are present. Based on your observations, what
can you tell about the economic condition of the majority of people? Is
the locale integrated or segregated? In this step, consider the
information you have gathered in Step 1 regarding social and economic
characteristics, and identify whether it matches what you have recorded
from your observation. Be sure to compare the data you gathered from
your observations to what was found in the census data and make note if
there are differences. Present your findings in one to two pages of
the paper.

Step 3: Analysis and Reporting of Research
Analyze your data and present your responses in two to three pages in the paper:

• Describe how segregated the neighborhoods are in your
  locality. Be sure to consider the various social inequality indicators:
  race, ethnicity, class, gender, and perhaps sexuality for some areas.
• Indicate if there are policies, practices, or specific circumstances that have created and maintained these patterns.
  

  Here are some examples of aspects to consider:
  Historically, has there always been racial segregation or not? Was it
  traditionally an area of immigration from a certain ethnic region? Is
  there an LGBT community? Was it an industrial area that had a strong
  working class community, or is it a technology area with highly educated
  citizens? Have there been efforts to desegregate or plans in the
  future?

• In Chapter 1 and throughout the text, you have
  explored several sociological theoretical perspectives. Indicate which
  theoretical perspective best presents your analysis of your locality.
  Describe why you have chosen this theoretical perspective and ensure you
  include detail on which theorist’s work is most representative.

The Research Paper:

Must be seven to nine double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference pages), and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a title page with the following:

• Title of paper
• Student’s name
• Course name and number
• Instructor’s name
• Date submitted

Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.

Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.

Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.

Must use at least five scholarly resources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford University Library.

Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center