30231

WiSe 18/19: Experimental Analysis of Social and Cultural Differences

Christian von Scheve

Kommentar

In this Research Placement, students will use their knowledge of theories and methods to design experimental empirical studies on social and cultural differences, primarily within and across Europe. Experimental designs are generally the best way to establish causal inferences, in particular in well-controlled laboratory settings, but also in less controllable but more “natural” and ecologically valid field experiments. Experiments have been part of the sociological “toolbox” ever since, but regained prominence in research only recently. The primary goal of this Research Placement is to develop experiments that aim at establishing causal relationships between social and cultural differences and certain forms of social action and behavior. Based on pertinent theories and assumptions on actors’ motives, attitudes, and preferences, we will develop experiments to identify the ways in which social action systematically differs with actors’ social or cultural background or to show how the manipulation of cultural cues as an independent variable affects attitudes or actions in specific laboratory or field situations. For example, the studies may investigate the effects of national identification on (cross-national) trust and cooperation; the ways in which salient collective identity influences solidarity and reciprocity across groups and nations; or how certain cultural cues (e.g., signs, symbols, language, artifacts) may affect behavior driven by prejudice and stereotypes. In general, the Research Placement serves to get students acquainted with conducting original empirical research projects by devising, planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments, either on their own or in small groups. Prior knowledge of experimental research is not necessary and the basic methods for conducting experiments will be introduced and discussed in class. Basic knowledge of simple quantitative data analysis is an advantage. The research placement will be held in English. Reports can be written in German. Schließen