Extra readings

Question 1

Week 2 - Theory as Research Foundation

Fussell 2014 - Attitudes Toward Immigrants and Immigration Policy in the United States

Answer 1

• primarily a review study that synthesizes existing research on attitudes towards immigrants and immigration policy in the United States. However, it also incorporates elements of empirical research, particularly in discussing theoretical frameworks and applying them to analyze attitudes towards immigrants. Additionally, the article suggests directions for future research, indicating a potential for quantitative studies using surveys, experiments, and panel data analysis, as well as qualitative research such as ethnographic studies. Overall, it’s a combination of a literature review and theoretical analysis, with suggestions for future empirical studies.
• Panel Data Analysis: The article suggests the potential use of panel data to disentangle the effects of group threat and contact on prejudice over time.

Question 2

Week 3 - conceptualization & operationalization

Hainmueller & Hopkins 2014 - Public Attitudes Toward Immigration

Answer 2

1. Observational analyses: Initially dominated by one-time surveys, research on immigration attitudes has expanded to include innovative research designs such as survey and field experiments.
2. Survey Experiments: Employing surveys to experimentally test hypotheses and gather data on immigration attitudes.
3. Field Experiments: Implementing controlled experiments in real-world settings to observe how different variables affect immigration attitudes.
4. Experimental Tests: Utilizing experimental methods to test causal impacts of key variables on immigration attitudes.
5. Quantitative Scholarship: Primarily focusing on quantitative analysis of immigration attitudes, integrating discussions from related disciplines like economics, social psychology, and sociology.
6. Comparative Analysis: Conducting cross-national studies to compare immigration attitudes across different countries and regions.
7. Longitudinal Studies: Examining changes in immigration attitudes over time to understand trends and shifts in public opinion.
8. Factor Proportion (FP) Model: Applying economic models such as the FP model to analyze distributional impacts of immigration and predict attitudes based on economic self-interest.
9. Cross-National Data Analysis: Using international datasets like the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) to analyze immigration attitudes across various countries.
10. Survey Design: Designing surveys with targeted questions to gather specific data on immigration attitudes and related factors.
11. Statistical Analysis: Employing statistical techniques to analyze survey data and test hypotheses about the determinants of immigration attitudes.
12. Controlled Experiments: Implementing controlled experiments to isolate and manipulate variables to study their effects on immigration attitudes.

Question 3

Week 5 - sampling strategies

Wier et al. 2012 - A comparison of respondent-driven and venue-based sampling of female sex workers in Liuzhou, China

Answer 3

• The study compares two sampling methods, venue-based (PLACE) and network-based (RDS), for recruiting female sex workers (FSWs) in Liuzhou, China. The aim is to obtain unbiased estimates of population characteristics and syphilis prevalence.
• RDS = SNOWBALL SAMPLING
• PLACE = stratified random sampling of venues and interviewing workers
• The results show significant differences in syphilis prevalence and demographic characteristics between the two methods. The study highlights the importance of understanding biases inherent in different sampling approaches.
• non-probability sampling = systematic bias

Question 4

Week 8 - Survey research

Sutter et al. 2002 - Ageism toward older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: Intergenerational conflict and support

Answer 4

1. Survey Design: A cross-national representative survey conducted in Canada and the United States.
2. Sampling Method: Probability sampling of adult residents based on age, gender, and region.
3. Data Collection: Survey administered in August 2020, gathering attitudes and opinions about the pandemic.
4. Variables Measurement: Various predictor variables were included, such as economic and health threat perceptions, social dominance orientation, individualism vs. collectivism, beliefs about social distancing, political leaning, and gender.
5. Age Grouping: Age was recategorized into three groups: young (18–34), middle-aged (35–54), and older (55+).
6. Data Analysis: Regression analyses were conducted separately for each country and age category to examine predictors of ageism, considering mean differences and significance levels.
7. Statistical Threshold: Due to large sample sizes, a reduced p-value threshold of 1% was used for interpretation of results.
8. Post Hoc Power Analysis: Conducted to ensure analyses had good power to detect small effects.
9. Interpretation of Results: Findings were reported regarding support or lack thereof for hypotheses, considering significant effects and their directionality.

Question 5

Week 9 - Experiments

Pager et al. 2009 - Discrimination in a Low-Wage Labor Market: A Field Experiment

Answer 5

• The study aims to directly measure discrimination using field experiments rather than relying solely on statistical methods. It examines racial discrimination by sending matched teams of testers with equivalent qualifications but different racial backgrounds to apply for real entry-level jobs in New York City. The methods involve sending testers to various employers and recording responses to measure differential treatment based on race.

1. Field Experiment/Audit Methodology: The study employs field experiments, also known as audit methodologies, where matched teams of testers apply for real jobs and record responses from employers.
2. Matched Testers: Testers are matched based on verbal skills, interactional styles, physical appearance, and qualifications to ensure comparability.
3. Sampling Employers: Employers are sampled from job listings for entry-level positions in various sources to ensure coverage of the labor market.
4. Dependent Variable: Positive responses, such as callbacks or job offers, are recorded as the dependent variable to measure differential treatment.
5. Comparison Groups: The study compares outcomes for white, black, and Latino testers to assess racial discrimination and calibrate the magnitude of racial stigma.
6. Avoidance of Single Decision: The study avoids situations where employers must choose only one applicant, focusing on callbacks to include cases representing the first pass at applicant screening.

Question 6

Week 10 - in-depth interview & focus groups

Lehmann 2019 - Forms of capital in working-class students’ transition from University to employment

Answer 6

• The article explores the employment outcomes of working-class, first-generation university students in Canada, focusing on their transition from university to employment

1. Longitudinal Qualitative Study: The research employs a qualitative longitudinal approach, tracking participants over time to understand changes in their employment trajectories and strategies.
2. Sampling: The initial study involved 37 newly enrolled working-class students at a Canadian university, selected to represent first-generation attendees with parents employed in blue-collar or lower-level service occupations.
3. Data Collection: Data collection involved three rounds of interviews during participants’ undergraduate studies, with follow-up interviews conducted five years after graduation. Interviews were conducted via telephone or video calls and lasted between 70 to 120 minutes.
4. Analysis: The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative analysis software. Coding categories were established to reflect both descriptive and theoretical aspects related to the research questions.

Question 7

Week 11 - material-based methods

Bail 2012 - The Fringe Effect: Civil Society Organizations and the Evolution of Media Discourse about Islam since the September 11th Attacks

Answer 7

• The research method involves comparing press releases from 120 organizations to media coverage from 2001 to 2008 using plagiarism detection software post 9/11. The study finds that while most organizations deployed pro-Muslim discourses, anti-Muslim fringe organizations dominated mass media, altering mainstream discourse.

1. Data Collection: Lexis-Nexis archive of press releases from major PR firms.
2. Databases (Guidestar, Encyclopedia of Associations) for nonprofits.
3. Websites of identified organizations.
   National media sources: New York Times, USA Today, Washington Times, CBS News, CNN, Fox News.
4. Sampling Approach: Multipronged approach to minimize sampling error.
5. Document Analysis: Press releases analyzed for content and influence. Media coverage examined for portrayal of organizations.
6. Control Variables: News cycle measures, Previous media coverage, Involvement of government actors, Characteristics of events described in press releases (e.g., popularity, violence, location).