Research Laboratory of Applied Sociology
The Applied Sociology Research Laboratory is a unique state-funded research center in the field of development of sociological research methodology, design and validation of research tools, fieldwork, and analysis of research results.
The laboratory develops the traditions of organization and implementation of fundamental and applied social science research, contributing to the improvement of the quality of sociological research, scientific-educational, and research activities in the Armenian reality.
The goals and objectives of the Laboratory of Applied Sociological Research are to:
Develop a quality assessment system for applied sociological research,
Organize and conduct sociological research,
Develop ethical standards for planning, conducting, and working with data in sociological research;
Create a sociological information base to apply in the fields of scientific, educational, management, administrative decision-making,
Develop a toolkit for applying innovative research methods (visual, narrative, semiotic).
From a practical point of view, the laboratory aims to:
Provide sociological information and expert opinion to state and non-state, local and international organizations, individuals, and social groups as needed within the scope of its achievements,
Organize scientific and educational events (trainings, conferences, round table discussions, workshops) in the context of activities aimed at the development of research potential in RA.
The directions of the laboratory's activity are:
Development and validation of universal tools for the analysis of current problems,
Development of probability and purposive sampling strategy models,
Study and analysis of contemporary social problems,
Monitoring and evaluation of the quality of significant public programs,
Evaluation and monitoring of the quality of higher education, evaluation of the effectiveness of innovative programs of YSU, coordination and support of research works within the framework of Armenian sociological traditions,
Organization of internships, methodological seminars, courses, summer schools of the Chair of Sociology,
Testing new teaching methods,
Study of current issues in Armenian society.
The Applied Sociology Research Laboratory also supports the development of scientific potential and skills of young and experienced social scientists and provides methodological support to faculty teaching staff, and students in their research.
Since 2006, the laboratory has implemented many programs.
In particular:
In 2008, within the framework of the "Monitoring and evaluation of the quality of higher education at YSU" program, the "Development of universal standards for the evaluation of the quality of higher education" was implemented, aimed at creating a system of indicators for the evaluation of education based on the study of local and international experience.
In 2009, the Laboratory implemented the program "Evaluation and testing of the methodology of quality assessment of higher education", within the framework of which the sociological research "Participatory Assessment of Higher Education" was carried out.
Within the framework of the "Evaluation of the effectiveness of innovative programs of YSU" program, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Master's system in the social science faculties of YSU was carried out, aimed at evaluating the degree of effectiveness of the operation of the Master's educational program and developing proposals for improvement.
Within the scope of the "Student Image Study of YSU" research, the laboratory carried out a study of the image of sociologist students to investigate the characteristics of their self-perception and the dynamics of changes in these characteristics during their studies.
