Social Science Research Assistants

Career summary

#No comparable WOIS title

Social science research assistants help researchers investigate a wide range of topics. They may help design research tools to gather information including:

• Standardized tests
• Surveys
• Interviews

Social science research assistants administer tests and surveys. They locate participants for the research study.

After they collect information, research assistants code data and enter it into databases. Assistants perform statistical analyses on the data.

Once the analysis is complete, assistants write reports. They often use specialized software to create tables, graphs, and charts to show the results. Sometimes they present results to others at meetings or conferences.

Research assistants often do clerical tasks such as:

• Filing
• Sending follow-up letters and emails

Assistants may also supervise the work of interviewers and data entry keyers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Market Research Analysts
• Sociologists
• Statistical Clerks
• Statisticians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to social science research assistants.

• Prepare, manipulate, and manage large databases.
• Obtain the permission of research subjects or their guardians.
• Use computer software to perform complex statistical analyses of data.
• Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets. Help prepare reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Make sure the data entered into database is accurate. Correct any mistakes.
• Edit and submit required research documents.
• Make sure research is conducted in such a way that results are accurate.
• Determine if potential subjects are suitable to participate in studies.
• Administer standardized tests to or interview people.
• Conduct Internet-based and library research.
• Recruit and schedule research participants.
• Perform data entry and other clerical work.
• Present research findings to groups of people.
• Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
• Code data before entering it into computer databases.
• Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.
• Track research participants and perform any necessary follow up.
• Supervise the work of survey interviewers.

Common work activities

Social science research assistants perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Document and record information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Develop goals and strategies
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Think creatively
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Teach others
• Perform administrative tasks

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, social science research assistants:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They interact with survey participants, but also spend time alone when analyzing information.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations.
• Are responsible for work outcomes and the results of coworkers.
• Communicate with coworkers and research subjects daily in person or using email. They occasionally talk over the phone or write letters and memos.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space or while conducting surveys.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could cause reports to contain inaccurate information.
• Occasionally consult a supervisor before setting tasks and goals for the day.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a monthly basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work part time or full time, but most work 40 hours a week.
• May travel to do on-site research.

Physical demands

Social science research assistants frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for social science research assistants to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for social science research assistants to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

Skills and abilities

Social science research assistants need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Work with people

• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Social Sciences, General
• Sociology
• Urban Studies

Other programs of study to consider

• Anthropology
• Demography and Population Studies
• Geography

Training

To work as a social science research assistant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Most social science research assistants have a bachelor's degree. There are several types of programs you can major in. For example, you can study urban studies, sociology, or even anthropology. No matter which major you select, you should take courses in statistics and research methodology.

On-the-job training

Newly hired research assistants often receive on-the-job training. You learn the procedures used by your employer. Training may last up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Geography
• Statistics and Probability

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require assistants to have a bachelor's degree in a field related to statistics and research. Some also require work experience.

Employers look for applicants who have good analytical and information technology skills. They also look for people who have good communication skills.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Social Science Research Assistants 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The assistant's level of experience, education, and responsibility also affect wages.

Research assistants who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Colleges and universities
• Research companies
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Consulting firms

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be steady. The fastest growth for research assistants will be with state government agencies and private consulting firms. Government agencies always need information about the programs they fund. Thus, they are likely to be a stable employer. However, when budgets are cut, some research assistants may be laid off. Private consulting firms are also sensitive to the state of the economy.

Other resources

American Sociological Association 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Social Science Research Assistants (19-4061.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• City Planning Aide (199.364-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Investigative/Social

COPSystem

• Clerical