Social Science Research Assistants

Bookmark Print History Journal
x

Journal


    • Please sign in to view journal entries
x

Your Employment History in this Occupation

Please sign in to view Employment History
x
Rating
x

Please fill out the fields below to e-mail someone a link to this page

x
Please sign in to bookmark occupations

About the Job

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

It is also Called

  • Call Center Manager
  • City Planning Aide
  • Clinical Interviewer
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Computer Aided Telephone Interview Manager (CATI Manager)
  • Data Manager
  • Data Specialist
  • Economic Research Assistant
  • Economist Research Assistant
  • Graduate Assistant

What They Do

  • Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
  • Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
  • Obtain informed consent of research subjects and/or their guardians.
  • Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
  • Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases; correct any errors.
  • Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
  • Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.
  • Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
  • Conduct internet-based and library research.
  • Present research findings to groups of people.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: CI.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Conventional interests, but also prefer Investigative environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Independence, but also value Achievement and Working Conditions in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  • Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Education Required

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $46,550.00 with most people making between $26,600.00 and $73,230.00

Outlook

1.90%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 2,100 people in California. It is projected that there will be 2,500 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 40 openings due to growth and about 90 replacement openings for approximately 130 total annual openings.



California Career Resource Network