What Does it Take to Be a Social Science Research Assistant?
Job Description & Duties 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.
Life As a Social Science Research Assistant
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Code data in preparation for computer entry.
- Track laboratory supplies, and expenses such as participant reimbursement.
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
- Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.
- Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.
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Qualities of a Social Science Research Assistant
Below is a list of the skills most Social Science Research Assistants say are important on the job.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Social Science Research Assistant
- Sociology Research Assistant
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Project Coordinator
- Data Analyst
- Data Manager
Is There Going to be Demand for Social Science Research Assistants?
There were about 34,000 jobs for Social Science Research Assistant in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.4% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Social Science Research Assistant by 2026. The BLS estimates 4,100 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Social Science Research Assistant are Utah, Idaho, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, New Jersey, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Social Science Research Assistant Salary
The salary for Social Science Research Assistants ranges between about $25,370 and $78,470 a year.
Social Science Research Assistants who work in New Jersey, District of Columbia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Social Science Research Assistants make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $54,960 |
| Arkansas | $52,990 |
| California | $49,630 |
| Colorado | $52,320 |
| Connecticut | $42,880 |
| District of Columbia | $65,410 |
| Florida | $51,090 |
| Georgia | $52,880 |
| Hawaii | $53,200 |
| Illinois | $49,570 |
| Iowa | $40,950 |
| Kentucky | $47,130 |
| Maine | $49,030 |
| Maryland | $55,260 |
| Massachusetts | $55,310 |
| Michigan | $43,360 |
| Missouri | $50,970 |
| Nebraska | $48,800 |
| Nevada | $54,200 |
| New Hampshire | $53,410 |
| New Jersey | $58,480 |
| New York | $49,000 |
| North Carolina | $46,050 |
| North Dakota | $47,200 |
| Ohio | $46,560 |
| Oklahoma | $43,450 |
| Oregon | $48,870 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,710 |
| South Carolina | $56,720 |
| Tennessee | $45,640 |
| Texas | $49,230 |
| Utah | $45,560 |
| Vermont | $47,320 |
| Virginia | $50,950 |
| Washington | $47,300 |
| West Virginia | $46,000 |
| Wisconsin | $48,350 |
What Tools & Technology do Social Science Research Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Social Science Research Assistants:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Database software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- R
- Graphics software
- StataCorp Stata
- ESRI ArcGIS software
Becoming a Social Science Research Assistant
What kind of Social Science Research Assistant requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Social Science Research Assistants Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Social Science Research Assistants work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Social Science Research Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Social Science Research Assistant in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Manfred Werner (Tsui) via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
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