Social Science Research Assistant

Also called: Bilingual Research Interviewer, Clinical Research Assistant, Data Analyst, Economic Research Assistant, Economist Research Assistant

Social Science Research Assistant

Varies

estimated salary

Social science research assistants help 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.

  • Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
  • Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
  • Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
  • Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
  • Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
  • Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
  • Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
  • Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
  • Conduct internet-based and library research.
  • Present research findings to groups of people.
  • Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.
  • Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.
  • Recruit and schedule research participants.
  • Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants.
  • Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.
  • Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.
  • Code data in preparation for computer entry.
  • Track laboratory supplies and expenses such as participant reimbursement.
  • Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.
  • Supervise the work of survey interviewers.
  • Perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required.
  • Collect specimens such as blood samples, as required by research projects.
  • Allocate and manage laboratory space and resources.
Work Context
  • Spend Time Sitting — 79% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Electronic Mail — 79% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 54% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 80% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 40% responded "Very important".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 47% responded "Extremely important".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 40% responded "Some freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Develop technical or scientific databases.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
  • Conduct research on social issues.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
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Knowledge

English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
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.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator Hot Technology
  • Graphics software
Analytical or scientific software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
  • SAS Hot Technology
  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • StataCorp Stata
Object or component oriented development software
  • R Hot Technology
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