ABSTRACT
An undergraduate course on research methods and analysis is fertile ground for service-learning in political science. This chapter illustrates how undergraduate students can use survey design techniques to help community service organizations collect data on program effectiveness and program development. The service-learning project has the potential to meet several minimal course expectations, including mastering the basic elements of survey design, improving computer skills, and developing oral, written, and group communication skills. The course assignments are meant to correspond with the objectives and expectations. The best way for students to learn research methods and analysis is to experience the research process. Students are required to complete six or seven projects that apply the research and analysis techniques they are expected to learn. The student evaluations suggested that the service-learning project generally helped students to learn more about the problems and possibilities of survey design. The ultimate aim of realizing that research has consequences produced less encouraging results.
