Social Science Research Assistants

19-4061.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - IBM SPSS Statistics ; REDCap Research Electronic Data Capture; SAS ; StataCorp Stata; Statistical software; The MathWorks MATLAB
• Business intelligence and data analysis software - Tableau
• Computer based training software - Appletree
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Microsoft Access ; Microsoft SQL Server 🔥; Structured query language SQL
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥
• Development environment software - Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Graphics software
• Information retrieval or search software - Online library databases
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Oracle Java 🔥; Perl 🔥; Python ; R
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Project management software - Qualtrics Insight
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Video creation and editing software - Video development software
• Web platform development software - JavaScript 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• 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.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Conduct research on social issues.
• Plan social sciences research.
• Develop technical or scientific databases.
• Record research or operational data.
• Collect archival data.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Administer standardized physical or psychological tests.
• Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
• Manage scientific or technical project resources.
• Develop methods of social or economic research.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Confer with clients to exchange information.
• Collect biological specimens.