Social Science Research Assistants
Tasks Include:
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
- Conduct internet-based and library research.
- Present research findings to groups of people.
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: -1.0%
National: +11.4%
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Zone:
Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$50,470.00
State
$47,870.00
Regional
Social Science Research Assistants
Description
Career Cluster: | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics |
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.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Education
Required Level of Education
- Bachelor's Degree = 52.73%
- Master's Degree = 36.70%
- Some College Courses = 8.61%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 1.59%
- Doctoral Degree = 0.36%
Related Work Experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 29.63%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 22.95%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 16.77%
- None = 14.50%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.13%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 4.87%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 2.15%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Up to and including 1 month = 40.35%
- None = 19.43%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 15.44%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 15.08%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 5.79%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 3.91%
On-the-Job Training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 40.28%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 19.17%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 14.05%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 12.79%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 9.03%
- None or short demonstration = 4.68%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
- Conduct internet-based and library research.
- Present research findings to groups of people.
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.
- Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.
- Code data in preparation for computer entry.
- Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.
- Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants.
- Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.
- Recruit and schedule research participants.
- Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.
- Allocate and manage laboratory space and resources.
- Supervise the work of survey interviewers.
- Track laboratory supplies and expenses such as participant reimbursement.
- 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.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
81.25 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
61.75 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
56.00 | Administrative | Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
52.25 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
50.50 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
68.75 | 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. |
68.75 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
68.75 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
59.50 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
59.50 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
56.25 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
53.00 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
53.00 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
53.00 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
50.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
50.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
75.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
75.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
68.75 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
65.50 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
62.50 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
59.50 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
56.25 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
56.25 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
53.00 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
53.00 | Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
53.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
53.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
50.00 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
50.00 | Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
50.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
50.00 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
93.25 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
91.75 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
87.50 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
85.50 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
82.25 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
81.50 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
72.75 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
69.75 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
68.00 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
65.00 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
61.50 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
59.50 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
58.75 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
57.75 | 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. |
55.50 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
54.50 | 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. |
53.25 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
52.00 | Performing Administrative Activities | Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
98.50 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
94.00 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
90.50 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
86.75 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
84.00 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
83.00 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
82.50 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
81.00 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
80.50 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
75.50 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
71.25 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
71.00 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
68.75 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
60.00 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
51.25 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
61.17 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
50.00 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
50.00 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
94.40 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
92.80 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
85.60 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
83.60 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
83.00 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
79.80 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
77.80 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
77.80 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
76.80 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
73.40 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
67.20 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
61.60 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
59.60 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
59.20 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
57.40 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
57.00 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
53.20 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
53.20 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
50.60 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
- Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $33,860.00 | $50,470.00 | $64,100.00 |
Virginia | $35,350.00 | $47,870.00 | $60,010.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | $39,702.51 | $60,044.42 | $69,960.45 |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $32,943.33 | $49,199.00 | $57,735.98 |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | $39,021.29 | $49,327.77 | $55,030.86 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | $41,537.42 | $59,830.51 | $68,294.79 |
Piedmont Workforce | $39,469.90 | $41,015.09 | $48,599.82 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 35,200 | 39,200 | +11.4% |
Virginia | 815 | 807 | -1.0% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | 152 | 138 | -9.2% |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 115 | 134 | +16.5% |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | 226 | 213 | -5.8% |
Piedmont Workforce | 128 | 142 | +10.9% |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Related Occupations
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
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Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Titles
- 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
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Historian Research Assistant
- Political Science Research Assistant
- Project Coordinator
- Project Director
- Project Manager
- Psychologist Research Assistant
- Research Aide
- Research Analyst
- Research Assistant
- Research Associate
- Research Coordinator
- Research Specialist
- Research Technician
- Social Research Assistant
- Sociology Research Assistant
- Survey Analyst
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Social Science Research Assistants
Related Schools
- Averett University
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- Liberty University
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- Southern Virginia University
- Strayer University-Virginia
- Sweet Briar College
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- University of Richmond
- University of Virginia's College at Wise
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
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- Virginia Military Institute
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)