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Developing Foundational Knowledge to Produce SoF Reports

Foundational Family Science Prerequisites

Family science is the scientific study of families and family relationships. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on knowledge from a variety of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, economics, and public policy. Family scientists study a wide range of topics, including family structure and function, family relationships, family development, and family policy.

If you are interested in writing SoF reports, it is important to have a foundational understanding of family science. This knowledge will help you to understand the complex nature of families and to write reports that are accurate and informative.

There are a number of sources of knowledge that can help you learn about family science. These include:

  • Textbooks: There are a number of textbooks available on family science. These textbooks can provide you with a comprehensive overview of the field and its major theories and concepts.
  • Journal articles: Family science research is published in a number of academic journals. These journals can provide you with up-to-date information on the latest research findings in the field.
  • Websites: There are a number of websites that provide information on family science. These websites can be a good resource for finding information on specific topics, such as family development or family policy.

Perspectives on How SoF Reports Inform Various Stakeholders

SoF reports can inform a variety of stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and the public.

  • Policymakers: SoF reports can provide policymakers with information on the current state of families and the challenges and opportunities they face. This information can be used to develop policies and programs that support families.
  • Practitioners: SoF reports can provide practitioners with evidence-based information on how to best work with families. This information can be used to develop and implement effective interventions.
  • Public: SoF reports can provide the public with information on the latest research on families. This information can help the public to better understand families and to make informed decisions about their own lives.

How to Develop a Family Science Program of Research

If you are interested in developing a family science program of research, there are a number of steps you can take.

  1. Identify your research interests. What aspects of family life are you most interested in studying?
  2. Review the literature. What research has already been done on your topic of interest?
  3. Develop a research question. What specific question do you want to answer with your research?
  4. Develop a research plan. How will you collect and analyze your data?
  5. Conduct your research. Collect and analyze your data according to your research plan.
  6. Disseminate your findings. Share your findings with other researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and the public.

Developing a family science program of research can be a rewarding experience. It can allow you to make a significant contribution to the field of family science and to help families in your community.

Additional Resources

 

Notes
Contributors

profajames

Anthony G. James, Jr. holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in human development and family studies from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Sociology (with a minor in Military Science) from Lincoln University (MO). He is an associate professor in the Department of Family Science & Social Work at Miami University. He is the editor-in-chief of Marriage and Family Review. Dr. James’s research and thought leadership has appeared in Diverse Issue in Higher Education, TIME, and the Thrive Center for Human Development blog. He is the editor of Black Families: A Systems Approach, co-editor of Essays of Advice, and author of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: A Practical Guide.

Prof. A James Jr.
Prof. A James Jr.

Anthony James Jr. is a professor at Miami University in the Department of Family Science and Social Work. He is the founder and director of the Center for the Scientific Study of Families.

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