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Sociology research assistant vs student research assistant

The differences between sociology research assistants and student research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a sociology research assistant and a student research assistant. Additionally, a sociology research assistant has an average salary of $59,218, which is higher than the $27,475 average annual salary of a student research assistant.

The top three skills for a sociology research assistant include SPSS, data analysis and research projects. The most important skills for a student research assistant are lab equipment, student research, and data collection.

Sociology research assistant vs student research assistant overview

Sociology Research AssistantStudent Research Assistant
Yearly salary$59,218$27,475
Hourly rate$28.47$13.21
Growth rate-19%
Number of jobs46,72159,758
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does a sociology research assistant do?

A sociology research assistant is someone who performs administrative tasks for the success of a sociologist's research project. These tasks include management of databases, collection of data through the conduct of interviews or surveys, and assessment of research papers to make sure that the research is not just repeating existing findings. The requirements to qualify for the position include possessing a bachelor's degree in sociology or a related field and having practical experience as a program assistant.

What does a student research assistant do?

A student research assistant is responsible for supporting the school's research department on conducting various research tasks using the techniques and resources provided by the supervising faculty. Student research assistants collect and verify research data, interpret and document findings using research methodologies, organize and prepare research materials, write research reports, and provide recommendations to improve research strategies and techniques. A student research assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and be a fast-learner to interpret data within a specific time.

Sociology research assistant vs student research assistant salary

Sociology research assistants and student research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sociology Research AssistantStudent Research Assistant
Average salary$59,218$27,475
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $95,000Between $19,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City-Fairbanks, AK
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Google
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between sociology research assistant and student research assistant education

There are a few differences between a sociology research assistant and a student research assistant in terms of educational background:

Sociology Research AssistantStudent Research Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorSociologyBiology
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Sociology research assistant vs student research assistant demographics

Here are the differences between sociology research assistants' and student research assistants' demographics:

Sociology Research AssistantStudent Research Assistant
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 30.6% Female, 69.4%Male, 44.1% Female, 55.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 11.7% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between sociology research assistant and student research assistant duties and responsibilities

Sociology research assistant example responsibilities.

  • Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
  • Compose and submit IRB proposal.
  • Train students how to use SPSS and NVivo software.
  • Collaborate on database creation utilizing SPSS.
  • Guide the technical implementation of an automate analysis system (electrophoresis station), with the enhancement of its operational efficiency.
  • Utilize GIS mapping to quantify and visually display various health reports for national policy briefs.
  • Show more

Student research assistant example responsibilities.

  • Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
  • Perform PCR amplification and electrophoresis.
  • Prepare agarose gels for electrophoresis and sequencing.
  • Perform biological experiments which provide data for further DNA analysis.
  • Provide DNA sequencing and primer support study transposition in tobacco/tomato root development.
  • Experience gain in polymer chemistry, polymer physics, material characterization, photo-polymerization techniques.
  • Show more

Sociology research assistant vs student research assistant skills

Common sociology research assistant skills
  • SPSS, 21%
  • Data Analysis, 15%
  • Research Projects, 12%
  • Data Collection, 12%
  • Comprehensive Literature Review, 8%
  • Quantitative Data, 5%
Common student research assistant skills
  • Lab Equipment, 10%
  • Student Research, 9%
  • Data Collection, 8%
  • Research Projects, 7%
  • Laboratory Equipment, 7%
  • C++, 4%

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