Occupation AtlasSocial Science Research Assistants
O*NET · 19-4061.00
Social Science Research Assistants
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.
Also called Bilingual Research Interviewer · Clinical Research Assistant · Data Analyst · Economic Research Assistant · Economist Research Assistant · Graduate Assistant · Graduate Research Assistant · Historian Research Assistant
25 more
Laboratory Assistant · Market Research Interviewer · Political Affairs Intern · Political Science Research Assistant · Postdoc Associate · Postdoc Fellow · Postdoc Scholar · Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoc Associate) · Postdoctoral Fellow (Postdoc Fellow) · Postdoctoral Research Associate · Postdoctoral Scholar (Postdoc Scholar) · Psychologist Research Assistant · Research Aide · Research Assistant · Research Associate · Research Data Analyst · Research Interviewer · Research Scientist · Research Technician · Social Research Assistant · Social Science RA · Social Science Research Assistant (Social Science RA) · Sociology Research Assistant · UX Research Assistant · UX Research Assistant (User Experience Research Assistant)
Compare with another occupationCompare with Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ICSInvestigative · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative6.08
- C Conventional5.93
- S Social2.67
- R Realistic2.38
- E Enterprising2.27
- A Artistic1.89
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (30%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (40%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (40%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- SciencebasicImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
Show the other 23
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- InstructingImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- ProgrammingImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- PersuasionImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Service OrientationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 core · 12 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.Importance 4.5
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.Importance 4.2
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.Importance 4.2
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.Importance 4.1
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.Importance 4.0
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.Importance 4.0
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.Importance 3.9
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.Importance 3.9
- Conduct internet-based and library research.Importance 3.8
- Present research findings to groups of people.Importance 3.5
Show the other 12
- Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.Importance 4.5
- Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.Importance 4.4
- Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants.Importance 4.2
- Recruit and schedule research participants.Importance 4.2
- Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.Importance 4.1
- Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.Importance 3.9
- Code data in preparation for computer entry.Importance 3.9
- Track laboratory supplies and expenses such as participant reimbursement.Importance 3.8
- Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.Importance 3.5
- Supervise the work of survey interviewers.Importance 3.4
- Perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required.Importance 3.4
- Allocate and manage laboratory space and resources.Importance 3.0
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- AdministrativeImportance 3.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- MathematicsImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- PsychologyImportance 2.5Level 2.6
Show all 33
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- BiologyImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- ChemistryImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.8
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.8
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
Show all 52
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Number FacilityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Processing InformationImportance 4.7Level 5.8
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.6
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.8
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.6Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
33 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Pythonhot
- Rhot
Hot (18; 5 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Extensible markup language XML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Java
- Perl
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
- Tableau
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (10)
- Appletree
- Database software
- Graphics software
- Online library databases
- Qualtrics Insight
- REDCap Research Electronic Data Capture
- StataCorp Stata
- Statistical software
- Video development software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies −0.7, Programming −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Bioinformatics Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Troubleshooting −0.7, Operation and Control −0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.4, Programming −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Archivists
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.4, Mathematics −1.1
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Medical Dosimetrists
Average difference 0.3 points · Service Orientation +0.9, Management of Personnel Resources +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Construction and Building Inspectors
Average difference 0.3 points · Programming −1.0, Science −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −0.9, Operations Analysis +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control +1.0, Operations Monitoring +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.