Skip to content

Social Science Research Assistants

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-4061)

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.

At a Glance

Social Science Research Assistants earns a median of $58,040/yr with +4.4% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Processing Information, Working with Computers, The MathWorks MATLAB.

Median Annual Wage

$58,040/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.4%

Annual Openings

5

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (7)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.8
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.8
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.

3.8
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.4
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.4
Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

3.3

Knowledge (2)

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.3
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.5

Abilities (9)

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.8
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).

3.6
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.5
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.4
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.3
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.3

Technology (24)

The MathWorks MATLAB

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Illustrator

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe InDesign

Category: Desktop publishing software | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
ESRI ArcGIS software

Category: Geographic information system | Hot Technology

4.5
Extensible markup language XML

Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology

4.5
IBM SPSS Statistics

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
JavaScript

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft SQL Server

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Basic

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Perl

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
R

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Tableau

Category: Business intelligence and data analysis software | Hot Technology

4.5
StataCorp Stata

Category: Analytical or scientific software

4.0

Work Activities (14)

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.7
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.7
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.4
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.3
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.3
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.9
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.8
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.7
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.6
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.4
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.4
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.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Social Science Research Assistants.

Get Started Free