The Sanxia–Yingge Community Research Project is a defining learning experience for all second-year undergraduate students in the Department. As part of the required course Research Methods, this program moves beyond traditional classroom-based instruction and adopts a learning-by-doing approach. The “classroom” expands to the entire Sanxia–Yingge region, and the “teachers” extend beyond faculty to include local residents themselves.

　　Over the course of a full academic year, students complete two research projects—one qualitative (first semester) and one quantitative (second semester). These projects resemble short academic papers and require students to engage in the full research process: developing research questions, conducting pilot studies, carrying out in-depth interviews or surveys, analyzing data, and writing research reports. Each stage requires active student participation, allowing students to experience the process and achievement of conducting sociological research firsthand.

　　The course is conducted through group-based research. Students form teams of four to eight members, select a social issue of interest, and design their own research instruments. After data collection, they analyze and interpret their findings and produce a final report. Survey questions developed by each group are integrated into a single comprehensive questionnaire. Drawing on topics across major sociological fields—such as politics, economics, and migration—combined with detailed demographic data along with detailed demographic data, the resulting dataset forms a systematic body of empirical data on the Sanxia–Yingge region. Over time, these data have become a valuable reference for further research on the local community.

　　The empirical research component consists of both qualitative interviews and survey research. In the qualitative phase, each group selects a topic and conducts semester-long, in-depth interviews with relevant individuals. For example, some students have explored urban Indigenous communities in the region, conducting weekly field visits and interviews. These projects not only generate meaningful research outcomes but also foster sustained relationships with local communities.

　　In the quantitative phase, students are assigned to different neighborhoods within the Sanxia–Yingge area based on sampling design. Each student conducts approximately 25 face-to-face surveys with local residents. After data collection, students compile, organize, and analyze the data to examine demographic characteristics and other social patterns in the region. Interpreting these complex datasets and identifying relationships among variables form a central part of the second semester’s work.

　　Through this year-long experience, students are encouraged to move beyond the traditional “ivory tower” model of learning. Academic research is not confined to university classrooms; it is deeply rooted in real-world social contexts. For sociology students in particular, engaging with everyday life and listening to diverse voices are essential parts of the discipline. The research not only deepen students’ understanding of the Sanxia–Yingge community but also contribute, in meaningful ways, to the broader sociological knowledge.

　　Ultimately, this immersive experience enables students to develop a deeper understanding of society, sharpen their analytical skills, and cultivate a lasting commitment to social issues.