Research Methods

Research Methods

Definition:

The process used to collect information and data for the purpose of making of proving sociological theory. The methodology may include publication research, interviews, surveys and other research techniques, and could include both present and historical information.

Why do we need research?

A theory will stay theoretical without evidence to back it up. The test of a theory is whether it stands up to evidence. If a theory fails to explain the evidence fully then it needs to be modified, abandoned or replaced with one that does...and tested again!

Method

Definition/s

Reliability

The degree to which a measurement instrument gives the same results each time that it is used.

Validity

The degree to which a measurement instrument, such as a survey question, measures what we in fact think it measures.

Objectivity

A frame of mind so that personal prejudices, preferences or predilections dont contaminate the collection of analysis of data.

Operational

the process of strictly defining variables into measurable factors. The process defines concepts and allows them to be measured

Practical & Ethical factors

Practical factors which can affect the study. Eg: time comsumition, Cost ect.

The Ethics of a study. Eg: is it illegal

Hawthorn effect

The theory that subects who know they are being watched will act differently

Overt

the researcher is open about their intentions in the field

Covert

the researcher's status isnt open about their intentions in the field

Important Studies

Socialist

Studys

Approaches

Basic information

Durkhiem

individual and Society

Positivism

Suicide Types

Anomic (- regulation)

Fatalistic (+ regulation)

Egoistic (- integration)

Altruistic (+ integration)

Sociological not psychological

Douglas

The social meanings

Interpertivism

reunion - release from care/pressure

atonement - transforming oneself for others

revenger - increase in 20th century

psychological not sociology

Taylor

Realism

a history of MI

social failure/disgrace

Etopic - Inner directed - Self

Symphysic - relationships with others - Social

Approaches to Research

Positivism:

Associated with structuralism (Functionalism /Marxism)

• Scientific

• Objective – researcher is detached

• Aims to discover social facts

• Cause and effect / correlation

• Quantitative data

• Statistical data

• Emphasis on reliability

• Emphasis on representativeness

• argue this fails to access meanings

Interpertives:

Associated…