SOCIOLOGY SOCIOLOGY RESEARCH DESIGN

RESEARCH AND THEORY Sociologists use the scientific method to examine society. We assume: Sociologists use the scientific method to examine society. We assume: 1. There are predictable social relations in the world

RESEARCH AND THEORY 2. Social situations will recur in certain patterns

RESEARCH AND THEORY 3. Social situations have causes that can be understood

theories Theories are statements regarding how and why facts are related to each other and the connections between these facts. Theories are statements regarding how and why facts are related to each other and the connections between these facts.

theories Theories are found at each level of analysis in the social world; which theory a sociologist uses to study the social world depends on the part of the social world to be studied Theories are found at each level of analysis in the social world; which theory a sociologist uses to study the social world depends on the part of the social world to be studied

Deductive and Inductive Reasoning Like other scientists, sociologists conduct their investigations using one of two main lines of reasoning: deductive and inductive reasoning Like other scientists, sociologists conduct their investigations using one of two main lines of reasoning: deductive and inductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning Begins with broad general ideas or theories of human social behavior and from these ideas more specific patterns are identified or “deduced” using logical reasoning…..these educated guesses (which still do not have data to support them-are called HYPOTHESIS) Begins with broad general ideas or theories of human social behavior and from these ideas more specific patterns are identified or “deduced” using logical reasoning…..these educated guesses (which still do not have data to support them-are called HYPOTHESIS)

Inductive Reasoning Begins with specific facts or evidence and tries to find or develop a theory-a more generalized set of concepts-to explain the facts. Begins with specific facts or evidence and tries to find or develop a theory-a more generalized set of concepts-to explain the facts. 1 st the researcher collects facts and then attempts to explain the relationship between the facts, building up to a generalization, moving from concrete facts to the abstract theory 1 st the researcher collects facts and then attempts to explain the relationship between the facts, building up to a generalization, moving from concrete facts to the abstract theory

Steps to doing research 1. Define a topic or problem that can be investigated scientifically 2. Review relevant research and theory to refine the topic and define variables 3. Formulate hypotheses or research questions and operationalize variables 4. Design the research method that specifies how the data will be gathered.

Steps to doing research 5. Select a sample of people or groups from the population 6. Collect the data using appropriate research methods 7. Analyze the data, figuring out exactly what the study tells us about the question 8. Draw conclusions and present the final report including suggestions for future research

Designing the Research Method Survey method-used when sociologist want to gather information directly from a number of people regarding how they think or feel or what they do Survey method-used when sociologist want to gather information directly from a number of people regarding how they think or feel or what they do (ex: interviews and questionnaires) (ex: interviews and questionnaires)

Field studies Also called observational methods are used when systematic, planned observation of interaction is needed to obtain data. Also called observational methods are used when systematic, planned observation of interaction is needed to obtain data. Observation can take 2 forms: detached or nonparticipant observation and participant observation Observation can take 2 forms: detached or nonparticipant observation and participant observation Ethnography is a form of field study that involves self-reflection in research as the research progresses. Ethnography is a form of field study that involves self-reflection in research as the research progresses.

Controlled experiments Controlled experiments control all variables except the one being studied; requires an experimental group, in which people are exposed to the variable being studied in order to test its effect and a control group in which the subjects are not exposed to the variable the experimenter wants to test. Controlled experiments control all variables except the one being studied; requires an experimental group, in which people are exposed to the variable being studied in order to test its effect and a control group in which the subjects are not exposed to the variable the experimenter wants to test.

Existing sources Involves use of materials that already exist but are being employed in a new way or to understand a different pattern Involves use of materials that already exist but are being employed in a new way or to understand a different pattern Secondary analysis Secondary analysis Content analysis Content analysis