Research in Sociology  Like all scientists, sociologists gain knowledge by doing research. They ask “how” and “why” and then they form a hypothesis  The methods that Sociologists use to conduct research can fall into two categories, quantitative and qualitative

Survey The most popular approach is using surveys  Surveys: are a research method in which people respond to questions  This approach is ideal when sociologists are studying a large group of people  It is vital that surveys are sent to a the right number and type of participants

Surveys Continued Researchers describe the people being surveyed in terms of populations and samples Population: a group of people with certain specific characteristics Sample: a group of people who represent a larger population

Samples Samples must be carefully selected if it is to have the same basic characteristics as the general population  If they have these characteristics then the sample is a representative sample: a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population as a whole  Random selection is often used to get a representative sample

Surveys How is information obtained: 1. Questionnaire: a written set of questions to be answered by a research participant 2. Interview: a survey method in which a trained researcher asks questions and records the answers

Questionnaires/Interviews What kinds of questions are used in questionnaires and interviews? 1. Closed-ended questions: questions a person must answer by choosing from a limited predetermined set of responses (i.e. multiple choice) 2. Open-ended questions: requires a person to answer in his or her own words

Secondary Analysis Secondary Analysis: is using precollected information for data collection and research purposes  Types of precollected data that are often used are gov. reports, company records, voting lists, prison records, and reports of research done by other social scientists

Advantages vs. Disadvantages Advantages:  Cost Effective Disadvantages:  Research might not be in the exact form that is needed

Field Research Another technique sociologists use is field research  Field Research: research that takes place in a natural (non-laboratory setting)  One example of a topic that is studies by field research is social cliques in high school

Field Research The most common method of field research research in case study  Case Study: intensive study of a single group, incident or community  Some case studies involve participant observation: a case study in which the researcher becomes a member of the group being studied

Combining Methods  Often times sociologists combine research methods.  This is often the case in program evaluations (a program which uses gov. funding to give housing to the homeless is evaluated for effectiveness)  Collecting different types of data is effective in evaluating a program’s effectiveness

Today’s Assignment  Types of Survey Questions on pg. 38  Theoretical Perspectives Chart on pg. 41