An introduction to Research Methods SOCIOLOGY An introduction to Research Methods

By the end of this lesson you will be able to: - Describe the research process Describe key issues and concepts in social research Describe the best known instruments of the social survey (e.g. Questionnaire).

Key issues and concepts in social research: Validity Validity: Data can said to be valid if it provides an accurate picture of social reality. However, some research may not always accurately reflect the social reality of the group being studied. For example, participants may not always respond truthfully to an interviewer’s questions. I’ve not had any! How many girlfriends have you had in the past five years? Erm 4…

Key issues and concepts in social research: Reliability Reliability: If you used the same method as previous researcher, and get similar results, then the method is reliable. For example, different researchers can use the same questionnaire on similar groups within the population. If the questionnaire is reliable, then the results should be similar.

Key issues and concepts in social research: Ethics Ethics is concerned with what is morally right or wrong. Participants should not be harmed or deceived during research.

Key issues and concepts in social research: Ethics continued When carrying out research, sociologists need to think about: - Informed consent: Researchers should tell participants what they are doing and why they are doing it. How they report their findings: They should do this accurately and honestly Harm: The physical, social and mental well being of participants should not be harmed by research. Anonymity: Changing the name of participants in order to protect their privacy.

Key issues and concepts in social research: The Hawthorne effect The Hawthorne Effect: The presence of the researcher could change the behaviour of the group they are studying. Therefore, the researcher’s findings may not reflect the social reality of that group.

Quantitative data Quantitative Data: data which is represented in number form or something that can be measured. For example, statistics on qualifications and social class. This kind of data can be represented as percentages, tables, bar charts etc

Qualitative data Qualitative data: descriptions of people’s feelings about a particular subject or event. For example, how they feel about their future prospects in the job market. This type of data is usually in the form of words.

Sampling procedures: Snowball sampling If sampling frame is difficult to obtain, or doesn’t exist, then snowball sampling is used. The researcher identifies a person with characteristics they are interested in (e.g. criminal). The researcher will then ask this person to introduce them to others with similar characteristics (other criminals). Laurie Taylor (1984) used this technique to investigate the lifestyles of underworld criminals.

Research methods: Social survey Social Surveys aim to collect primary data from large numbers of people. This data is usually in statistical form.

Social survey: Questionnaires A questionnaire is a list of pre-set questions. A useful tool for conducting a social survey because it can be used to gather information from a large number of people.

Pre-coded questionnaires How many hours do you spend on homework per week? 1 - 3 hours 4 – 6 hours 7 – 9 hours 10 – 12 hours More: Please specify………………… In a pre-coded questionnaire, the person is asked a few pre-set questions with a limited number of multiple choice answers.

Pre-coded questionnaires Advantages Quick to complete Easy to produce standardized, statistical data. Data is usually reliable. Researchers can check findings and repeat the research Disadvantages Limited choice of answers. Respondents cannot explain their views fully. Meaning of questions maybe unclear. May lack validity because the researcher imposes a limited choice of answers. May not reflect social reality of respondent.

Open-ended questionnaires The open ended questionnaire has a number of pre-set questions, but no choice of answers. This enables respondents to dictate their own answers. What is you opinion on the amount of homework given each week? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Open-ended questionnaires Advantages Disadvantages Produces more valid data because it allows the respondents to use their own words to express how they feel. They provide more detail and depth compared to pre-coded questionnaires It’s hard to classify and turn into statistical data. May not be as reliable as pre-coded questionnaires. Because it can produce a wide range of answers, it could be difficult to compare to other similar research. May also be difficult to repeat research and get similar results.

Questionnaires carried out by an interviewer Advantages: - Interviewer can clarify questions The participant does not understand. The interviewer can also encourage respondent give more details Disadvantages: Presence of researcher may negatively impact on validity of data, especially when it comes to sensitive questions. Respondents may also give answers which they feel are more socially acceptable, rather than answering truthfully .

Postal and internet self completion questionnaires Advantages: - Controversial and personal questions are more likely to be answered truthfully because the interviewer is not present. Don’t have to pay for interviewers, so it’s cheaper. Results can be obtained quickly Disadvantages: - Not everyone responds to post/online questionnaires . Maybe problems with validity. People may interpret questions differently. Or may not give truthful replies, either because of dishonesty of forgetfulness.

Further reading. Browne, K (2005) An Introduction to Sociology for GCSE, Polity Press: Cambridge: pages 416 - 429 Germov & Poole Chapter 4 Maggie Walter Social Research Methods