Chapter 2 Sociological Research Methods

Chapter Outline Why Sociological Research is Necessary The Sociological Research Process Research Methods Ethnical Issues in Sociological Research

Why Sociological Research is Necessary Social research is a key part of sociology. Social research moves beyond common sense. Sociology involves debunking – the unmasking of fallacies in the everyday and official interpretations of society.

The normative approach uses religion, law, customs, and traditions to answer important questions. The empirical approach answers questions through systematic collection and analysis of data. Basic Scientific Standards scientific beliefs should be supported by good evidence or information beliefs should be open to public debate and critiques

Discussion Why is it important to rely on research rather than personal experience?

The Theory and Research Cycle Figure 2.1 The theory and research cycle can be compared to a relay race; although all participants do not necessarily start or stop at the same point, they share a common goal—to examine all levels of social life.

The deductive approach begins with a theory and uses research to test the theory. The inductive approach starts with data collection and generates a theory based on the analysis of the data.

The Sociological Research Process The goal of quantitative research is scientific objectivity. Quantitative data can be measured numerically. Qualitative research uses interpretive description rather than statistics to analyze meaning and patterns of social relationships.

Steps in Sociological Research Figure 2.2

The Quantitative Research Model Select and define the research problem Review previous research Formulate the hypothesis – a tentative statement of the relationship between two or more concepts An independent variable is presumed to cause or determine a dependent variable.

The Quantitative Research Model Develop the research design Collect and analyze the data Population: persons about whom we want to be able to draw conclusions Random sampling: when every member of a population has the same chance of being selected Probability sampling: when participants are deliberately chosen because they have specific characteristics

The Qualitative Research Model The researcher begins with a general approach rather than a highly detailed plan. The researcher has to decide when the literature review and theory application should take place. The study presents a detailed view of the topic. Access to people or other resources that can provide the necessary data is crucial. Appropriate research method(s) are important for acquiring useful qualitative data.

Research Methods Research methods are specific strategies or techniques for systematically conducting research.

Survey Research A survey is a poll in which the researcher gathers facts or attempts to determine the relationships among facts. Respondents are persons who provide data for analysis. Questionnaires are printed research instruments containing a series of items to which subjects respond. Interviews are a forma of data collection in which an interviewer asks the respondents questions and records the answers.

Secondary Analysis of Existing Data Secondary analysis is when researchers use existing material and analyze data. analyzing existing statistics analyzing content

Field research is the study of social life in its natural setting. Participant observations: collecting systematic observations while being part of the activities of the group that the researcher is studying. Case studies: an in-depth investigation of a single event, person, or social grouping. Ethnography: a detailed study of the life and activities of a group of people. Unstructured interviews: an extended, open-ended interaction between an interviewer and an interviewee.

Experiments Experiments are carefully designed situations in which the researcher studies the impact of certain variables on subjects’ attitudes or behavior. Experimental group: contains the subjects who are exposed to an independent variable to study the effect on them. Control group: the subjects who are not exposed to the independent variable.

In order to show that one variables causes another, you must show that a correlation exists between the two variables Correction: when two variables are associated more frequently than could be expected by chance. you must ensure that the independent variable preceded the dependent variable in time you much must make sure that any chance in the dependent variable was not because of an extraneous variable Spurious correlation: the association of two variables that is actually caused by a third variable.

Discussion What are the strengths and weaknesses of the various research methods?

Multiple Methods: Triangulation Triangulation is the use of multiple methods (data collection, sources, investigators, perspectives) in one study

Ethnical Issues in Sociological Research The American Sociological Association Code of Ethics Researchers must endeavor to maintain objectivity and integrity in their research by disclosing their research findings in full and including all possible interpretations of the data. Researchers must safeguard the participants’ right to privacy and dignity while protecting them from harm. Researchers must provide confidential information provided by participants. Researchers must acknowledge research collaboration and assistance they receive from others and disclose all sources of financial support.

The Zellner Research The Humphries Research

Discussion Why is the ASA Code of Ethics important?