1. How do we start research?
Starting Research
How do we start research?

2. The First Step…
The first step in social research is to think of a particular social concept or problem that you are interested in studying.
You want to start VERY general and then slowly get more specific

3. The Second Step…
Once you have your concept or problem then you want to think about potential questions you can ask about that concept or problem.
Then you form a hypothesis… a potential answer to your question(s)

4. Terms:
Hypothesis – A statement of a possible explanation for a particular phenomena
Theory – a concept or set of concepts that are intended to explain a particular phenomena. Theories MUST be supported by evidence.
Sociological Theory – A set of ideas that are supported by evidence that are intended to explain social phenomena

5. What do we call this overall method?
Scientific Method – a procedure for acquiring knowledge through observation and experimentation