1. Research Methods Mr. Young Sociology
Unit 1 Chapter 2, Section 1
Research Methods
Mr. Young
Sociology

2. Doing Research in Sociology
The goal of sociological research is to test common sense assumptions and replace false ideas with facts and evidence
The world is a sociologists lab

7. 1) Quantitative Data
Uses numerical data

8. 2) Qualitative Data Uses narrative and descriptive data
Both are needed for the sociologist to get a full perspective

9. Quantitative Research
Survey- research method in which people respond to questions
Makes up 90% of research
Good for studying large groups of people

10. A)Population b) Sample
A) A group of people with certain specified characteristics
B) A group of people that represent a larger population

11. C) Representative Sample
A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population as a whole

12. Questionnaire
A written set of questions to be answered by a research participant

13. Interview
Trained researcher asks questions and records the answers

14. 1) Closed-ended Questions
Person chooses from a limited, predetermined set of responses

15. 2) Open-Ended Questions
Explain the myth of the Mexican Chupacabra?
Questions a person is to answer in his/her own words

16. Secondary Analysis (Precollected Data)
Using precollected information for data collection and research purposes
Types: Govt reports, company records, voting lists, etc
Example: Census Bureau

17. Qualitative Research
1) Field Research- research that takes place in a natural setting

18. 2) Case Study
Intensive study of a single group, incident, or community (most used approach to field research)
Assumes that the findings in one can be generalized to others that are similar

19. 3) Participant Observation
A case study where the researcher becomes a member of the group being studied