2.1 Basic Concepts Flashcards
Quantitative Methods
Approaches to sociological research that draw on objective and statistical data.
Often focuses on documenting trends, comparing subgroups, or exploring correlations
Large study samples
Qualitative Methods
Approaches to sociological research that often rely on:
- Personal and/or collective interviews
- Accounts
- Observations of a person or situation
Small sample groups
A Sample
A subset of a population.
It can refer to study participants, to places and times of observations, or to documents or other objects that are examined
Sampling
The “design task of deciding which elements in a population will be chosen, and how those elements will be chosen” (Ibid)
Random Sampling
A sampling method in which a sample is chosen so that every member of the population has the same probability of being included
Non-Probability Sampling
Very specific group of people in the sample.
There is criteria so that only target participants get selected to participate.
Non-Probability Sampling
Very specific group of people in the sample.
There is criteria so that only target participants get selected to participate.
Inductive Research
Begin with a research question and the collection of empirical data, which are used to generate hypotheses and theory
Deductive Research
Approaches usually begin with a theory-driven hypothesis, which guide dada collection and analysis
The Research Process Stages
- Define the (research problem)
- Review the literature (literature review)
- Make the problem precise (purpose/intent)
- Work out a design (research design)
- Carry out the research (data generation)
- Interpret the results (data analysis)
- Report the findings (discussion)
MUST HAVE ETHICS APPROVAL TOO (Around step 4/5)
Characteristics of Good Research Questions
- Is the question concise?
- Can the question be answered using empirical data?
- Is the question word appropriate to the question?
- Is the question open-ended
Make sure the question is interesting to:
- you
- your reader
- scholars
- policy makers
- ordinary people/stekeholders
Common Pitfalls of Research Questions
- The answer is yes or no. These type of questions are not open-ended, because they often assume an answer.
Quantitative Question Words
- Why?
- What is the effect of…?
- What explains/causes…?
- Under what conditions…?
- Why do…?
Qualitative Question Words
- How…?
- What…?
Reasons to Review the Literature
- Have previous researchers spotted the same puzzle?
- How have they tried to solve it?
- What aspects of the problem has their research left unanalyzed (research gap)?
What is a Literature Review + HOW
Surveys scholarly articles, books, and other sources relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory
HOW:
by providing a description, summary, and critical evaluation of each work
Make the Problem Precise
This stage involves clearly formulating the research problem.
Quantitative Inquiry
- Hypotheses
- For the research to be effective, the researcher must formulate a hypothesis in such a way that the factual material gathered will provide evidence either supporting or disproving it
Work Out a Design
The researcher decides how to collect the research materials.
They can choose from a range of methods based on the study objectives and the aspects of behaviour under study
Carry Out the Research
Researchers carry out the plan developed in the previous step.
During the actual research, unforeseen practical difficulties may arise that force the researcher to rethink his or her initial strategy
Interpret the Results
Once the information has been gathered, the researcher must analyse the data.
Results must be interpreted in such a way that they tell a clear story and directly address the research puzzle outlined in the first step
Report the Findings
The research report, usually published as a journal article or book, provides an account of the research question, methods, findings, and the implications of the findings for social theory, public policy, or practice.
Most reports:
1. Identify unanswered questions
2. Provide limitations of the study
3. Suggest new questions for further research
