2.2 Approaches to Sociological Research -Advantages and Disadvantages Flashcards
Case Studies
Strengths:
1. the focus on a single group studied over time provides great depth and detail of information that has greater validity than simple quantitative studies
2. in cases where the sample is relatively small and self contained, large amounts of data can be collected in a relatively cost effective way
3. such studies help uncover the meanings that people attach to their everyday behaviour
4. small scale case studies may also be used as pilot studies to allow a researcher to develop hypotheses, test data collection methods and identify potential problems in preparation for a larger study.
limitations:
1. practical limitations such as time, money and effort
2. highly dependant on the skills of the researcher- need to spend extensive amount of time often years with respondents
3. respondents have to be subject to extensive and detailed questioning and observation throughout the study
4. its difficult to generalise from case studies because they may be only representative of themselves
Longitudinal surveys
strengths:
1. allow the researcher to identify and track personal and social changesover long periods, revealing trends that would otherwise remain hidden.
2. they are usually based on large representative samples and so can be used to suggest correlations or causalities
limitations:
1. sample attrition- sample effectively selects itself becoming non representative
2. only a quick look at behaviour at any given moment -lack of depth and validity
triangulation
strengths:
1. offsets the limitations of one method such as low validity with the strengths of another method
2. the results from two different methods may be compared -increasing reliability
3. different researchers using same method coming up with similar results -high reliability
4. using researchers from different backgrounds canhelp overcome interviewer or observer bias. higher validity and reliability
limitations:
1. adds another layer of time, money and effort
2. general coordination of a much larger project
3. the need to employ more researchers
4. collecting and comparing different types of data can be complicated
5. contradicting data -how can the researcher tell what is true?
