6.2 What are the main stages in the research process?

Question 1

What may impact the topic to research by sociologists 5 in total

Answer 1

Social problems that are relevant 
Interests and values of the researcher 
Current debates in the academic world 
Funding 
Access to research subjects

Question 2

What is a gate keeper

Answer 2

People who are able to get sociologists access to people

Question 3

List Practical factors (PET)

Answer 3

Cost
Time available
Subject matter of the research

Question 4

List Ethical factors (PET) 6 in total

Answer 4

Research subjects should be fully aware
BSA insist that sociologists should not engage in deception
BSA is keen that privacy of research subjects should be safeguarded
BSA recommends that research subjects are protected from harm
Sociological researchers make sure behaviour is never illegal
Researchers need to avoid putting themselves and their team at risk

Question 5

What is operationalisation

Answer 5

process by which a researcher defines how a concept is measured, observed, or manipulated within a particular study

Question 6

What are the two types of sampling

Answer 6

Random Sampling

Non Random Sampling

Question 7

What are the two types of RANDOM sampling

Answer 7

Systematic - involves randomly choosing a number between one and ten e.g 7, 17, 27, 37. Technique does not always be representative. Larger sample, more representative
Stratified - involvs dividng research population into different sampling frames then using systematic random sampling

Question 8

Non random sampling (4)

Answer 8

Quota sampling
Purposive sampling
Opportunity sampling
Snowball sampling

Question 9

What is quota sampling + evaluation

Answer 9

Quota sampling - data is collected from a homogeneous group. Lacks randomness as researchers may stop and qustion people who look suitable or respectable etc

Question 10

What is purposive (choosing certain people place) sampling and example

Answer 10

involves researchers choosing individuals or cases that fit the nature of the research.
Goldthorpe (1969) study manual workers with high incomes to see middle class way of life

Question 11

What is opportunity sampling.

Answer 11

Making most of opportunities in which research population is found.

Question 12

What is snowball sampling

Answer 12

Used when there is difficult in gainign access. Finding and interviewing person who fits research needs, then asking them if they know someone. Commonly used in gangs etc.

Question 13

How to detect Bias?

Answer 13

Pilot studies - smaller first dress rehersal

Question 14

Why are Pilot studies useful

Answer 14

Check:

• Whether questions are clearly understood and interpreted in the same way
• That the questions do not upset or lead the participants
• Data produced is the kind that is wanted