choosing a research methods - process of research

Question 1

factors influencing choice of topic

sociologist perspective

Answer 1

• Their theoretical perspective has a major influence on their choice of research
  e.g new right - may study effects of welfare benefits as welfare is central to their standpoint
  Feminist more likely to study gender oppression

Question 2

Factors influencing choice of topic

society’s value

Answer 2

The researchers are part of the society they study and thus are influenced by its values
* As values change so does focus or research
E.g rise of feminism in 60s lead to focus on gender inequality

Question 3

Factors influencing choice of topic

practical factors

Answer 3

Inaccessibility of certain factors may restrict what topic they study

Question 4

Factors influencing choice of topic

funding bodies

Answer 4

Most research requires funding from an external body → The economic and Social Research Council, charities and business
* These findings are paying so will determine the topic investigated

Question 5

Factors influencing choice of topic

triangulation

Answer 5

Sociologists using two or more sources or methods to obtain a well rounded picture as using different viewpoints

• Using different methods will counter the weaknesses of the other so combining them causing for stronger evidence
• Will cause for more reliable and representative data - :) positivists favour
• Valid qualitative data looking at smaller number in depth -:) interpretivists

Question 7

what are the 4 points of process of research?

Answer 7

• formulating a hypothesis
• opreationalizing concepts
• pilot study
• samples and sampling

Question 8

what is a hypothesis ?

Answer 8

a possible explanation that can be tested by gathering evidence to prove it true of false.

Question 9

hypothesis strengths

Answer 9

+ It gives direction to research by focusing a question

+ (positivists favour) as tget seek to discover causational relationships so use quantitative methods for testing

Question 10

what is an aim?

Answer 10

identifies what is intended to study and hope to achieve it through research

Question 11

strengths of an aim

Answer 11

+ More open ended not tied
+ Useful to start research when little is known
(interpretivists favour) as they are interested in understanding meanings rather than imposing researchers own explanations in terms of a hypothesis

Question 12

operationalizing concepts

Answer 12

defining key ideas

E.g putting a measure such as for social class using parental occupation as an indicator

However issues can arise when sociologists operationalise concepts differently
These disagreements can make comparing pieces of research difficult

Question 13

operationalizing concepts eval

Answer 13

• Positivists concern to operationalise due to the importance they place on testing nd hypothesis

+ Interpretivists put less emphasis as they are more interested of own concepts

Question 13

The pilot study

Answer 13

Sociologists use social surveys to carry out a pilot study
Involves trying out a draft version of the questionnaire or interview on a smaller sample
Basic aim is to iron out any problems so the mass runs as smoothly as possible

Question 14

Wilmott and Young pilot study example

Answer 14

Carried out over 100 pilot interviews to help them decide the design of their study

So after the pilot it is possible to amended before the finalisation

Question 15

Samples and samppling purpose

Answer 15

Basic purpose is to ensure representative of the general population within the sample
Enables for generalisations to be made → attracts positivists who like to make law - like structures and statements