Choosing Research Methods Flashcards
1
Q
Who are positivists?
A
- They are the more scientific sociologists.
- See our behaviour as the results of wider forces, thinking that research should uncover behaviour’s causes.
- Favour quantitative data.
2
Q
What is quantitative data?
A
Data that is in a numerical form
3
Q
Who are Interpretivists?
A
- The more artsy, emotional sociologists.
- Value understanding people’s behaviour from a small-scale perspective, focusing on meaning.
- Favour qualitative data.
4
Q
What is qualitative data?
A
Data that is rich in detail and subjective.
5
Q
What does objective mean?
A
Factually true and not open to interpretation (chocolate is made with cocoa).
6
Q
What does subjective mean?
A
Based on interpretation (chocolate is the best food ever).
7
Q
What is reliability in research methods?
A
- When research can be repeated and obtain the same or similar results, it is reliable.
- You must use a standardised form of measurement, ($ in one’s salary).
- creates data that can be used sympathetically to re-test hypotheses about social behaviour.
- Positivists strive for reliable research, fits with their scientific research.
8
Q
What is representativeness in research?
A
- It can be generalised to fit the wider population, important as it is rarely possible to study an entire population.
-A sample might be selected which shares the characteristics of the wider population being studied (therefore representative).
-Allows general conclusions to be drawn.
9
Q
What is validity in research?
A
- How true the data is.
- Interpretivists emphasise this, often associated with research methods that happen on a smaller scale.
10
Q
What is primary data ?
A
Data that is collected firsthand, by sociologists themselves, and used for personal use.
11
Q
Secondary data?
A
Data that has already been collected by someone else.
12
Q
A
