Factors influencing choice of Research Methods (PET)

Question 1

What are the Practical issues that influence sociologists choice of research method?

Answer 1

-Time and money
-Funding Body
-Personal skills and social status
-Research opportunity (unexpected/planned in advance)

Question 2

What are PET factors?

Answer 2

-Practical issues
-Ethical issues
-Theoretical issues

Question 3

What are the Ethical issues you may consider?

Answer 3

-Informed Consent: should be given opportunity to agree/disagree to participate and should be informed about study and not deceived

-Confidentiality and Privacy: Respect privacy of participants and kept confidential

-Protection: prevent harmful consequences on those being studied

-Vulnerable Groups: Special care should be taken when participants are vulnerable (Age,physical/mental health etc)

Question 4

Research Example of ETHICAL issues (PET)

Answer 4

An issue with CPO (undercover) issue began. LAUD HUMPHREYS ‘The Tearoom Trade’.

-Observed gay sexual encounter in public toilets

-Seen as deceitful and invasion of privacy and some say means cannot justify the ends.

-This research was applauded by members of gay community and some social scientists for shedding light and dispelling stereotypes and myths.

Question 5

What are the Theoretical issues?

Answer 5

Contrasting approaches POSITIVISM and INTERPRETIVISM

POSITIVISTS:
- See sociology as a science
- Take a top-down approach to society
- Seek to discover patterns and trends of behaviour
- Value detached objective data
-Adopt a macro level of analysis
- Prefer quantitative research methods and data

INTERPRETIVISM:
- Reject the view that sociology is a science
- Take a bottom-up approach (we create society)
- Seek to understand social actors’ meanings
- Seek to interpret and understand behaviour
- subjective and in-depth data
- micro level of analysis
lidrancis
- Prefer qualitative research methods and data