key concepts of methods

Question 1

what is primary data?

Answer 1

collected first hand by researcher using variety of methods.

Question 2

what is secondary data?

Answer 2

research that already exists not collected by sociologist but other people eg crime stats.

Question 3

what is quantitative data?

Answer 3

numerical data based on numbers and statistics, providing factual reliable data.

Question 4

what is qualitative data?

Answer 4

data based on words and opinions, providing in depth understanding.

Question 5

5 features of positivism?

Answer 5

macro.
objective.
reliable.
trends, patterns and correlations.
representative.
quantitative.

Question 6

what is realism?

Answer 6

researcher use combination of positivist and positivist approach. (methodological pluralism)

Question 7

what is data triangulation and who favours it?

Answer 7

positivists - different data sets compared, combining research methods in order to check or verify validity/reliability.

Question 8

what is researcher triangulation?

Answer 8

different researchers check for bias, may use same methods.

Question 9

example of someone who used methodological pluralism?

Answer 9

humphreys - tearoom toilet researched with other researchers.

Question 10

what does representative mean?

Answer 10

research reflects characteristics of wider target population.

Question 11

what does generalisable mean?

Answer 11

sufficiently large enough to conclude that sample is reflective of target population regarding trends.

Question 12

what does reliable mean?

Answer 12

if research was repeated same results would be obtained.

Question 13

what does validity mean?

Answer 13

true or accurate picture of what is being studied.

Question 14

what does verstehen mean?

Answer 14

researcher should have empathy with participant and try to see things from their POV.

Question 15

what does objective mean?

Answer 15

researcher should be neutral and unbiased as to not influence results.

Question 16

what does subjective mean?

Answer 16

researcher’s values and opinions are involved in research.

Question 17

what practical issues should you talk about in methods essay?

Answer 17

accessibility to group.
gatekeeper?
money available.
time.
personal skills.

Question 18

what ethical issues should you talk about in methods essay?

Answer 18

deception.
informed consent.
protection from harm.
confidentiality.
privacy.
vulnerable groups.
right to withdraw.
legality.

Question 19

what theoretical factors should you talk about in a methods essay?

Answer 19

reliability.
validity.
representativeness.
generalisablity.
verstehen.
subjectivity/objectivity.
hypothesis/aim.

Question 20

what is a pilot study?

Answer 20

test run before designing final questionnaire/interview in order to trial method, on small group. see if Qs are clear.

Question 21

what factors may influence choice of research topic?

Answer 21

theoretical perspective.
values of society.
knowledge gaps.
funding prorities.
social policies.

Question 22

What is social desirability?

Answer 22

Respondents give answers they believe will make them look good to others, hiding true opinions and experiences.

Question 23

What is problem of meaning?

Answer 23

Respondent may misunderstand aspect of question due to clarification, language barriers or meaning of a word.

Question 24

What does it mean if the interviewer is reflexive?

Answer 24

Open and aware of bias.