methods and context

Question 1

what is positivism?

Answer 1

the belief that sociologists should use quantitative methods to reach conclusions. (A scientific approach)

Question 2

what is qualitative data?

Answer 2

a method of research using more exploration to understand opinions, underlying reasons and motivations for certain things.

Question 3

what is quantitative data?

Answer 3

a method of research using research using numbers, analysing these statistics using maths and computers.

Question 4

what factors determine the methods that sociologists choose?

Answer 4

P- Practical
E- Ethical
T- Theoretical

Question 5

examples of practical factors

Answer 5

time, money, access/opportunity, and the skills of the researcher

Question 6

examples of ethical factors

Answer 6

confientiality, freedom, consent, and avoidance of deception

Question 7

examples of theoretical factors

Answer 7

the different theoretical approaches the research may be influenced by

Question 8

examples of qualitative data

Answer 8

• open question questionnaires
• unstructured interviews
• participant observation
• public and private documents

Question 9

what is interpretivism?

Answer 9

the belief that sociologists should use qualitative methods.