miss harper side

Question 1

positivism vs interpretivism 2

Answer 1

1. two opposing theoretical approaches to sociological research
2. sociologists who value both positivist and interpretivist approaches to research are called realists

Question 2

quantitative vs qualitative 2

Answer 2

1. positivists= quantitative data, form of numbers. allows them to see patterns and trends in society. aim to measure social issues, interested in making comparisons
2. interpretivists= qualitative data, form of words. provide descriptions of social issues from the perspective of participants. gain an in-depth understanding

Question 3

reliability vs validity 2

Answer 3

1. positivist= reliable, method must be replicable to produce comparable results across diff social groups, locations and time periods, criticise interprevtists for their lack of reliability in their research
2. interpretivists= validity, ‘richness’ of data. deep understanding of research object

Question 4

macro vs micro scale 2

Answer 4

1. positivists= macro, identify general trends that apply to whole social groups. research large samples so they can make generalisations
2. interpretivists= micro, gain deeper understanding of a small sample

Question 5

objectivity vs verstehen 2

Answer 5

1. positivists= objective, data is ‘fact’ based and not affected interpretation or bias. make their research as value-free as possible meaning the researchers values dont interfere with data analysis. argue that interpretivist data is inaccurate due to researcher imposition
2. interpretivists= values are central to the research process, aim to establish ‘verstehen’, want to empathise with the social world