Positivism. Flashcards
Positivism
A methodological position that use natural sciences to study social reality.
Deductivism
Theory where you have a hypothesis and either prove or disprove it.
Objectivity
Science must be conducted in a way that is value free.
What data do they prefer?
Quantitative
What are some examples of ways to get quantitative data?
- Questionnaires
- Structured Interviews
- Surveys
Advantage- Data Control
The researcher has complete control over how the data is collected, who from and for what purpose.
Advantage- Quantifiable
Questions in questionnaires are closed so have limited answers, producing more statistical data.
Advantage- Large Scale Research
Questionnaires can be conducted across large areas so give a more meaningful representation of society.
Disadvantage- Validity
Quantitative data lacks depth so isn’t true to life.
Disadvantage- Practical
- You don’t know who completes it.
- Language barriers occur.
- Low response rate.
Disadvantage- Access
People may refuse to participate or you may not be able to access them.
