research approaches & theoretical foundations Flashcards
deductive approach
theory -> form hypotheses -> collect data -> analyze -> revise theory if necessary
inductive approach
observations -> discern patterns -> generate hypotheses -> develop theory
basic research
Goal is to learn more about a topic or test a theoretical perspective or solve an intellectual puzzle
ex. studying how a specific protein functions in a cell
applied research
conducted to solve practical problems/ evaluation research
ex. evaluating a social problem
ex. using knowledge of protein in a cell to develop a drug that targets the protein to treat a disease
empiricism
Knowledge must be grounded in systematic observation and/or experimentation
main differences b/w inductive and deductive
inductive starts w/ observations to form a theory (specific observations to general conclusions/bottom-up) while
deductive starts w/ a theory and then conducts observations (general principle to apply to reach to specific conclusions/top-down)
explanatory research
Identifies causes and reasons behind phenomena.
descriptive research
Documents and describes details or characteristics of a
group/situation
exploratory research
seeks to gather preliminary information and generate new ideas
situations where sociologists might prefer one approach over another
inductive: little prior research exists or exploring new social phenomena or to understand subjective experiences
deductive: testing, applying, or refining established theories
can a single research project contain elements of more than one type of explanatory, descriptive, and exploratory research
yes, many are blended for a better understanding
why is empiricism a critical principle in sociology
importance of experience to prove something
pillars of science
Logic
Observation
why is scientific method essential
○ It establishes parameters or specific guidelines that help ensure that the findings are objective and accurate
○ Provides boundaries that focus a study and organize its results
Offers sociologists a shared basis for discussion and analysis
