Research method questions Flashcards
Explain why funding issues may result in sociologists not necessarily doing their research of choice
lack of funding may not allow the researcher to grasp a deep understanding of the area they are researching, thus rendering it pointless
Why might sociologists from conflict perspective find it harder to get their research funded than consensus thought ?
Nobody will want to fund a research project if they know it is going to oppose their own beliefs
What is valid data
data that accurately represents the social phenomena it is intended to measure
What is reliable data?
Data that is consistent and can be reproduced in the same or similar way
What is the difference between random and snowball sampling?
Random sampling is when everyone in a population has an equal chance of being selected.
Snowball sampling starts with a small group and then expands by asking those initial participants to refer others.
What does generalisability mean?
The extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to the larger population
Why is it considered important for samples to be representative?
They ensure that the results of a study can be generalised to fit the larger population.
Why is it easier to ensure the validity in qualitative data rather than quantitative?
Qualitative data involves in depth detailed data about a small group or individual which allows for a deeper understanding.
Quantitative data is about numbers and statistics which can be the nuance of human behaviour
Outline three reasons sociologists use experiments
Control
Replication
Causality
Outline three disadvantages of using questionnaires
Interpretation
Honesty
Limited depth
Outline three disadvantages of using group interviews
Dominance
Peer Pressure
Time-Consuming
Outline three reasons why sociologists use UIs
Flexibility
Depth
Personal relationships
Outline three reasons why sociologists use postal questionnaires
Reach
Anonymity
Convenience
Outline three reasons why sociologists use PO
In-depth understanding
Authenticity
Flexibility
Good interpretivist research involves getting close to those being researched. What are the potential problems with this?
Observers bias
Outline three reasons why sociologists use OS
Accessibility
Large scale
Cost effective
Outline two disadvantages of using secondary data
Lack of control
Not specific
What is content analysis?
Research method used to analyse and interpret the content of various forms of communication
What is triangulation?
A strategy that uses multiple methods or data sources to gain a more complete understanding of a phenomenon.
