research methods Flashcards
1
Q
key facts about positivism:
A
- behaviours are studied like natural sciences on a macro level
- standardised + scientific,
quantitative data - behaviour is the result of social facts = no free-will + pre-determined futures (ie. cause and effect)
- people = puppets of society
2
Q
key facts about interpretivism:
A
- behaviour is a result of perspective + interpretation = we have agency + free-will
- people are the architects of society
- qualitative data + establish trust and rapport with subjects to achieve verstehen (empathy)
- micro approach
3
Q
key people in positivism:
A
- comte
4
Q
key people in interpretivism:
A
- weber
5
Q
examples of quantitative data:
A
- scientific and numerical
- percentages
- surveys (compared with others)
- official statistics
- questionnaires
6
Q
examples of qualitative data:
A
- words + letters
- diaries
- semi-structured interviews
- participant observations
- case studies
7
Q
what are primary methods?
(+ examples)
A
information and research gathered directly from the sociologist.
(case studies/self-observations)
8
Q
what are secondary methods?
(+ examples)
A
data and information gathered indirectly from someone else.
(ie. diaries/old statistics + percentages/witnesses)
9
Q
what are longitudinal studies?
A
studies conducted over a long period of time in order to provide a longer-term picture of a group; to gain an understanding of social trends.
