Research Methods

Question 1

One advantage of using quantitative data is…

Answer 1

High level of reliability. If research was repeated, you would likely get fairly similar results. Supported by positivists as they believe sociological research should always follow scientific research methods to understand society. (Insert source) This means the research is reliable because if it was done again, we would likely get similar data.

Question 2

Another advantage of using quantitative data is…

Answer 2

High level of objectivity. This means the research will remain completely unbiased and scientific. Supported by positivists as they believe society should be studied like the natural sciences and that there should be a low degree of subjectivity and interpretation. (Insert source) This means the research will stay objective as the research will not be influenced by the researchers personal bias or opinions.

Question 3

One disadvantage of using quantitative data is…

Answer 3

Lacks validity. Research will not give true, accurate picture of the social reality of the individuals being studied. Supported by interpretivists because data doesn’t tell us about the personal experiences of the lives of the individuals being studied. (Insert source) Therefore doesn’t provide any insights into the lives of those affected.

Question 4

Another disadvantage of quantitative data is…

Answer 4

Lacks verstehen. Sociologists can’t see world from the standpoint of the participants. Supported by interpretivists because data doesn’t help to explain the social actions taken by the individuals beings studied. (Insert source) Therefore, doesn’t provide any insights into how the individuals affected feel about the results of the research.

Question 5

Define Positivism

Answer 5

The belief of Durkheim and Marx that humans exist outside of social structures and therefore their actions/beliefs and values are made and developed by these structures.

Question 6

Define Interpretivist

Answer 6

The way of thought developed by Max Weber that rejects the idea that human can be treated like objects. They reject the idea that human behaviour is determined and shaped by social structures or laws.

Question 7

Define Subjective

Answer 7

To be emotional and biased.

Question 8

Define Value-free

Answer 8

Without personal bias or opinion

Question 9

Define Sociological perspective

Answer 9

An objective and value free way of looking at sociology.

Question 10

Define Systematic

Answer 10

Having a method that can be understood by others.

Question 11

Define Referencing

Answer 11

Explaining where you obtained information.

Question 12

Define Representativeness

Answer 12

Whether the group or individual being studied are a fair reflection of the target population. Representative samples allow for generalisations to be made from the data collected. Important to positivists.

Question 13

Define Generalisability

Answer 13

The extent to which it is possible to apply the findings from the research sample to the wider target population. Important to positivists.

Question 14

Define Quantitative

Answer 14

Data that can be expressed in numerical form and presented in graphs, charts and tables ect. The patterns and trends of human behaviour can be observed and compared to establish links.

Question 15

Define Qualitative

Answer 15

Data presented in words.

Question 16

Define Reflexivity

Answer 16

Researchers being aware of how their decisions and actions may impact the social behaviour of their subjects. Participants are asked what impact they feel taking part in research had on them to make sure nothing had been forced or imposed.

Question 17

Research Imposition

Answer 17

Interpretivists understand their methods can result in a sociologist neglecting certain data and emphasising other. They know they could potentially impose their ideas, values and expectations on the research process.

Question 18

Define Operationalisation

Answer 18

Breaking down the aims and hypothesis into measurable components. This is done at the beginning of the research process so the researcher can effectively measure/compare and define what they are researching.

Question 19

Define Systematic Random Sampling

Answer 19

Randomly choosing a number between 1 and 10, and then picking every tenth number from that. Larger sample makes it more likely to be reasonably representative and less likely to be biased.

Question 20

Define Stratified Random Sampling

Answer 20

Dividing the research population into a number of different sampling frames then using systematic random sampling to select the group.

Question 21

Define Quota Sampling

Answer 21

Researcher decides how many of each category of person should be included in the sample, but instead of random sampling, the researcher actively looks for the right number of people until the quota is filled.

Question 22

Define Snowball Sampling

Answer 22

Finding one person and asking them to suggest other suitable participants. Mainly used when the researcher finds it difficult to gain access to a particular group of people.

Question 23

Define Purposive Sampling

Answer 23

When a researcher chooses a particular group or place because it is known to be of the type that is wanted.

Question 24

Define Opportunity Sampling

Answer 24

Making the most of situations or opportunities in which the research population is likely to be founded.

Question 25

Define Volunteer Sampling

Answer 25

Accessing volunteers through advertisements. Often regarded as a weak form of sampling as the volunteers are self-selecting which may mean they have stronger views on the research topic, affecting representativeness.