research methods Flashcards
Validity (important for sociologists using an interpretive approach
valid data that creates a true, accurate picture of what’s being studied. data that’s as close to the truth as possible
Reliability definition
the research done could be repeated and the same results would occur.
representativeness
when the research sample reflects the wider populations characteristics.
E.G of a study that was representative
Swells study, ‘Black masculinities and schooling. which focused on the experiences of young men of colour in the school system through observations and semi-structured interviews.
E.G of a study which lacks representativness
crime statistics based on police data. lacking because it doesn’t include the dark figure of crime, unrecorded crime.
generalisability
the findings from a study can be applied to the wider population.
E.G of generalisable
official stats on marriage and birth rate data are generalisable as most of the populations included its not just a sample.
E.G of not generalisable
willis study learn to labour which included 12 working class boys. the small sample population mans its not suitable to apply to all working class male students at that time.
Verstehen
the researcher has and creates empathy for the victim
objective
the researcher should be neutral and unbiased so that they don’t influence the findings of the researcher.
subjective
when the researchers values and opinions are involved In the research.
Methodological pluralism
combining and using different research methods e.g qual + quant to build a fuller picture of what’s being studied.
E.G of methodological pluralism
Humphreys tearoom. He observed behaviours within the tearoom alongside other researchers, they compared findings.
He used covert observation, then unstructured interviews aswell as a structured interview to collect factual data on the participants attitudes under disguise as a health survey.
PRACTICAL ISSUES: A
gatekeeper definition
Accessibility- access to participants, is it easy to gain. some are harder to gain than others e.g crime and deviance areas are more difficult to access.
Gatekeeper-used I snowball sampling, an individual which is involved in the target group and the research then refers others to participate
PRACTICAL ISSUES: R
Resources- money, equipment, space ect. large scale research requires lots.
PRACTICAL ISSUES: T
Time- is the research time consuming? some methods are more than others.
PRACTICAL ISSUES: F
Finances- do u have funding to conduct your research
PRACTICAL ISSUES: P&C
Personality and characteristics- e.g middle class researchers language skills may intimidate working class. or different ethnicity researcher to the participant.
PRACTICAL ISSUES: SM
Subject matter- is the research topic sensitive?
