Research Methods Flashcards
Types of Data
What is the difference between primary and secondary data?
• Primary Data – Collected first-hand by the researcher (e.g., surveys, interviews).
• Secondary Data – Collected by someone else (e.g., official statistics, historical documents).
Types of Data
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
• Qualitative Data – Descriptive, non-numerical data (e.g., interviews, observations).
• Quantitative Data – Numerical, structured data (e.g., surveys, statistics).
Types of Data
What are the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative data?
Strengths: High validity, provides depth and meaning.
Weaknesses: Time-consuming, harder to generalize.
Types of Data
What are the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative data?
Strengths: Reliable, generalizable, allows comparisons.
Weaknesses: Lacks depth, may not reflect true meanings.
Research Methods
Experiments
What are the three types of experiments in sociology?
- Laboratory Experiments – Controlled setting, artificial.
- Field Experiments – Conducted in real-life settings.
- Natural Experiments – Researcher observes natural changes.
Research Methods
Experiments
What are the strengths and weaknesses of lab experiments?
Strengths: High control, can identify cause and effect.
Weaknesses: Artificial, low ecological validity, ethical concerns.
Research Methods
Experiments
Why are field experiments useful in sociology?
They take place in real-life settings, increasing validity.
Research Methods
Experiments
What is a weakness of field experiments?
Less control over variables, harder to replicate.
Research Methods
Surveys & Questionnaires
What are the two types of questionnaires?
- Closed-ended (structured) – Fixed answers (e.g., multiple choice).
- Open-ended (unstructured) – Allows detailed responses.
Research methods
Surveys & Questionnaires
What are the strengths of using questionnaires?
Cheap, quick, easy to distribute, high reliability.
Research methods
Surveys & Questionnaires
What are the weaknesses of questionnaires?
Low response rate, limited depth, social desirability bias.
Research methods
Interviews
What are the three types of interviews?
- Structured Interviews – Pre-set questions, like a questionnaire.
- Unstructured Interviews – Open-ended, like a conversation.
- Semi-structured Interviews – A mix of both.
Research methods
Interviews
What are the advantages of structured interviews?
Reliable, quick, easy to replicate.
Research methods
Interviews
What are the disadvantages of structured interviews?
Lacks depth, may not capture true feelings.
Research methods
Interviews
What are the advantages of unstructured interviews?
High validity, allows deeper understanding.
Research methods
Interviews
What are the disadvantages of unstructured interviews?
High validity, allows deeper understanding.
Research methods
Observations
What are the two main types of observations?
- Participant Observation – Researcher joins in with the group.
- Non-Participant Observation – Researcher observes from a distance.
Research methods
Observations
What is the difference between covert and overt observations?
• Covert Observation – Participants don’t know they are being observed.
• Overt Observation – Participants are aware they are being observed.
Research methods
Observations
What are the strengths and weaknesses of participant observation?
Strengths: High validity, deep insight into behavior.
Weaknesses: Ethical issues, hard to stay objective, time-consuming.
Research methods
Observations
What are the strengths and weaknesses of non-participant observation?
Strengths: More objective, less researcher influence.
Weaknesses: Less understanding of participants’ experiences.
Sampling Methods
What are the different types of sampling?
- Random Sampling – Everyone has an equal chance of selection.
- Systematic Sampling – Every nth person is selected.
- Stratified Sampling – Population divided into subgroups, then randomly selected.
- Quota Sampling – Researcher selects participants to fit quotas.
- Snowball Sampling – Used for hard-to-reach groups (e.g., criminals).
- Opportunity Sampling – Uses whoever is available.
Sampling Methods
Why is representative sampling important?
It ensures findings can be generalized to the whole population.
Practical, Ethical, and Theoretical Considerations (P.E.T)
Practical Factors
What are practical considerations in research?
• Time & Cost – Some methods take longer and cost more.
• Access to Participants – Some groups are harder to reach.
• Skills of the Researcher – Some methods require expertise.
Practical, Ethical, and Theoretical Considerations (P.E.T)
Ethical Issues
What are the key ethical principles in sociological research?
- Informed Consent – Participants must agree to take part.
- Confidentiality & Anonymity – Personal data must be protected.
- Protection from Harm – Participants should not experience harm.
- Right to Withdraw – Participants can leave at any time.
- Deception – Must be avoided unless necessary.
Practical, Ethical, and Theoretical Considerations (P.E.T)
Ethical Issues
Who sets ethical guidelines for sociological research?
The British Sociological Association (BSA).
Practical, Ethical, and Theoretical Considerations (P.E.T)
Theoretical Considerations
What is the difference between positivism and interpretivism?
• Positivism: Prefers quantitative, structured methods.
• Interpretivism: Prefers qualitative, unstructured methods.
Practical, Ethical, and Theoretical Considerations (P.E.T)
Theoretical Considerations
Why do positivists prefer quantitative methods?
They seek objective, reliable, generalizable data.
Practical, Ethical, and Theoretical Considerations (P.E.T)
Theoretical Considerations
Why do interpretivists prefer qualitative methods?
They focus on meanings, depth, and social interactions.
Validity & Reliability
What is validity?
The extent to which research measures what it claims to measure.
Validity & Reliability
What are the different types of validity?
- Internal Validity – Whether the study accurately represents reality.
- External Validity – Whether findings can be applied to real-world settings.
- Ecological Validity – Whether results apply to real-life situations.
Validity & Reliability
What is reliability?
- Internal Validity – Whether the study accurately represents reality.
- External Validity – Whether findings can be applied to real-world settings.
- Ecological Validity – Whether results apply to real-life situations.
Validity & Reliability
How can reliability be improved?
Using standardized procedures and clear definitions.
Triangulation & Methodological Pluralism
What is triangulation in research?
Using multiple methods to improve validity and reliability.
Triangulation & Methodological Pluralism
What is methodological pluralism?
Combining quantitative and qualitative methods for a fuller understanding.
