Research Methods Flashcards
What is operationalization?
The process of translating theories and concepts into hypotheses that are observable statements of the main claim in the theory.
Variables are the empirical and observable equipment of theoretical concepts
- must be observable and capable of taking on a range of different values
Variables are characteristics of the world that we are interested in
Just because something exists does not mean it is easily measured
Even variables that seem obvious can differ depending on how they are operationalized
What are research techniques?
Experiments are traditionally the standard of research
Performed in a controlled environment where factors can be manipulated to determine their effect on the outcom
-Often not appropriate for sociology (vairables cannot be amnipulated (practical/ethical))
(External validity of the findings problematic)
What are surveys?
Most widely used in social scientific research technique
Used to collect data that can be generalized, often on populations that cannot be studied in person
Difficult to pose unambiguous questions that wont be interpreted by participants. When asking about beliefs or opinions, language used can effect responses
What is sampling?
Us a small sample of larger populations to make statements about the large population
-Random sampling: everyone has an equal chance of being selected.
-Must be random (to be representative of larger population. to minimize the intentional and unintentional bias)
Confidence that the results are reflective
- determined by that method used to select the sample group not just the size of the sample.
-How many and who actually respond
What is field research?
Main goal of qualitative research is to generate rich nuanced data not easily captured by other means
Captures the world view of particular research subjects
Methods include participants observation, ethnography, in-depth interviewing, and documentary analysis
What is ethics?
Principles if informed consent
Avoiding harming participant
What is ethnographic or participant osbervation?
Participant observation -> broader category of qualitative called ethnography
Become involved in the personal lives of the subjects for an extended time
- this may involve accompanying research participants, interviews or living with them
What are in-depth interviews?
Popular field research technique. In conjunction with ethnography.
Maybe recorded and later transcribed
Maybe structured, semi-structured or unstructured
What is documentation?
Documents to examine human behaviour (case records, diaries)
More common when researching large institutions (criminal justice, churches, political groups)
How to conduct field research?
Research flexibility
Detailed data = better understanding
No generalization of key objective
Qualitative research methodology by nature consider sampling method and size.
-choosing the site to gain access
-dictated by ability to gain access
-Continues until information being obtained becomes repetitive
What is the existing data?
Types of existing data used as source material: official stats, survey data, analysis of books or other documents
Secondary data analysis:
- reanalyzing existing data
- more common (computer and stat software)
- easier than developing new data
- specific analysis skills are required
What historical research and content analysis?
The analysis of historical documents, prints and other media (organizational records, old newspaper, magazines)
Content analysis
-Examination of newspapers, magazines, TV and case records)
-Categorize particular features, words or images in a given sample to identify patterns
How to select research methods?
Not all methods are equally suited for certain problem or theoretical perspective
- some methods are seldom used in certain perspectives
The problem determines teh research method
- some researcher prefer to frame their research questions in a way that allows them to use familiar techniques
Often best to use multiple methods
Findings are always open to revision, refutation, but multiple findings can stregthen or validate each other
