Research Methods Flashcards
Quantitative data
MWthods of research using numbers & statistics that can easily be put into a graph. E.g. Graphs, official statistics
Qualitative data
Using exploration of people’s opinions, underlying reasons and motivation of certain things. E.g. Opinions, meanings
Primary data
Data that is directly collected by the researcher themselves. E.g. Interviews, Questionnaires, Observations & Experiments
Secondary data
The researcher gathers other sources of data but does not generate the data themselves. E.g. Diaries, letters, emails, TV documentaries
What does a researcher need to consider when carrying out research?
PET- Practical, Ethical & Theoretical
Practical Issues
- Time- Some methods require more time than others
- Money- Money is needed to apy researcher, transportation & resources
- Characteristics - Some researchers may be ok with dangerous situations
- Access & Opportunity - If researchers don’t have access to certain groups, they have to turn to secondary data
Ethical Issues
- Informed Consent - All participants must have openly agreed to take part.
- Deception- Researcher must be open & honest about the study and its implications
- Confidentiality - Details of participants and their actions must remain confidential and private
- Vulnerable Groups- People with learning difficulties may not fully understand what participation would include and it can be argued that it is then not informed consent
Theoretical Issues
Positivism - Use reliable methods that give quantitative data. Often use objective sources.
Interpretivism - Use valid methods that give qualitative data. Often use subjective sources
Why do positivists use quantitative data?
They believe Sociology should be scientific and analyse ‘social facts’ These are external things like laws. They like to use statistics to measure the relationship between factors and are more interested in ‘cause and effect’.
Why do interpretivists use qualitative data?
They believe that positivist methods don’t tell us much about how individuals act in society. They believe that sociology should not be scientific as ‘humans cannot be measured’ and believe that you can only understand human behaviour through empathy.
Validity
How well the study can be generalized and that the study has measured what it was intended to.
Reliability
The extent to which a study could be repeated and get the same results.
Representative
How accurately a study reflects the characteristics of the larger group
What factors influence a Sociologist’s choice of topic?
- Preference & knowledge
- Funding & Co-operation
- Career in Sociology
- Reviewing the Field
How does preference & knowledge affect choice of topic?
- Sociologists often specialise in certain topics and will therefore have more knowledge of it.
- They pick a topic they find interesting as if they don’t the research will likely be flawed due to their lack of interest
How does Funding & Co-operation affect choice of topic?
- The organisation that funds research is called ‘The Gatekeeper’ as they have the final say on most crucial decisions involving the research.
- Research cannot be carried out without funding
How does Career in Sociology affect choice of topic?
Sociologists tend to jump at the chance to improve their employability as certain topics become popular at certain times.
How does Reviewing the Field affect choice of topic?
The researcher analyses material to help clarify the issues around the subject and previous methodology.
Hypothesis
A prediction of what the results will show
Aim
The intent of the study
