Research Methods And Researching Social Inequalities Flashcards
What does Positivism focus on?
Social Facts, Quantitative Data and Cause and Effect Relationships
What dos Interpretivism focus on?
Interpreting the meanings which are seen to direct human action.
Favours Qualitative Data
What do positivists argue about human behaviour?
Human behaviour is predictable
How do positivists regard individuals as?
‘Puppets of society’
What theories tend to be positivist?
Functionalism
Marxism
Feminism
What sociologist did the Study Of Suicide?
Durkheim
What were the three trends Durkheim observed in his study of suicide?
Suicide remains constant and predictable over time
Suicide remains constant between societies
Suicide remains constant between social groups - within same society
What things did Durkheim say suicide was due to?
Social integration and Moral Regulation
The nature of society
Who criticised Durkheim’s positivist study?
Atkinson
Why did Atkinson criticise Durkheim’s study?
He failed to mention suicides are socially constructed
Argued suicide is a result of interaction between victim, family and friends.
What did Atkinson argue about Coroners and Suicide?
Relatives can influence the Coroners final decision and the suicide
What do Interpretivists argue?
Believe that society is socially constructed
What do interpretivists argue people in society are?
‘Active creators of their own destinies’
What Verstehen mean?
When the researcher aims to understand another person’s experience - put himself in their shoes
What is Rapport?
When the researcher builds a relationship with the participant - understands feelings/ideas
