Research methods ( Intro ) Flashcards
What is Methodology
refers to the methods researchers use to collect data and the philosophy underlying the production of sociological data.
List the types of Data
Primary Data
Secondary Data
Define ‘Primary Data’
Primary data are sources of data that are produced directly by a sociologist conducting research.
examples may include, results of experiments or the answers obtained from questionnaires and interviews.
What is Sec Data
Data that already exists for a researcher uses.
For example government statistics, or the results of an experiment conducted by another researcher.
Define ‘Qualitative Data’
Data that is linked with words through opinions and beliefs.
Define ‘Quantitative Data’
Data that can be expressed numerically.
Define ‘reliability’
The degree to which a piece of research can be accurately replicated, producing the same results.
Define ‘Validity’
Refers to whether or not the chosen method provides a true, genuine, or authentic depiction of what is being studied.
E.g Qualitative data generally has high validity but is less reliable.
Define ‘representativeness’.
The degree to which the findings can be generalised to the wider population.
What does P.E.T stand 4, in relation to methods and context in research methods
Practical considerations
Ethical
Theoretical considerations
List the 5 practical factors that need to be considered when carrying out a research method.
1) Time
2) Location
3) Costs
4) Laws
5) Usefulness of research
List the 4 ethical factors that need to be considered when carrying out a research method.
1) Protection from harm
2) Informed Consent ( must be gained freely)
3) Deception ( not being honest abt the intentions of the study)
4) Confidentiality ( respect the privacy, anonymity and interests of participants)
Difference between Methodological Pluralism and Triangulation? ( In detail )
Methodological pluralism refers to the use of a variety of methods and types of data in a single research study.
Whereas
Triangulation refers to the use of a variety of methods and different types of data to cross-check that the results obtained by one particular method are valid and reliable.
This might include using qualitative unstructured interviews to check against responses to a quantitative survey.
What two groups do sociologists fall into when deciding how to study society
Positivism
Interpretivism
Define ‘Positivism’
refers to the belief that there are ‘social facts’ that can be studied objectively using methods that are similar to the natural sciences (e.g. physics, chemistry, and biology).
What types of Research methods do Positivists prefer
Positivist research methods include: Laboratory experiments. The comparative method. Social surveys. Structured questionnaires.
What source of data do positivism methods produce?
Positivist methods produce quantitative data on social patterns and trends which can be used to explain society.
What 2 things do Positivists value in a piece of research?
1) Quantitative data - Reliability
{Laboratory experiments.
The comparative method.
Social surveys.
Structured questionnaires.}
2) Representativeness
What do Interpretivism suggest?
Interpretivism implies that people are conscious of their personal beliefs, meanings, values, and interpretations and that these influence the way they act.
What do Interpretivists value in a piece of research and which methods they use to get their final results ?
1) Qualitative data - Validity
{ Uncontrolled field experiments.
Open-ended questionnaires.
Unstructured interviews.
Overt and covert participant and non-participant observation.
Personal accounts, using personal documents such as diaries and letters.
2) Focused on individuals
Define ‘generalisability’.
Generalisability refers to whether the method enables the findings to be generalised to similar groups.
Why is the theoretical element is the most significant to consider when conducting a research.
Because they determine the way the sociology choose to research society as their theoretical perspectives is a central way to how they view the world.
What is the ‘Hawthorne effect’.
The Hawthorne effect refers to when people alter their behaviour when they know they are being observed, as a way of pleasing the researcher.
What factors influence data collection methods
- Theoretical Inclination of the researcher. (
Positivist & Interpretivist) - Types of data needed
( Quantitative & Qualitative)
Key factors in evaluating Research Methods
Practical
Ethical
Theoretical
Example
Representativeness
