Research Methods- Introducing theory

Question 1

What is a ‘macro approach’? Give examples.

Answer 1

A large-scale approach, emphasizing the analysis of social systems and populations at the structural level.
e.g. New Right, Functionalists, Feminism, Marxism.

Question 2

What is a ‘micro approach’? Give examples.

Answer 2

Focuses on individuals and small groups and the interactions between them.
e.g. Weber, Social action theory.

Question 3

What is qualitative data? What group support this?

Answer 3

Words.

Interpretivists, because they want to really understand an individuals experience.

Question 4

What is quantitative data? What group support this?

Answer 4

Numerical data.

Positivists, because it can spot patterns and trends in society.

Question 5

What six things, according to positivists, should research be?

Answer 5

• Reliable: replication should be consistent
• Objective: not allow bias through own views
• Representative: A sample that has characteristics that are typical of larger population.
• Generalisable: Can safely conclude that what is true of the sample is true of the wider population.
• Quantitative
• Valid: give a true picture.

Question 6

What are strengths of Positivism?

Answer 6

• Dominate research
• Better reputation
• Better funded
• Attract prestige

Question 7

What are negatives of Positivism?

Answer 7

• Lacks explanation
• Lack detail
• No proof, can be biased

Question 8

What six things do Interpretivists believe research should be?

Answer 8

• include meanings/experiences
• develop Verstehen
• researcher imposition
• rapport
• subjective
• qualitative

Question 9

What does ‘subjective’ mean? (Interpretivists)

Answer 9

Attempting to see the world through the research subjects point of view.

Question 10

What does Verstehen mean? (Interpretivists)

Answer 10

Building empathy to understand participant.

Question 11

What does ‘researcher imposition’ mean?

Answer 11

Where respondents may not be able to express their true feelings about the topic because the questions which have been pre-chosen, limits what they are able to say, and may not reflect the issues that respondents feel are important.

Question 12

What are strengths of Interpretivism?

Answer 12

• Provides detail/depth
• Highlights concept of validity

Question 13

What are negatives of Interpretivism?

Answer 13

• It can be unstructured
• Can be difficult to replicate/verify
• Qualitative data may be biased
• Ethnography is criticised as a methodological approach as it involves a too narrow view of the group being studied.