Research Process

Question 1

Define ‘Hypothesis’ with an example. Add who favour this process

Answer 1

A hypothesis is a general explanation that can be tested by collecting evidence that can be proved or disproved.

e.g Middle class students outperform working class students.

Positivists favour this approach as it is scientific.

Question 2

Define ‘Aim’ with an example. Add who favors this research process and Y.

Answer 2

An aim outlines what the researcher intends to study.
 
Intepretivists favour this approach as it allows the research to be guided by the participants. 

Question 3

Define ‘Operationalising concept’ with an example.

Answer 3

This is where the concepts within the sociologists aim/hypothesis are broken down to identify how they will be measured (operationalised).

E.g. identify how to measure the concept of social class. 

Question 4

What is a ‘Pilot study’?

Answer 4

 A pilot study is a draft version of the research carried out on a small sample.  

Question 5

Apart of practical, theoretical and ethical factors what else can affect a sociologist’s choice of topic to study? with an example.

Answer 5

Change in society’s values.

For example the increase of feminism in the 1960’s led to further research on gender equality.