Social Science Research Methods Flashcards
How does Participant observation work? Give an example
Researcher participates fully in the life of the group/ subject without their knowledge in order to gain first hand knowledge. For example, the police in 21 Jump street.
What are the pros and cons of participant observation?
Pros: Access to social groups who would otherwise not consent
Cons: researcher may become involved in dangerous or criminal behavior. As well they could “go native” and become a full time group participant. It’s also difficult to record data.
How does natural observation work? Give a definition and example
Researchers watch subjects in a natural setting without interacting. For example, when the principal comes into a classroom and watches the teacher teach.
What are the pros and cons of natural observation?
Pros: avoidance of problems pertaining to ethics because groups are aware, and data is easily collected
Cons: the observer effect- the behavior of those under study may alter due to the presence of the researcher.
How does library research work?
The researcher studies, analyzes and compares statistics, other studies, etc.
How do surveys work?
The researcher uses a representative sample and applies their findings to a larger group. They use qualitative, open ended questions and quantitative, close ended questions.
How do interviews work? Give an explanation and example
Researcher conducts research with in-depth, face to face conversations. They can be informal, with no predetermined questions, or an interview guide approach with predetermined questions. For example, interviewing a soldier to find out more about the effects of PTSD
What are the pros and cons of interviews?
Pros: useful to gain more information than just using surveys
Cons: Time consuming and the researcher can produce bias
How do case studies work? Give an explanation and example.
A researcher studies the same person or situation over a long period of time. For example, us studying the OC Transpo Incident in class.
How do experiments work?
Researcher uses experiments to fine connections between cause and effect variables. They can occur anywhere.
What are the seven methods of social science research?
Participant observation, natural observation, library research, survey, interview, case study, and experiment
