Social Science Research Methods Flashcards
Why is social science important?
Social research is important so that we can be more confident in answering questions about social life. Policies and practices are based upon social research and so we have a responsibility to be able to understand it.
What are quantitative research methods?
The collection of numerical data. Start with hypothesis and by deductions conclusions can then be drawn. The strengths of this type of social research is that it is reliable and repeatable.
Examples from HaDPop – RCTs, Cohort studies, case controls and cross sectional surveys. Can also occur via secondary analysis of data from other sources such as census and national/regional surveys.
What are the main requirements of a questionaire?
Must be valid – measure what they’re supposed to and Reliable – measure consistently and differences are due to real differences not because for example there are different understandings.
Published questionnaires may have been tested for validity and reliability whereas unpublished may not and so this needs to be established.
Must contains mostly closed questions, should always offer and other – please specify options for each question. It is possible to have open questions but this will take longer and require more instructions – will also need to decide how to code.
Why are quantitative methods good?
Quantitative is good for describing, measuring, finding relationships and allowing comparisons.
Why are quantitative methods bad?
Quantitative is bad as it may force people into inappropriate categories, doesn’t allow for free expression, may miss important information and may not be effective at establishing causality.
What are qualitative research methods
Here the aim is to make sense of phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them. There is an emphasis on meaning, experience and views of respondents.
What is observation and ethnography?
Ethnography – Studying human behaviour in its natural context – observe what people actually do rather than relying on what they tell you. There are two forms – participant observation and non-participant observation.
What are interviews?
Semi-structured interviews by prompt guide, clear agenda of topics, more of a conversation with emphasis on participants giving their perspective interviewer should facilitate this.
What are focus groups?
Quick method for establishing parameters or for accessing group bases collective understanding of an issue. Not so useful for individual experience. May encourage people to participate some topics may ne too sensitive for focus groups. Deviant views may be inhibited.
Not an easy option, can be difficult to arrange, important to consider the participants – need homogeneity and you need a good facilitator.
What is documents and medial analysis?
Documents and Media Analysis
Independent evidence such as medical records and patient diaries. Provides historical context. Can analyse television, newspaper and media stories
What are qualitative methods good?
Qualitative methods are good for understanding the perspective of those in a situation, accessing information not revealed by quantitative approaches, explaining the relationships between variables such as why and how does ethnicity promote/discourage smoking cessation.
Why are qualitative methods bad?
Less good for finding consistent relationships between variables and generalisability – identifying a range of views on an issue but must not do this from a small sample.
How do you decide which approach to use?
Depends upon: • Topic under investigation and research question • Research team’s preferences/expertise • Time and money availability • Funders and/or audience
Different methods can be used in same study, especially if complementary
