Sociological Research

Question 1

Research

Answer 1

Sociologists use empirical evidence combined with the scientific methods or an interpretive framework to deliver sound sociological research. They rely on systematic research process.

Question 2

Ask a question

Answer 2

Sociologists develop an operational definition that is they define the process in physical or concrete steps.

Question 3

Research existing source

Answer 3

The next step researchers undertake is to conduct background research through a literature review which is a review of any existing studies. Sources used in a study must be correctly cited. Using previously published sources must be properly referenced.

Question 4

Formulating Hypotheses

Answer 4

A hypothesis is an assumption about how two or more variables are related. Positivist methodologies are often referred to as hypothetico-deductive methodologies. Typically positivist approaches operationalize variables as quantitative data.
In research,independent variables are the cause of the change. The dependent variable is the effect, or thing that is changed.

Question 5

Research Methods

Answer 5

Survey collects data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about behaviors and opinions. A survey targets a specific population.
An interview is a one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the subject

Question 6

Experiments

Answer 6

There are two main types of experiments: lab-based experiments and natural or field experiments.

To set up a lab-based experiment, sociologists create artificial situations that allow them to manipulate variables.

The Stanford Prison Experiment is perhaps one of the most famous sociological experiments ever conducted

Question 7

Field Research

Answer 7

Field research refers to gathering primary data from a natural environment without doing
While field research often begins in a specificsetting, the study’s purpose is to observe specific behaviorsin that setting.

three types of field research:
participant observation,
ethnography,
and the case study.

Question 8

Participant Observation

Answer 8

Rothman had conducted a form of study calledparticipant observation, in which researchers join people and participate in a group’s routine activities for the purpose of observing them within that context.

This method lets researchers study a naturally occurring social activity without imposing artificial or intrusive research devices, like fixed questionnaire questions, onto the situation.

Participant observation is a useful method if the researcher wants to explore a certain environment from the inside

Question 9

Ethnography

Answer 9

Ethnographyis the extended observation of the social perspective and cultural values of an entire social setting

Often ethnography involves participant observation, but the focus is the systematic observation of an entire community.

The heart of an ethnographic study focuses on how subjects view their own social standing and how they understand themselves in relation to a community

Question 10

Case study

Answer 10

Acase studyis an in-depth analysis of a single event, situation, or individual

To conduct a case study, a researcher examines existing sources like documents and archival records, conducts interviews, engages in direct observation, and even participant observation, if possible

However, case studies are useful when the single case is unique.

Question 11

Secondary data

Answer 11

Sociologists often interpret findings in a new way, a way that was not part of an author’s original purpose or intention

One methodology that sociologists employ with secondary data iscontent analysis.