Sociological research methods Flashcards
What is the primary aim of sociologists when studying human behavior?
To understand and interpret people’s behavior
Sociologists believe that a complete picture of behavior is necessary for effective study.
How is observation and participant observation done ?
Directly observing and participating in the activity of the group
This may include sitting at the back of a classroom or joining workers on the shop floor.
When is participant observation particularly useful?
When studying groups that are difficult to approach with direct questioning
Examples include non-literate tribespeople, prostitutes, and down-and-outs.
What type of information does participant observation provide?
To give a picture of a person’s regular behaviour.
What is a significant drawback of participant observation?
The small size of the studied group may not be typical
Sociology often aims to generalize findings, which can be problematic with small-scale studies.
What potential issue can arise from researchers spending considerable time with a group?
They may become overly involved or biased
This can affect the objectivity of their observations and conclusions.
What is observation and participant observation
A sociologist observing without interfering with the group they are studying
What are two advantages of using interviews in sociological research?
- Fast
- Cheap
Interviews allow researchers to gather data from multiple respondents in a short time.
What is a major limitation of interviews compared to participant observation?
Lack of observation in everyday settings
Interviews may not accurately reflect actual behaviors as they rely on self-reported data.
What is interview bias?
Influence of the interviewer’s characteristics on the respondent’s answers
Factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity of the interviewer can affect the responses given by the interviewee.
What are the two types of interview structures mentioned?
- Loosely structured or non-directive
- Highly structured or directive
Loosely structured interviews allow for free conversation, while highly structured interviews follow a formal questionnaire.
What are interviews?
A conversation where questions are asked to obtain information from a person.
What is the primary reason sociologists use sampling?
Sociologists use sampling because they cannot study everyone due to time and financial constraints.
What is the purpose of a sample in sociological research?
To look at a cross section of the population under study and make generalisations about the whole.
What is a simple random sample?
A sampling method where everyone in the population has an equal chance of being chosen.
What is a sampling frame?
The list of the population from which a sample is to be drawn.
How can a sample be selected from a school roll?
Using random number tables or drawing names from a hat.
What is the purpose of dividing a population into strata?
To ensure that different groups (e.g., boys and girls) are represented in the sample in proportion to their occurrence in the population.
What is a quota sample?
A sampling method used in market research where researchers find respondents within limits set by the designer.
Why might a quota sample be biased?
Researchers may unconsciously avoid certain types of people, such as poorly dressed or aggressive-looking individuals.
True or False: A quota sample is a random sample.
False.
What is one advantage of using a quota sample?
It is quick and cheap.
What is the main disadvantage of a quota sample?
It is an unreliable tool from which to generalise.
