The Research Process

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

A statement that the sociologist has to either prove or disprove.

Question 2

Research Question

Answer 2

A question that a sociologist wants to answer by collecting evidence.

Question 3

Data Collection

Answer 3

When the sociologist has to make methodological considerations.

Positivism and interpretivism are methodologies and they dictate a specific research path.

Question 4

Operationalisation

Answer 4

A process where they define, test or measure various elements involved in a hypothesis or research question.

Question 5

Pilot Studies

Answer 5

A small scale initial investigation where the research method can be tested to check for bias, get funding, identify problems and determine a sampling frame.

Question 6

Analysis & Interpretation

Answer 6

Once data is collected, it has to be looked at closer so that it is easier to draw conclusions. This could be questionnaires getting scanned, interviews getting transcribed etc.

Question 7

Respondent Validation

Answer 7

When the researcher feeds-back on their findings to those studies. It increases ethics.