The research process Flashcards
The first step in the research process
Theory
The researcher chooses an area to research
Conduct a literature review, look at what sociologists have said about this research, how practical will it be? What data types will you use? What theories will be used? And use this to guide their research
Consider participants – does the researcher need new research? How easy will it be to conduct this research
Select the theoretical approaches which they will base their research
The second stage in the research process
Hypothesis
Th researcher formulates a particular idea, concept or phenomenon based on their research
They then create a statement which they will set out to prove or disprove
They may also create a statement in the form of a question e.g., Social class affects attainment in schools or does social class affect attainment in schools?
They will attempt to answer this question once they have their findings
The third stage in the research process
Operationalization
The researcher chooses a method for their research. Will it be qualitative? Which theoretical approaches will the base their research?
Defins the concepts used. E.g. What do we mean by social class?. Wealth? The social bracket someone was born into? BE CLEAR
The researcher must then choose a measurement for their research. Will they use exam results? Report cards? Etc. again, MUST BE CLEAR
The researcher chooses a sample – good research must be representative of the target population e.g., choose a school which has the characteristics needed for their particular research
The fourth step in the research process
Fieldwork
The researcher conducts their research following their chosen method
They must follow their research design for their research findings
The researcher may want to conduct a pilot study beforehand which gives them an insight and allows them to make changes if necessary
The fifth and final step in the research process
Analysis and presentation of results
The researcher analyses and interprets their findings
Facts and themes can be generalized from small groups to wider society if research is valid, reliable and representative
They will answer their hypothesis and either prove or disprove it
They then comment on their chosen research design and what they would do the same and or do differently if they were to carry out this research again
The researcher then publishes their findings in a book or a journal article depending on the topic, the length and the target audience etc.
