Topic 4 - secondary sources Flashcards
What are secondary sources?
Secondary sources are research materials not created for a specific study but used from another researcher’s work. The original author creates primary data, while the researcher uses it as a secondary source.
Why use secondary sources?
Secondary sources are useful because they help researchers review existing information before collecting new data. A literature review identifies previously asked questions and key debates. Using existing data saves time and money, and official statistics can provide more insight. They are especially valuable for studying social change by comparing past and present societies.
Problems with secondary sources
Secondary sources may have issues with validity, reliability, and representativeness. A literature review evaluates existing research, summarizing what is known, highlighting debates or knowledge gaps. It also examines the relationship between theories and evidence, assesses the methods used, and considers the quality of the evidence, helping to shape the new research.
Official statistics?
Official statistics are widely used in sociological research, being easily accessible as they are published by governments and public bodies. Examples include the UK census, which gathers data on family, housing, education, and health. These statistics help identify trends, compare international data (e.g., divorce rates, women’s employment), and track societal changes. Durkheim’s study of suicide, for instance, used official statistics across Europe.
Problems with official stats?
Official statistics may not align with sociological research interests, as they were not originally collected for this purpose. Changes in data collection methods over time, such as variations in how occupations are classified, can affect reliability and validity. Additionally, discrepancies in how data is compiled, like differing definitions of unauthorized school absences, can lead to inconsistencies. Lastly, official statistics do not explain the underlying reasons for observed trends.
Personal documents?
Personal documents, such as diaries and letters, offer qualitative insights into everyday life, helping researchers understand people’s motives and experiences. These documents are rich in detail and can reveal how societal events and changes unfolded over time. While useful for historical research, the data is not representative of the entire population. A more systematic approach, like mass observation, uses volunteer writers to record daily life, providing broader insights.
The mass media?
The mass media
The mass media are a secondary source; however, some studies using the media to produce primary data
For example, content analysis when comparing the coverage of men + women’s sports
It is an example of quantitative data
This data is reliable bc it is simple to measure the amount of air time given to both sports
The content of newspapers for example, the letters page, may give insight into public opinion
It identifies the issues that are arising feelings and the range of views of those topics
Not everyone writes to the newspapers and therefore it is not representative of the general public
