Triangulation and the stages of research Flashcards

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1
Q

Methodological pluralism definition

A

the term used to describe when sociologists use a variety of methods in a single piece of research

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2
Q

Triangulation definition

A

the use of 2 or more research methods in a single piece of research to check the reliability and validity of research evidence

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3
Q

Most sociologists use a range of methods

A

to collect different kinds (qualitative and quantitative) of data, using the methods that seem best suited and most practical for what they’re studying

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4
Q

Sociologists may use triangulation to check

A

that their results are valid and reliable (eg using observation to check if data collected in questionnaires is accurate or valid

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5
Q

Examples of sociologists using methodological pluralism/triangulation

A
  • Humphries in ‘Tea Room Trade’ used a combination of questionnaires, unstructured interviews and participant observation
  • Hobson’s (2000) research on teacher training courses used questionnaires to obtain the views of 300+ trainees, and supplemented this with interviews with 20 trainees and participant observation
  • Social Issues Research Centre in 2011, ‘The Changing Face of Motherhood’, used a review of data and official statistics 1930-2011, qualitative research through focus groups with mothers, interviews and an online quantitative survey
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6
Q

The uses of methodological pluralism and triangulation

A
  • provide qualitative data to back up the findings of quantitative data
  • provide quantitative data to back up the findings of qualitative data
  • check the findings of secondary data by primary research
  • overcome doubts about the representativeness and generalisability of research
  • make the research more reliable
  • build a fuller picture of the population or group being studied
  • overcome the limitations of one research method by the advantages of other methods
  • check the validity of findings
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7
Q

The stages of the research process

A
  1. Select the research problem or topic to be investigated
  2. State your aims (form a hypothesis or pose questions)
  3. Operationalise concepts
  4. Choose the most suitable research method (select suitable sampling techniques if survey)
  5. Ensure ethical guidelines are complied with
  6. Carry out a pilot study
  7. Carry out the research
  8. Analyse the results
  9. Prepare a report
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