Two Sociologies - Methodology

Question 1

Who suggested that there are two sociologies?

Answer 1

Halfpenny

Question 2

What are the two sociologies?

Answer 2

1) (Positivism) based on scientific methodology - quantitative data
2) (Interpretivism) based on interpretivist methodology - using qualitative data

Question 3

How does Pawson reject the idea of two sociologies?

Answer 3

Claims it is a ‘methodological myth’ - gives a false pictures of the relationship between theory and methods:
there is a whole range of different views, assumptions and methodologies

Question 4

How do Dobash and Dobash demonstrate Pawson’s ideas?

Answer 4

Their main focus was unstructured interviews but they also asked women in their sample structured questions
= gave them quantifiable data higher in reliability which enabled them to identify trends and isolate variables

Question 5

What is triangulation?

Answer 5

Using more than one method to check the accuracy of your data

Question 6

What are 2 strengths of triangulation?

Answer 6

• Helps us understand complex situations

- Data from one method can be used to check against another

Question 7

What are 2 weaknesses of triangulation?

Answer 7

• Limited confidence in using alternative methods
• Theoretical bias - those who want ‘objective’ or scientific data may have a negative view of ethnographers and vice versa

Question 8

What is methodological pluralism?

Answer 8

Choosing to use more than one method in order to build up a fuller picture: often positive and interpretivist methods

Question 9

What are 2 strengths of methodological pluralism?

Answer 9

• Can produce a study which is both valid and reliable

- Able to check findings of each method with other methods

Question 10

What are 2 weaknesses of methodological pluralism?

Answer 10

• Time-consuming + costly

- Requires a greater range of skills, may require more training

Question 11

Was Eileen Barker’s study triangulation or methodological pluralism?

Answer 11

Methodological pluralism

Question 12

Was Laud Humphreys’ study triangulation or methodological pluralism?

Answer 12

Triangulation

Question 13

Was Oakely’s study triangulation or methodological pluralism?

Answer 13

Triangulation

Question 14

Why is it useful to combine quantitative and qualitative data?

Answer 14

Allows you to study sensitive topics to gain valid data but quantitative data can then be useful to help to develop social policy and introduce social change
= what Dobash and Dobash did