Understanding Society And Human Behavior Through Sociological Research Flashcards
Authority
Individuals that we regard as being in a position of power have taught us the majority of things. Information about certain topics is provided to us by parents,teachers, or physicians.
E.g. with religion is the Bible or Koran
Tradition
Many societies have folklore and oral histories that contain valuable insight and practical knowledge that is passed down through generations.
Personal experiences
Accumulate knowledge through our own direct experiences in daily life such as interactions with others and solving problems
Verifiable
Based on gathering quantifiable and validated data
Accurate
Provides a precise or accurate description of reality
Systematic
Based on a systematic approach or process for gathering information
Precise
A degree of measurement is referred to as measurable precision
Objective
Scientific knowledge is objective and is not affected by the researchers’ preferences. It eliminates personal bias.
Identifying the research topic
The first step to any research is to identify the research topic. This may involve reviewing existing literature, observing social phenomena to identify gaps within the field
Reviewing the literature
Researches conduct a review of existing literature and research relevant to the topic of their interest. This helps them to understand the theoretical frameworks, concepts, and methodologies that have been explored by other scholars in the field.
Formulating research objectives
Researchers formulate clear research objectives to guide their study
Formulating research objectives
Researchers formulate clear research objectives to guide their study
Preparing the research design
The conceptual structure within which the research is conducted. It tells us about the methods of data collection, tools of data collection, sampling, and analysis
Data collection
Gathering of empirical information. It can be done through the use of interviews, surveys, and through observation
Analysis of data
Processing of information collected through fieldwork. It may involve quantitative analysis of numerical data or quantitative analysis of textual data
Data presentation
Once data is analyzed, researchers present it
Reporting the findings
Writing the report is the last and most difficult step. The report informs the world what you have done and the conclusion you have drawn from your findings
Causality
Points to the way one factor leads to another outcome
Variable
Any characteristic or property that can vary
Independent variable
A variable that produces effect on the other variable
Dependent variable
Variable that is affected by the independent variable
Observations
Observing and documenting daily life, rituals, and practices to gain understanding of a group’s way of life.
Interviews
In-depth conversations between researchers and participants to explore their experiences, beliefs, and perspectives
Focus-groups
When a researcher is interested in group perspective, they make use of focus-group discussions
Expirements
Involve manipulating one or more variables in a controlled setting to test hypotheses and establish a causal relationship
Surveys
Involve collecting data from a sample of individuals through questionnaire with standardized questions
Basic research
Form of research conducted for the sake of gathering information
Applied research
A form of research conducted to find solutions to existing problems
Why is sociological research important
Sociological research helps us understand the complex social structures, patterns, and dynamics that shape human behavior and interactions. By studying social phenomena such as culture, inequality, institutions, and social change, sociologists can provide an insight onto how societies function and evolve overtime
