Unit 1 - Theory and Methods

Question 1

Define Positivism

Answer 1

Sociological approach to research which uses scientific processes, using experiments to test hypothesises

Question 2

Define Interpretivism

Answer 2

individuals effect society

Sociological approach to research which tries to get into the minds of people they are observing. These types of sociologists believe individuals effect society and individual responses and behaviour are very important into understanding the bigger picture. They argue that there is a difference between the subject matter of sociology and natural science. Interpretivists prefer to use unstructured interviews and participant observation in uncovering data.

Question 3

Types of Sampling

Answer 3

• Stratified: Dividing into SUb-Categories and selecting one of each type. Allows for wide view
• Quota: Participants based on specific instructions
• Systematic: Follows a pattern
• Random: No set system
• Snowball: Desirable participants give names of further appropriate people
• Cluster Sampling: Certain areas are chosen

Question 4

Define Structuralism

Answer 4

• Focus on a macro scale
• Social structures over individuals
• Individuals play definite roles
• Social roles and actions are important

Structualist: Emile Durkheim; Published findings on suicide

Question 5

Methods used in Sociological investigations

Answer 5

• Questionaries
• Interviews
• Observation
• Content Analysis
• Triangulation

Question 6

Types of questionnaires

Answer 6

• Postal: Postal questionnaires are sent through the mail to people to answer. Quick but leads to fraud. Misunderstandings also can not be clarified with this method.
• Direct: Direct is a face to face questionnaire ;Hawthorne effect can occur as the respondent may be influenced by the researcher.
• Structured Interview: Personal questionnaires conducted as an interview. These have high response rates and misunderstandings can be clarified. These methods also make the respondent feel more comfortable so the respondent is more likely to open up. Although interviewer bias can still occur and this method is very costly and time consuming.

Question 7

Types of Interviews

Answer 7

• Structured: Pre-set questions which the researcher asks in a particular order. These have high response rates and can gather rich detailed, in depth answers. Clear Misunderstandings. Interviewer bias can occur, and set questions don’t allow the respondent to fully open up and feel comfortable.
• Unstructured: Do not have pre-set questions, Ask any question relating to a certain topic. Participants can freely talk about what’s important to them. More comfortable. And questions can be rephrased to clarify misunderstandings. However this method means that the interviewer can interpret their own answers in questions which can lead to bias and this is very time consuming so smaller samples must be used.

Question 8

Types of Observation

Answer 8

• Non participant: (fly on the wall) Researcher observes from a distance without taking an active part. This reduces the risk of Hawthorne effect. However if the participants are aware they are being observed, then Hawthorne effect can be increased. Does not fully understand the thoughts and feelings of the respondent.
• Participant: Taking an active part in the group you are studying. This (if covert) creates high validity data as taking part allows understanding of the groups behaviour. However the researcher might have to get involved in criminal behaviour in order to view some groups (unethical) and the research cannot be replicated therefore is an unscientific approach.
• Covert Secret observation – the respondent is unaware they are being watched. This allows sociologists access to groups that typically exclude outsides (gangs, criminals) and reduces Hawthorne effect (People changing their behaviour when they are aware they’re being studied) leading to more validity. However this method is difficult for the recording and asking of questions and answers.
• Overt Group is aware they are being watched/observed. This is good as it is ethical, there is no deception involved as well as qualitative data can be gained. However this is time consuming, costly and observer effect can occur.

Question 9

Define Content Analysis

Answer 9

Content analysis is a research method used specifically to study the content of documents and the mass media such as books, magazines, websites, blogs, documentary and films. This method is reliable and provides information about the content of media in statistical form.

Question 10

Triangulation

Answer 10

When the researcher decides to use a variety of research methods . this may include the use of observation and interview in a research project. One major disadvantage of this method is that the researcher must be skilled in the usage of several research methods

Question 11

Types of Questionaires

Answer 11

• Open questions: Questions which allow the respondent to freely write their thoughts and opinions. Its major aim is to produce qualitative data
• Closed questions: Have fixed responses for the respondent to pick from which limits the responses that can be given; Quantitative Data