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Research Methods

The document outlines various sociological research methods, including positivism and subjectivism, as well as types of data collection such as primary and secondary data. It discusses different sampling techniques, questionnaire types, and interview formats, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it covers observational methods, including participant and non-participant observation, and the implications of the Hawthorne effect on research validity.

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2 views3 pages

Research Methods

The document outlines various sociological research methods, including positivism and subjectivism, as well as types of data collection such as primary and secondary data. It discusses different sampling techniques, questionnaire types, and interview formats, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it covers observational methods, including participant and non-participant observation, and the implications of the Hawthorne effect on research validity.

Uploaded by

lawrenceugwuoke73
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Research Methods

Sociologist perspectives:

 Positivism: Is a sociological approach to research which uses scientific


processes, using experiments to test hypothesises. e.g. giving people
situations and observing their responses, also gathering statistics, using
surveys and historical sources are all methods used.
 Subjectivism: Is a 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.

Longitudinal studies: Studies that are carried out over a long period of time.

Primary Data: Data collected first hand by researchers in methods such as surveys,
interviews and observations.

Secondary Data: Data already collected by a researcher in methods such as official


statistics, reports and historical documents.

Qualitative: Is research presented in the form of words


Quantitative: Is research presented and collected in statistical formation

Validity:Refers to whether the findings accurately reflect the reality they are
describing.
Reliability:Refers to whether the findings can be checked by another researcher.
Hawthorne effect: People changing their behaviour when they are aware they're
being studied (interviewer bias)

Different types of Sampling:


1. Stratified Dividing groups into subcategories (ethnicity, age, etc.) and
selecting one of each type. This sampling method is good as it shows a
representative point of view from different groups in society, however this
method is time consuming.
2. Quota: The researcher picks participants until they reach the number of
people they need (ie. their quota) This is good as it is quick and easy,
however bias can occur and not everyone has a fair chance of being
selected.
3. Systematic: When the researcher uses a system where they select say
every 10th person to participate in their research. This is a useful
sampling method as participants will be a cross section of population so
more representative however at the same time, the area may not consist
of different groups of people leading to less representative data.
4. Random: Choosing any person with no set system.
5. Snowball: Respondents with desirable traits give names of further
appropriate people. This is good as it is useful for contact with certain hard
to reach groups (gangs) however it is very time consuming so only small
samples are used
Questionnaires (favoured by positivists)
Open questions: Questions which allow the respondent to freely write their thoughts
and opinions.
Closed questions: Have fixed responses for the respondent to pick from.
Pilot study: A preliminary study designed to identify any problems before the real
research is conducted.

There are three types of questionnaires...


Postal:Postal questionnaires are sent through the mail to people to answer. This
method is good as they are quick to distribute so it is easy to send them to many
people for representative sample and saves time. However people may not send
them back or may take it as a joke and therefore fill it out incorrectly which can
make the research invalid. Misunderstandings also can not be clarified with this
method.
Direct:Direct is a face to face questionnaire conducted on the stop. This is good
because everyone who receives it fills it out and it is also cheap and easy to analyse.
This method is also useful as misunderstandings can be clarified. However
Hawthorne effect can occur as the respondent may be influenced by the researcher.
Interview: Are 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.

Interviews (favoured by positivists)


 Structured: Have pre-set questions which the researcher asks in a
particular order. These have high response rates and can gather rich
detailed, in depth answers. Interviews are also useful as the researcher
can rephrase questions to clarify misunderstandings and everyone
answers the same questions so this makes data easier to analyse and
comprehend. However 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, the interviewer will just ask
any question relating to a certain topic. This has many advantages such as
participants can freely talk about what's important to them. Because they
are less formal the respondent will feel 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.

Observation:
 Non participant: (fly on the wall) Researcher observes from a distance
without taking an active part. This reduces the risk of Hawthorne effect
due to little interaction and allows the researcher to directly watch how
the respondent behaves. However if the participants are aware they are
being observed, then Hawthorne effect can be increased. Also by not
taking part the researcher 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 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

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