A Level Sociology - Methodology - Choosing a Method

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  • Created by: lc_x
  • Created on: 21-01-18 19:10
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  • Methodology Topic One -Choosing a Method
    • Personal Skills
      • If sociologists/researchers don't have the right qualities, it will affect their ability to use certain methods
  • Theoretical Issues
    • Validity
      • Need to be sure that your information is completely accurate if you are going to use it Must get as close as possible to the truth - your information must be valid
        • According to interpretivists, participant observation is the best way to do this as info is seen as honest and therefore valid.
    • Reliability
      • You must be able to reproduce your results to make sure they are valid.
        • Hard to do in sociology as results can change over time.
    • Representativeness
      • Need to make sure that the group you are studying are fairly represented to make it fair.
    • Methodological Perspective
      • Your choice of method is heavily effected by your own opinions.
        • There are two types: Positivist and Interpretativists
          • Positivists prefer quantitative methods and look for patterns of behaviour, seeing sociology as a natural science.
            • Interpretativists prefer qualitative methods and try to understand meanings of social actors, rejecting how sociology is a natural science.
          • Interpretativists prefer qualitative methods and try to understand meanings of social actors, rejecting how sociology is a natural science.
    • Methodology Topic One -Choosing a Method
      • Personal Skills
        • If sociologists/researchers don't have the right qualities, it will affect their ability to use certain methods

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