Key Research Methods Concepts

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Intro

1. Define Method.

2. Give examples.

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Aim

What you intend to study.

E.g. To see if material deprivation affects exam results.

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Hypothesis

A prediction that can be tested.

E.g. Material deprivation depresses exam achievement.

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Operationalisation

The process by which a sociologist defines or measures key variables in a study.

E.g. Social class may be measured in terms of occupational status.

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Pilot Study

A trial study on a small sample. It aims to identify any problems with the research process.

E.g. Problems understanding questions in an interview, checking the usefulness of an observation schedule.

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Sample

A sample is a small grooup of participants selected from a target population.

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Sampling Frame

A list of people from which a sample will be drawn.

E.g. The electoral register.

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Sampling

The process by which a sample is selected.

E.g. Random, stratified or opportunity sampling.

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Primary Data

Information collected first hand by the sociologist themselves.

E.g. From social surveys.

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Secondary Data

Information that has been collected or created by someone else.

E.g. From Official Statistics.

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Quantitative Data

Information of a numerical kind.

E.g. Official Statistics.

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Qualitative Data

Information that is in-depth and in a written form. It aims to give a feel for what something is like.

E.g. Personal Documents.

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Triangulation

Where sociologists use two or more methods. This is often a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods so as to gain reliabilty and validity in findings.

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Positivism

A philosophical view that belives that sociology can and should be a science. They adopt a quanitiative approach.

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Positivism

A philosophical view that belives that sociology can and should be a science. They adopt a quanitiative approach.

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Interpretivists (Anti-Positivist)

 A philosophical view that believes that sociology cannot and should not be a science. They adopt a qualitative approach.

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Validity

The extent to which the results of reserach present a true or authentic picture of what is being studied - 'mirrors' reality.

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Reliability

The extend to which results stand up to re-testing. Research is relaible if when replicated/repeated (under similar conditions) the same or consistent results are achieved. This is achieved by tight control over variables and using standardised procedures.

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Objectivity

The extent to which reserach is free from personal bias or opinion.Th researcher will remain detached or neutral in terms of judgement, without the influence of personal interpretation or emotion.

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Subjectivity

The extent to which reserach contains an individual's personal views and opinions about the subject of the research method.

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Representativeness

Refers to whether or not the poeple we study are a typical cross-section of the group we are interested in.

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Practical Issues

Factors that can potentially create obstacles or problems in carrying out reserach.

E.g. Time, money, characteristics of the reseracher and access.

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Practical Issues

Factors that can potentially create obstacles or problems in carrying out reserach.

E.g. Time, money, characteristics of the reseracher and access.

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Practical Issues

Factors that can potentially create obstacles or problems in carrying out reserach.

E.g. Time, money, characteristics of the reseracher and access.

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Ethics

Matters related to moral issues of right and wrong when carrying out research. 

E.g. Informed consent, confidentiality and protection from harm.

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Conclusion

1. Is the method low or high in reliability and validity? Connect to positivism/interpretivism.

2. Explain what kind of research topic/issue/group of people the method might be used for, illustrating with actual research.

3. Make a comparison with another method.

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