TYPES AND SOURCES OF DATA

  • Sociologists develop theories: general explanations of patterns of social life.behaviour. But need to test to see if true or false. Therefore need evidence.
  • Sociologists use various methods and sources of data to collect evidence. Can classify into: primary/secondary or quantitative/qualitative.
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Primary Data

Information collected by sociologists themselves for own purposes.

Examples:

  • Social Surveys using written questionnaires or interveiws
  • Experiments to test hypotheses
  • Participant Observation to obtain insight into a group's way of life

Advantages:

  • Can gather precise information needed for own purposes

Disadvantages:

  • May not be able to gather it themselves
  • Often costly and/or time-comsuming
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Secondary Data

Information collected or created by someone else for own purposes, but which sociologists make use of.


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