Positivism and quantitative research methods

?
  • Created by: Amy Leech
  • Created on: 04-04-13 16:04

The hypothetico-deductive method:

Positivists believe that the scientific tradition is the approach sociology must follow. They seek to follow the hypothetico-deductive research method: a series of steps providing what is regarded as the most scientific method of finding information. By following these steps, the sociologist has the best chance of generating accurate 'scientific' knowledge. 

These steps consist of: 

1) Background reading and personal experience - Through study and everyday observation the sociologist uncovers an area of interest

2) Formation of a hypothesis - The sociologist formulates a causal link between two events

3) Devising the appropriate form of study to isolate the key variables - This is usually some…

Comments

No comments have yet been made