research methods: Sociological approach

-Sociologists use both realiability and validity in order to evaluate the quality of their evidence-

Representativeness- characteristics of any sample used in relation to target population being studied- often difficult to draw a meaningful generalisation if the characterisations in the proportion aren't the same-

Generalisation- important process allowing findings from the sample to be seen as typical by the  groups being studied and possibly wider society.

Quantitative data

• Sociologists of the 19th century modelled research  on the methods of natural sciences
• - POSITIVISM - argued only study observable…