Positivism

Positivism

1. Methods

   • Questionares
   • Closed questions
   • Non-participant observation
   • Structured observation
   • Content analysis
   • Official Statistics

2. Quantitative data

   • Shown through statistics and numbers
   • Disadvantages
     • Not usually valid
     • Not meaningful
   • Advantages
     • Can be compared easily
     • It is reliable
     • Usually representative

3. Rely on scientific evidence

   • Remain objective and value free
     • Neutral

4. Durkheim's study of suicide

   • Rates remain constant and predictable
   • Constant between societies
   • Constant between social groups
   • The rate of suicide is a social fact due to social causes