PRACTICAL METHODS

PRACTICAL METHODS

1. TIME AND MONEY

   • Different methods = different amounts of time and money, large scale surveys = may employ many people = shorter but more expensive, small scale project with lone-researcher = cheaper but longer

2. SUBJECT MATTER

3. REQUIREMENTS OF FUNDING BODIES

   • research institutes, businesses or organisations that provide funding may want the research results in a particular form e.g. if funding for research on educational achievement, the business/institute may require results in a quantitative form like a questionnaire or structured interviews

4. PERSONAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

   • each sociologist has different personal skills which will affect ability to carry out certain methods e.g. participant observation requires a good communication ability, some sociologists might struggle with PO and may opt for another method

5. RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES