Research Methods

What the page covers

This unit page brings together material on how sociologists collect and judge evidence. The mind map titled Research Methods sets out the basics: secondary and qualitative data, quantitative data in numerical form, and why Positivist sociologists prefer numbers that show trends and patterns. Other maps and flashcard decks go method by method, including questionnaires, structured and unstructured interviews, participant observation, laboratory experiments and official statistics.

Where to start

Begin with the Research Methods mind map for the overall picture. Then open the Practical, Ethical and Theoretical Issues mind map, which explains the logistics, moral questions and theory behind choosing a method. The flashcard decks on factors influencing the choice of method follow the same three headings, so they work well as a second pass.

Using quizzes and maps together

1. Read a mind map on one method, such as Questionnaires.
2. Take the quiz Sociological Research Methods, which asks about the advantages and disadvantages of a questionnaire.
3. Check your misses against the map, then test yourself again with Choosing a research method.

For observation, pair the flashcards on participant observation with the quiz PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION and the maps comparing overt and covert approaches.

Theory and debate

Methods are tied to ideas about science. Positivism, Interpretivism and Value Freedom Debate explain why some researchers favour numbers and detachment while others favour depth and meaning. The map Sociology, Objectivity & Values covers whether values can be kept out of research. Several resources also use education as the setting, such as the flashcards titled Researching Education.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the Sociological Theory and Methods strand of Sociology. Choose one method today, work through its map and quiz, and then add your own notes or flashcards for the gaps you find.