Research Methods

Research Methods

1. Positivism

   • scientific
   • test hypotheses
   • reliability
     • if a study can be replicated
   • objectivity
     • Neutral, no bias
   • representativeness
     • whether sample is typical of wider group
   • generalisability
     • if data is representative, can generalise to whole population
   • quantitative data
     • numerical data (graphs, tables)
     • patterns and trends
   • validity
     • true picture of what's being studied

2. Interpretivists

   • Max Weber - distinction between sociology and neutral sciences
   • meanings
     • people choose to come into groups for a reason - studied in terms of thoughts and feelings
   • verstehen
     • empathetic understanding of human behaviour
   • researcher imposition
     • interpretivists say positivists do this (researcher imposes own views)
   • rapport
     • trusting relationship with those being studied
   • subjective
     • perspective of subjects, how people feel
   • qualitative data
     • primary research methods, in depth, secondary data

3. Social problems

   • moral panics, crime etc
   • government commisioned

4. sociological problem

   • aspects of social life
   • e.g. marriage and divorce

5. funding and access

   • impact choice of topic
   • charity funded
   • economic and social research council
   • think tanks
   • government funded