Choose Topic

Choose Topic

1. Determine aim/hypothesis

   • Operationalise concepts
     • Conduct pilot study
       • Select Sample
         • Decide whether face to face, postal etc.
           • Conduct Survey
             • Analyse Data
         • A sample is a smaller sub-group drawn from the wider group that we are interested in
         • A sampling frame is a list of all the members of the population we are interested in studying.
     • The process of converting a concept into something measureable is called ‘operationalisation’.
   • An aim was what the sociologist intends to study and hopes to achieve when carrying out the research. Often the aim is to collect data on a particular topic.
   • A hypothesis is a more specific aim, it is a possible explanation that can be tested by collecting evidence to prove it true or false.
     • A hypothesis is that it gives direction to our research. It gives a focus to the questions asked since their purpose it to gather information that will either prove (confirm) or disprove the hypothesis.

2. Sociologists use surveys to study a wide variety of issues