Mind map about one sociological theory

Mind map about one sociological theory

1. Method

   • Experiments
     • Advantages
       • Exellent for studying cause-and-effect relationships
     • Disadvantages
       • Based on small, nonrepresentative samples examined under highly artificial circumstances. Many subjects cannot be ethically studied through experiments.
   • Surveys
     • Advantages
       • Very versatile-can study anything that we can ask about; can be done with large, random samples so that results represent many people; good for studying incidence, trends, and differentials.
     • Disadvantages
       • Subject to social-desirability bias. Better for studying individuals than for studying social contexts, processes, or meaning.
   • Participant Observation
     • Advantages
       • Places behaviors and attitudes in context. Shows what people do rather than what they say they do.
     • Disadvantages
       • Limited to small, nonrepresentative samples. Relies on interpretation by single researcher.
   • Content Analysis
     • Advantages
       • Inexpensive. Useful for historical Only useful with recorded comresearch. Researcher does not munications. Relies on researchaffect data.
     • Disadvantages
       • Only useful with recorded communications. Relies on researchers interpretations, but mu;tiple resesarchers can compare their conclusions.
   • Use of Existing Statistics
     • Advantages
       • Inexpensive. Useful for historical research. Researcher does not affect data.
     • Disadvantages
       • Limited to available data: cannot collect data to fit research questions.

2. Positivism and Interpretivism

   • Positivism - macro, quantitativa, 'objective'
   • Interpretivism - micro, qualitative, subjective

3. Quantitative methods try to measure social phenomena and will use mathematical models and, often, statistical analysis to explain them

4. Qualitative methods attempt to gather detailed, rich data allowing for an in-depth understanding of individual action in the context of social life.

5. Three types of questionnaire

   • Standardized
     • a standardized, or fixed-choice, set of questions, to which only a fixed range of responses is possible '. Yes / No / Don't know' or' Very likely / Likely / Unlikely / Very unlikely'.
   • Open-ended
     • respondents have more opportunity to express their views in their own words. typically provide more detailed information than standardized ones.
   • Semistructured
     • presents some standardized questions - the data from which may be analysed statistically later includes interview prompts for more in-depth answers

6. Research Method

   • Practical factors
     • Access
     • Resources
     • Personal skills and characteristics
   • Ethical factors
     • Confidentiality
     • Gaining informed consent
     • Protection from harm
   • Theoretical Factors
     • Structural theories
     • Action theories