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Research Methods: Theory and Method (METHOD RESEARCH (Social survey…
Research Methods: Theory and Method
POSITIVIST
Natural science, predictable, link human behaviour, can be directly observes, measured and controlled
(Durkheim: people treated as objects, measured, look at social forces/facts which shape and determine social actions of people)
P&T
social structure social forces/laws over people, little/no control, free will, individualism, ability choice, society more important than individuals, 'puppets of society' macro, effects whole groups (Functionalists, Marxists, Feminists)
Sociology as social science
behaviour human objectively & scientifically measured, adapt logic method, shape behaviour, hypotheductive approach, make observation, lead hypothesis, secondary data
Objectivity, value freedom, reliability, quantitive data
systematic, logical, replicable, test hypothesis, costly, large population, generalisations, numerical, value free, gov funded
VS INTERPRETIVISM
unsystematic, unstructured, bias, not replicale
SAMPLING PROCESS
(McNeil & Chapman)
Random
names out of hat, sampling frame
Systematic
no 1-10 go up in10s
Non Random
quota, variation: look for right person, purposive sample: fit nature of research, opportunity sample: hard gain access person, volunteer sampling, snowball sampling (ask one or topic)
Detecting bad
Piolet Studies
dress rehearsal ensure questions interpreted same way, not mislead
Respondent validation
bias detected, interpretation event, accuracy ensure daily interpreted/accurate
INTERPRETIVISM
(Weber: human behaviour is determined and shaped by social structure or social laws people have no control)
Primary research, reject idea humans objects, people active conscious beings free will, aware wars going on, choices not have a purpose
Meanings & Experiences
reject idea human behaviour determined shaped social structures, people no control, active creators, ability exercise choice, society socially constructed, come together choice creamy social event
Verstehen & empathy
explain social action need understand first see POV
Researcher Imposition
validity important not neglect subject
Rapport, qualitative data
ethnographic, understanding social behaviour, trusting relationships, 'verstehen' words clear understanding
Reflexivity
diaries, document trials, self evaluations
Third Way
: mixture both, closed and open questions
MAIN STAGES
Factors influencing choice of research topic
Social Problems:
social life cause :( or anxiety, sponsored by gov, social problem try and solve.
Sociological problem:
interests of society
Interest/Values Researcher:
feeling of injustice
Current Debates:
1970 gold rush feminism
Funding:
different
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
poverty
Runnymead Trust
ethnic minorities
Sutton Trust
education .
Access Research Subject
gatekeepers gains contact
Choice research method
Primary & Secondary Data, Theoretic Factors
choice method influence position,
Practical factors
cost
method/size team, living expenses travel etc.
time
funding increases longitudinal
subject matter
some areas more accesiable others
social characteristics researcher
team
BSI Ethics
1
aware happening,
2
no deception
3
privacy research topic
4
safeguard subject
5
protect harm
6
not illegal
7
not selves situation
METHOD RESEARCH
Social survey
systematic, quantitive, structured
longitudinal
over long period time, some drop out, undermine representation,
questionnaires
main method
Questionnaire
Design
variety question types: closed and open, self report type, straightforward.
AD:
larger representative sample, total if population disperse, not time consuming, cheaper
DIS
cab reply, low response, hard motivate, misinterpret reply
Interviews
manually video/tape, trasncupt expensive need good questioner, time consuming.
Sturctured
exist closed q, tick boxes, answer pre set
AD
flexibility, quick, better response rate
DIS
interview bias, tone and body language effect, measure what seen important, affected memory
Secondary Data
Official Data
numerical, ONS, Census
Unofficial Data
non-overmen sources
AD:
easy, cheap, up to date, contemporary picture, representative sample.
DIS
not represent complete picture, definitions differ
Media Products
analyse values, priorities,
AD
cheap, comparable, period time, quantitive
DIS
time consuming, out context, not personal
Ethnography
write about way of life, researcher insert served into natural setting of research group observe.
Informal
fuller picture 'lived experience'
Unstructured Interview
guided convo, informal
AD
qualitative, rapport, ease, give info
DIS
lot data hard break down, great volume
Group Interviews
better children, nhoonest, reassurance others, investigate dynamics
Focus Group
discuss issue guided convo, low interference
Semi structured
mix, closed and open questions, understand people
Observation
interest people, insight natural
Non Participant/ direct observation
researcher observe activity, detach, no active role, positivist
Participant observation
self immersing into situation.
overt
joins group ID is know
covert
group ID concealed
POS
verstehen, informal q,
NEG
unnatural, not context
MIXED METHOD
triangulation, mix
1
off department employment
2
local media
3
sociologist carry out q
4
unstructured interviews
5
direct observation