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Designing a research project - Coggle Diagram
Designing a research project
Primary data
Information which was not present before the research began
generated by the researcher during the actual process of research. Eg. questionnaires, interviews and observations
Secondary data
Information which already exists. Eg. historical records, statistics, reports, diaries, newspapers, films
Quantitative data
data in the form of numbers
Eg. statistics on crime, unemployment and marriage
useful for measuring the strength of possible relationships between various factors eg. ethnicity and educational attainment
Qualitative data
all types of data that are not in the form of numbers
Eg. observations, quotes, written sources, pictures, interviews.
data can often provide a richer and more in depth picture of social life than numbers
Validity
data are valid if they present a true and accurate description or measurement
Reliability
data are reliable when different researchers using the same methods obtain the same results
repeatable
Factors to consider when choosing a topic
Funding
charities etc
choice of topic could be shaped by funding
Values and interests of researcher
what they find important is influenced by values
reflects their interests- bias
Access to data
permission needed for some data eg. hospitals
public places are easier
Theoretical position
topic influenced by theoretical position of researcher eg. Marxists focus on class inequality
Practical issues to consider
people being studied
some methods more suitable for certain groups for gaining info
safety
must be aware of emotional and physical dangers
Time
time limits
ethics
people should be made aware they are being studied
Money
amount available can affect study
characteristics of researcher
age, gender, ethnicity and class must be considered
women may be more likely to open up to other women
may be harder to gain access to certain groups with particular characteristics
pilot studies
small scale study to test
questions can be tried out to make sure they are understood by and make sense to the research participants
may identify the concerns and priorities of the participants, which should be included in the questionnaire.
objectivity
try to prevent their values, political views, religious beliefs and prejudices from influencing their research
Many researchers believe that a value free sociology is not possible
Positivism vs interpretivism
positivism
Comte (1798-1857)
human behaviour can be measured and quantified just like matter in the natural sciences
favours quantitative data
measure behaviour by presenting it in the form of numbers
generalisation about human behaviour
Interpretivism
argue that understanding human behaviour involves seeing the world through the eyes of those being studied
To understand their behaviour it is essential to discover the meanings and definitions which guide their actions
interpret meanings and definitions of the situations
Many see participant observations as one of the best ways to discover meanings
qualitative data- richer and more meaningful
Ethics
Informed consent
those they are studying should be given the opportunity to agree or to refuse to participate in research
This decision should be informed- information must be made available on which to base a decision to participate or not
Researchers should provide information about the aims of the research, what the conduct of the research involves and the purpose to which the research findings will be put
Deception
Information may be withheld from participants or they may be given false information
They may be unaware they are participating in a study
Participants cannot give informed consent of they are deceived
Privacy
most research intrudes into people's lives
They may be unaware of the extent of the intrusion - they may see this an an invasion of privacy
In relaxed areas, participants may reveal private matters which they may regret later
Confidentiality
identity of research participants should be kept secret
It has been argued that when people in powerful positions misuse their power, then there may be a case for naming names
Protection from harm
participants should be protected from both physical and psychological harm
Particular care should be taken to protect members of vulnerable groups eg. victims of domestic abuse
Exeptions
in certain instances ethical guidelines should not be followed
Eg. deception in a study for child abuse may be acceptable if it brings the abusers to justice