Chapter 2 Doing Sociology Research Methods Chapter Outline

Chapter 2 Doing Sociology: Research Methods

Chapter Outline § § § The Research Process Objectivity in Sociological Research Ethical Issues in Sociological Research

Two Main Goals of Science § § To describe in detail particular things or events. To propose and test theories that help us understand these things or events.

The Research Process Step 1. Define the problem. 2. Review previous research. Typical Questions What is the purpose of the study? What information is needed? How will the information be used? What studies have been done on this topic? Do we need more information? From what perspective should we approach this issue?

The Research Process Step Typical Questions What are the independent and dependent variables and what is 3. Develop their relationship? hypotheses. What types of questions do we need to answer? Can we use existing data? 4. Determine What will we measure or the research observe? design. What research methods should we use?

The Research Process Step Typical Questions Are we interested in a specific 5. Define the population? sample and How large should the sample be? collect data. How long will it take to gather the data?

The Research Process Step Typical Questions What statistical techniques will we use? 6. Analyze Have our hypotheses been data and proved or disproved? draw Is our information valid and conclusions. reliable? What are the implications of our study?

The Research Process Step 7. Prepare the research report. Typical Questions Who will read the report? What is their level of familiarity with the subject? How should we structure the report?

Goals of Research Design § § Provide for the collection of all necessary and sufficient data to test the stated hypotheses. Guard against the collection of unnecessary information, which can lead to a waste of time and money.

Question § If you possessed the money, skill, and other necessary resources, in which one area would you like to conduct research? A. Racial profiling B. The cause(s) of sexual orientation C. Sexual assault and abuse D. The effects of divorce on children

Research Methods Used by Sociologists § § Surveys Participant observation Experiments Secondary analysis

Surveys § § Used to discover the distribution of certain variables among large numbers of people. Usually deals with large numbers of subjects in a relatively short time.

Participant Observation § § § Used to study relatively small groups over an extended period of time. Goal is to observe individual and group behavior, and interview selected informants. Success depends on the relationship that develops between the researchers and research participants.

Question § Which of the following is a research method in which a population or sample is questioned in order to reveal specific facts about itself? A. surveys B. participant observation C. experiments D. secondary analysis

Answer: A § A survey is a research method in which a population or sample is questioned in order to reveal specific facts about itself.

Question § In which of the following research methods does the researcher attempt to get to know all the members of the group being studied to whatever degree possible? A. surveys B. participant observation C. experiments D. secondary analysis

Answer: B § In participant observation the researcher attempts to get to know all the members of the group being studied to whatever degree possible.

Objectivity in Sociological Research Three factors that impose values on research: 1. The scientific tradition within which the scientist is educated. 2. Cultural, social, economic, and political environment within which the scientist engages in research. 3. Scientist’s temperament, inclinations, interests, concerns, and experiences.

Question § A university asks you to participate in an interview asking specific questions about your cheating attitudes, experiences, and behaviors. The researchers assure you confidentiality. How likely are you to agree to the interview? A. Very likely B. Somewhat likely C. Unsure D. Somewhat unlikely E. Very unlikely

Advantages and Disadvantages of Research Methods Method Social survey Advantages Disadvantages Large numbers can Respondents may give be surveyed. false information. Comparisons can be Answers may not fit the made among groups. standardized categories. Measures can be There may be a low taken at different response rate. points.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Research Methods Method Advantages Disadvantages Participant People are observed observation in their “natural” Findings are subject to environment. researcher bias. Provides an in-depth Researcher may have understanding. an influence on the Hypotheses can be subjects. developed and The results may be changed as research difficult to replicate. progresses

Advantages and Disadvantages of Research Methods Method Experiment Advantages Variables can be isolated and controlled. Cause-and-effect relationships can be found. Easy to replicate Disadvantages Laboratory setting creates an artificial environment. Study has to be limited to a few variables.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Research Methods Method Secondary analysis Advantages Disadvantages Useful for analyzing The data may be historical and flawed. longitudinal data. Data may not be Saves time and suitable for the current money involved in study. doing a new study.

How to Read a Table 1. 2. 3. Read the title. The title tells you the subject of the table. Check the source. Knowing the source of a table can help you decide whether the information it contains is reliable and recent. Look for headnotes. Many tables contain headnotes directly below the title. These may explain how the data were collected, why certain variables were studied, why the data are presented in a particular way, etc.

How to Read a Table 4. 5. 6. Look for footnotes. Many tables contain footnotes that explain limitations surrounding certain data. Read the labels or headings for each row and column. Examine the data.

How to Read a Table 7. 8. 9. Compare the data in the table horizontally and vertically. Draw conclusions. After examining the data in the table, you might conclude that a person born in a relatively developed country (Canada, Japan, Spain, United States) is likely to live much longer than is someone born in a poorer nation (Afghanistan, India, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe). Pose new questions. The conclusions you reach might well lead to new questions that could prompt further research.

Ethical Issues in Sociological Research § Gans discussed three ethical dilemmas for the researcher. § The degree of “permissible risk, pain, or harm. ” § The extent to which subjects should be deceived in a study. § The “disclosure of confidential or personally harmful information. ”

Quick Quiz

1. The first step in the research process is to: A. define the problem. B. review previous research. C. define the sample. D. analyze and interpret the data.

Answer: A § The first step in the research process is to define the problem.

2. A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables is: A. a concept. B. a guess. C. an hypothesis. D. a statement of causality.

Answer: C § A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables is an hypothesis.

3. A researcher who joins Alcoholics Anonymous for the purpose of doing an in-depth study of the members would be using: A. an experiment. B. secondary analysis. C. a survey. D. participant observation.

Answer: D § A researcher who joins Alcoholics Anonymous for the purpose of doing an in-depth study of the members would be using participant observation.

4. The particular subset of a population chosen for the study is referred to as a/the _________.

Answer: sample § The particular subset of a population chosen for the study is referred to as a sample.