RESEARCH METHODS Week Three Sociology 1301 Introduction to

RESEARCH METHODS Week Three Sociology 1301: Introduction to Sociology

3 Ways to Do Sociology Positivist Sociology: the study of society based on systemic observation of social behavior Interpretive Sociology: the study of society that focuses on the meanings people attach to their social world Critical Sociology: the study of society that focuses on the need for social change

Positivist Sociology - Limitations Humans are too complex Research Effect Researcher Bias Social Patterns Vary

Interpretive Sociology Does not reject science – changes focus Differs from Positivism: Positivist Sociology Interpretive Sociology Focus Actions – what can be observed How people understanding their actions Claims An objective reality exists Reality is subjective Favored Method Quantitative Qualitative Favored Location Laboratory Real world

Critical Sociology Not: How does society work? But: Should society work the way it does currently? Does not reject scientific method – just the push for objective observers

Research Methods Experiment Survey � Questionnaire � Interview Participant Observation Content Analysis Measurement: � Quantitative � Qualitative

Research Process Deductive Approach Inductive Approach Theory Hypothesis

Operationalization Concept: a mental construct that represents some part of the world in a simplified form � Population � Sample Research Must-Haves � Generalizability � Reliability � Validity � Replicability

Variables & Relationships Independent Variable Dependent Variable Potential Relationships � Correlation � Causation � Spurious Correlation Moderating Variables Mediating Variables

Potential Relationships Between Variables Using the example of the relationship between socioeconomic status and education.

Ethical Considerations Do No Harm Informed Consent Voluntary Participation Protected Populations Protect Privacy Indicate Funding Sources Go Through an IRB

References Conley, D. (2008). You may ask yourself: An introduction to thinking like a sociologist. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. Macionis, J. J. (2010). SOC 100: Sociology: 2011 custom edition (13 th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Custom Publishing.