Types of Research in Sociology 1 Positivist Sociology

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Types of Research in Sociology 1. Positivist Sociology – Based upon scientific observation –

Types of Research in Sociology 1. Positivist Sociology – Based upon scientific observation – Empirical evidence objective 2. Interpretive Sociology – Focused upon the meaning people attach to their social world – Verstahen…… 3. Critical Sociology – Focused on need for social change – Emphasizes social activism – Rejects idea of value free sociology

Weber’s Concept of Verstehen Interpretive sociologist’s role German word for “understanding” • Observe what

Weber’s Concept of Verstehen Interpretive sociologist’s role German word for “understanding” • Observe what people do • Share in their world of meaning • Appreciate why they act as they do

Summing Up

Summing Up

Sociological Research Methods • Research methods…. the scientific procedures sociologists use to conduct research

Sociological Research Methods • Research methods…. the scientific procedures sociologists use to conduct research and develop knowledge about a particular topic • Sociologists use a variety of research methods – Quantitative data refers to data based on numbers – Qualitative data that is non-numeric form (words, pictures)

Basic steps of social research 1. Select a topic 2. Define the problem 3.

Basic steps of social research 1. Select a topic 2. Define the problem 3. Review the literature 1. Literature review …. Study of existing research on topic 4. Formulate a hypothesis 1. … what will data show? 5. 6. 7. 8. Choose a research method Collecting the data Analyze the results Share the results

1 st consideration - objectivity – Objectivity the ability to conduct research without the

1 st consideration - objectivity – Objectivity the ability to conduct research without the influence of personal bias or prejudices • Personal neutrality – Value-free sociology – neutral and dedicated to finding the truth as it is. – Validity

Research Methods: Four main methods of sociological investigation • experiments • surveys • Fieldwork

Research Methods: Four main methods of sociological investigation • experiments • surveys • Fieldwork and participant observation • Analysis of existing sources.

experiments • Research method for determining cause and effect under controlled conditions • Use

experiments • Research method for determining cause and effect under controlled conditions • Use variables…. . Any measurable condition, event, characteristic, or behaviors - controlled or observed in a study • Use variables for measurement …procedure for determining value of variable • Shows relationship between two variables • Operationalization Research variables that are clearly defined so that they may be concretely measured.

Correlation is NOT Causation Cause and effect • Relationship in which (or more) variables

Correlation is NOT Causation Cause and effect • Relationship in which (or more) variables change in one variable together causes change in • An indication of a another Correlation • Relationship in which two relationship between variables.

Correlation • an indication that one factor might be the cause for another factor

Correlation • an indication that one factor might be the cause for another factor – Positive correlation variables move in same direction – Negative correlation variables move in opposite directions – Spurious correlation two variables appear to be related - actually have a different cause

Critical terms in sociological research • In sociological research one uses variables – Independent

Critical terms in sociological research • In sociological research one uses variables – Independent variables …. are deliberately manipulated in an experiment. – Dependent variables …. the response to the manipulated variable – Control variables … variables kept constant to accurately test the impact of an independent variable

Steps of the Experiment State which variable is the independent variable and which is

Steps of the Experiment State which variable is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable Measure the initial value of the dependent variable Measure the dependent variable again to see what change, if any, took place. If the expected change took place, the experiment supports the hypothesis; if not, the hypothesis must be modified. Expose the dependent variable to the independent variable (the “cause” or “treatment”)

Survey • survey an investigation of the opinions or experience of a group of

Survey • survey an investigation of the opinions or experience of a group of people by asking questions – Questionnaires and interview (questions face to face) – Usually targeted at particular populations – Questions • neutral • Open ended • Close ended

 • population…. . target groups from which researchers want to get information •

• population…. . target groups from which researchers want to get information • representative Sample…. representative of population • random Sample…chosen arbitrarily from pop

Observation or field research • Field research is research conducted in a natural setting

Observation or field research • Field research is research conducted in a natural setting • Ethnography…studying people in their own environment in order to understand the meanings they attribute to their activities. A firsthand, description of a living culture, based on personal observation. – Participant observation …. research where the observers act as person normally in the setting – Case Studies investigation of one person or event in detail

Existing Sources Analysis of data that has been previously collected and published Newspapers, books,

Existing Sources Analysis of data that has been previously collected and published Newspapers, books, public records, media, social media Census data Other demographic data

Using Available Data: Existing Sources Sociologists make use of existing sources of data. Weakness

Using Available Data: Existing Sources Sociologists make use of existing sources of data. Weakness • U. S. Census Bureau • United Nations • World Bank • Data form incompatibility • Data accuracy

Research Ethics Sociologists must be aware that research can harm as well as help

Research Ethics Sociologists must be aware that research can harm as well as help subjects and communities. American Sociological Association • Established formal guidelines for conducting research

Ethics in research Ethics a system of values or principles that guide one’s behavior

Ethics in research Ethics a system of values or principles that guide one’s behavior – – Get consent of subjects – treat subjects with respect – Exhibit integrity – Follow professional principles – Let subjects know they may cease participation at any time.

Evaluating and Sharing Data • Evaluating and interpreting data are important parts of conducting

Evaluating and Sharing Data • Evaluating and interpreting data are important parts of conducting research. • important to accurately interpret and share data you collect so others can interpret your results