Download Sociological Research

Sociology
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Sociology is a science because it uses the
same techniques as other sciences
Explaining social phenomena is what
sociological theory is all about
1. Descriptive studies
designed to find out what is happening to whom, where, and
when.
2. Explanatory studies
answer the questions why and how.
What is the
Scientific Method?
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Systematic, organized
series of steps that
ensures maximum
objectivity and
consistency in
researching a problem
Scientific Method?
Defining the Problem
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State as clearly as possible what you hope to investigate
Operational Definition: explanation of abstract concept that is
specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the concept
Reviewing the Literature
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Refines the problem under study
Helps us decide what questions to ask.
Formulate a Hypothesis
 A tentative assumption.
 A statement that speculates the relationship between two or more
variables.
 Variable - A trait or characteristic that is subject to change under
different conditions.
Types of Variables
 Independent variable: variable
hypothesized to cause or influence another
 Dependent variable: action depends on the
influence of the independent variable to affect
its action
What is the Scientific Method?
Causal Logic: Involves relationships between a condition or variable
and a particular consequence, with one event leading to the other
 Correlation does not necessarily indicate causation.
 correlations not based on causal connections are called spurious
correlations
Correlation is when a change in one variables is associated in some way
with a change in another variable.
Positive versus Negative Correlations
Collecting Data: Selecting the Sample
Research Design
 Detailed plan or
method for obtaining
data scientifically
 Sample: selection from a larger population that is statistically
typical of that population
 Random Sample: when every member of an entire population
has the same chance of being selected
Surveys
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Study, generally in form of an interview or
questionnaire, that provide sociologists with
information about how people act or think
Interview
researcher obtains
information through faceto-face or telephone
questioning
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Questionnaire
researcher uses a
printed or written form to
obtain information from a
respondent
Surveys
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Quantitative research: Collects and
reports data primarily in numerical form
Qualitative research: Relies on what is
seen in field and naturalistic settings; often
focuses on small groups and communities
Observation
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Collecting information through
direct participation and/or by closely
watching a group or community
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Participant observation: when
sociologist joins a group for a
period to get an accurate sense of
how it operates
Ethnography: efforts to describe
entire social setting through
extended systematic observation
Experiments
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Artificially created situation that allows
researcher to manipulate variables
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Experimental group: exposed to
independent variable
Control group: not exposed to
independent variable
Hawthorne Effect: unintended influence
of observers or experiments on subjects
Use of Existing Sources
Use of Existing Sources
 Secondary Analysis: research techniques that make use of previously
collected and publicly accessible information and data
A. Uniform Crime Reports - The annual publication of the FBI presenting
official statistics on the rates and trends in crime in the USA.
Developing the Conclusion
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Supporting the Hypothesis
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Sociological studies do not always generate data
that support the original hypothesis
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Controlling for Other Factors
Control Variable:
factor that is held constant to test the impact
of the independent variable
Impact of a College Education on Income
Existing Sources Used in
Sociological Research
Major Research Designs
Ethics of Research
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Code of Ethics (ASA, 1997)
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Maintain objectivity and integrity in research
Respect subjects’ right to privacy and dignity
Protect subjects from personal harm
Preserve confidentiality
Seek informed consent
Acknowledge collaboration and assistance
Disclose sources of financial support
Ethics of Research
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Confidentiality
Research Funding
█ Value Neutrality
█ Feminist Methodology
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Technology and
Sociological Research
Extends range and capability
to conduct research
█ Allows researchers to
store and analyze
large amounts of
information
█ Web-based surveys in
early stages, but initial
results promising
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Using Statistics
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Percentage: Shows portion of 100
Mean: Average; sum of a series of values divided by the number of values
█ Mode: Single most common value in a series of values
█ Median: Midpoint that divides a series of values into two groups with equal
numbers of values
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Reading Graphs and Tables
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Tables allow social scientists to
display data and make it easier to
develop conclusions
– Cross-tabulation: Shows relationship
between two or more variables
Graphs are often easier for the general
public to understand
Changing Attitudes toward Legalization of Marijuana
Changing Attitudes toward Legalization
of Marijuana by Gender and Age
Writing a Research Report
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Finding Information
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Check textbooks
Use library catalog
Use computerized periodical indexes
Examine government documents
Use newspapers
Ask people, organizations, and agencies
Consult instructor
Writing a Research Report
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Writing the Report
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Focus on topic
Develop an outline
Work ahead of deadline
Read paper aloud
Including Citations and References