Download 1. Introduction to Social Research

STRUCTURE OF THE GCSE
COURSE
Unit 2
Unit 1
Understanding Social
Processes
Understanding Social
Structures
Compulsory Core
Compulsory Core
Mass Media
Crime & Deviance
(50%)
(50%)
Unit 1 Compulsory Core
What is Sociology?
Key Sociological Concepts
Sociological Methods
Lesson aims
• 1. Briefly identify the main types of methods
used in sociology
• 2. Examine the criteria used to evaluate the
methods sociologists use
TYPES OF RESEARCH METHOD
We generally categorise these methods
according to two dimensions
Dimension One
PRIMARY DATA
SECONDARY DATA
Data generated “first hand”
by the sociologist
Using “second hand” data,
which already exists
TYPES OF RESEARCH METHOD
We generally categorise these methods
according to two dimensions
Dimension Two
QUANTITATIVE
QUALITATIVE
Methods which generate
numerical (numbers)
information
Methods which generate
rich, in-depth data (words)
1. Introduction to Social Research
The Aim of Sociological Research
To move from subjective to more objective
knowledge of something:
Subjective
knowledge
An individual’s everyday
understanding that comes from
their values, experiences and
beliefs.
Objective
knowledge
Knowledge that is
independent of opinion,
prejudice and bias.
1. Introduction to Social Research
Three key research criteria:
Reliability.
Validity.
Representativeness.
1. Introduction to Social Research
Reliability concerns:
 Consistency of the data collected.
The precision with which it is collected.
 The repeatability of the data collection method.
A method is more reliable if it can be easily repeated.
Data is reliable if the same results can be gained by
different researchers asking the same questions to
the same (or similar) people.
1. Introduction to Social Research
Validity: the extent to which the collected research data
represents what it claims to represent.
Valid data involves:
 Depth.
 Detail.
 A well-rounded picture of whatever is being
researched.
1. Introduction to Social Research
Representativeness: whether the results of research can
be generalised to wider populations.
 Sampling is representative if the characteristics of the
sample group reflect the characteristics of the target
population.
Random Sampling
• Researcher puts together a list of everybody in the target population (called
a sampling frame).
• Participants are then selected randomly (usually using a computer) from
list.
1. Introduction to Social Research
Objective understanding involves a search for:
Reliability
• May have to make do with less validity
Validity
• May have to sacrifice reliability
Representativeness
• Can’t always construct a representative sample
These
are
RELIABILITY
VALIDITY
REPRESENTATIVENESS
Triangulation – Using at least two methods to study the same thing
Practical Issues in Research
• Practical Issues have to be settled before
research can be undertaken. Is a piece of
research possible in practical terms?
• How much does it cost and who is funding it?
• How long will it take, and is the time
available?
• How will the researcher gain access to a group
or organisation?
• Introduction\Practical influences
mindmap.bmp
Ethical (Moral) Issues
• Designing research also involves considering
ethical issues: questions of morality
• Will anyone be harmed by the research process?
Some research may result in people’s lives being
affected by what has been done.
• Does the research involve deceit? Have those
being studied given their consent? Is this
justified?
• Milgram’s psychology experiment of obdience
Ethical (Moral) Issues
• Will the researcher be
involved in unethical
activities, possibly even
something which is illegal?
Is this justified?