Download Sociological Research

Chapter 2
Doing Sociological
Research
Chapter Outline
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The Research Process
The Tools of Sociological Research
Prediction, Sampling and Statistical Analysis
Is Sociology Value-Free?
Research Ethics
Sociological Research
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Derives from the scientific method.
Research differs in how strictly it adheres to
the scientific method.
Both quantitative and qualitative studies are
used in modern sociology.
The Research Process
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Develop a research question.
Create a research design.
Gather data.
Analyze data.
Reach conclusions and report results.
Qualitative and Quantitative
Research
Qualitative research:
 Does not make not make
extensive use of
statistical methods
 More interpretive and
shows more nuance
Quantitative research:
 Uses statistical methods.
 Provides data that can
be used to calculate
averages and percents.
Tools of Sociological Research
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Survey: polls, questionnaires, and interviews
Participant observation
Controlled experiments
Content analysis
Historical research
Evaluation research
Comparison of Research
Techniques
Technique (Tool)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Survey (polls,
questionnaires,
interviews)
Permits the study of a Difficult to focus in
large number of
depth on a few
variables.
variables.
Participant
observation
Studies behavior in
its home setting
time-consuming
Controlled
experiment
Focuses on two or
three variables;
study cause and
effect
Hard to measure
large number of
variables; artificial
quality.
Comparison of Research
Techniques
Technique (Tool)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Content analysis
unobtrusive
Limited by studying
cultural artifacts rather
than people’s attitudes.
Historical research
Saves time and
expense
Data can reflect biases
of researcher and
norms in effect when
data was collected
Evaluation research
Accounts for differences Limited in number of
over time.
variables that can be
measured; hard to
maintain objectivity
The Use and Misuse of Statistics
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Citing a correlation as a cause.
Overgeneralizing.
Interpreting probability as certainty.
Building in bias.
Faking data.
Using data selectively.
Ethical Considerations in Research
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Whether one should collect data without letting
research subjects know they are being studied
or observed.
Whether researchers have the right to hold
their data in confidence from public officials
such as the courts or police, without naming
their research subjects.