unit 1 chapter 2, section 1 research methods mr. young sociology
TRANSCRIPT
Unit 1Chapter 2, Section 1
Research MethodsMr. YoungSociology
Doing Research in Sociology The goal of
sociological research is to test common sense assumptions and replace false ideas with facts and evidence
The world is a sociologists lab
1) Quantitative Data
Uses numerical data
2) Qualitative Data
Uses narrative and descriptive data
Both are needed for the sociologist to get a full perspective
Quantitative Research
Survey- research method in which people respond to questions
Makes up 90% of research
Good for studying large groups of people
A)Populationb) Sample
A) A group of people with certain specified characteristics
B) A group of people that represent a larger population
C) Representative Sample
A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population as a whole
Questionnaire
A written set of questions to be answered by a research participant
Interview
Trained researcher asks questions and records the answers
1) Closed-ended Questions
Person chooses from a limited, predetermined set of responses
2) Open-Ended Questions
Questions a person is to answer in his/her own words
Explain the myth of the Mexican Chupacabra?
Secondary Analysis (Precollected Data) Using precollected
information for data collection and research purposes
Types: Govt reports, company records, voting lists, etc
Example: Census Bureau
Qualitative Research
1) Field Research- research that takes place in a natural setting
2) Case Study
Intensive study of a single group, incident, or community (most used approach to field research)
Assumes that the findings in one can be generalized to others that are similar
3) Participant Observation
A case study where the researcher becomes a member of the group being studied