Research methods in sociology
There are two main approaches within Sociology which dictate the research methodology which is used. There is a ‘top-down’ approach, emphasising that an individual is the product of a society, and a ‘bottom-up’ which places emphasis on an individual and their views of society. The emphasis within the ‘top-down’ approach is on quantitative research methodology, such as labororatory studies, comparative studies, case studies, and surveys. There is a strong proclivity from a ‘bottom-up’ approach for the use of qualitative research methodology such as questionnaires, and interviews. (1)
Social research refers to research conducted by social scientists. Social research methods may be divided into two broad categories:
* Quantitative designs approach social phenomena through quantifiable evidence, and often rely on statistical analysis of many cases (or across intentionally designed treatments in an experiment) to create valid and reliable general claims
* Qualitative designs emphasize understanding of social phenomena through direct observation, communication with participants, or analysis of texts, and may stress contextual and subjective accuracy over generality (2).
Research scenario:
1. Define the Problem: what you hope to investigate. Operationalize concepts (impact of Internet on society).
2. Review the literature: what has already been done? Replication studies, build on existing knowledge. ( Texts)
3. Formulate the Hypothesis: tentative statement of relationship between independent and dependent variables (Internet will influence the most generation Alfa and Beta – people born after 2009 – future generations)
4. Choose Research Design (Internet survey, observation,historical sources ), Collect and Analyze
5. Conclusions and Reporting .
source: Social Research Methods An introduction, Edited by Martin Bulmer, second edition, ISBN:0-87855-814-4
Reasearch design:
1st level priority data
1. social-survey (interviews and questionnaires)
2. experiment
3. historical sources (use of existing sources: secondary analysis, content analysis)
2nd level priority data
4. interpretative procedures
5. pragmatic knowledge
6. observational
Analytic algorithm
7. focus: causality; relationships between variables
8. causality vs correlation, probability, logic
9. controls-holding one variable constant in order to observe its impact on another.
10. weight and direction of relationships
11. measures of central tendency
12. rates: frequency with specific populations
