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