Topic 2 Introduction To Sociology

TOPIC 2: SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
CHAPTER 3:SOCIOLOGICAL METHOD
Scientific knowledge rests on empirical evidence, meaning information we can verify with our
senses.
A strategy for limiting distortion caused by personal values is replication, that means the repe-
tition of research by other investigators.
SOCIOLOGICAL DATA
- Variable: is a concept whose value changes from case to case (example: social class).
Operationalising a variable means specifying exactly what one is to measure in assigning a
value to a variable. When researchers report their results in a study they should specify how
they operationalised each variable, so readers can evaluate the research and understand the
conclusions.
RELATIONSHIP AMONG VARIABLES:
- Cause and effect: a relationship in which we know that change in one variable causes
change in another. The variable that causes change is called the independent variable.
The variable that changes is called dependant variable.
- Correlation: is a relationship by which two or more variables change together.
SAMPLING:
A key of research is to know how representative are the people you study of a wider group. A
researcher begins sampling by designating a population, the people who are the focus of the
research. Researchers then collect data from a sample, a part of a population that represents
the whole.
THE TOOLS OF SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
1. The experiment
The experiment is a method for investigating cause and effect under controlled variables and
conditions. Normally, researchers use experiments to test a specific hypothesis, an unverified
statement of a relationship between variables.
We evaluate hypothesis in three steps. First, the experimenter measures the dependent vari-
able. Second, the investigator exposes the dependent variable to the independent variable.
And third, the researcher measures again the dependent variable to see if the predicted
change took place. Depending on the results the hypothesis could be supported or discounted.
2. The survey
A survey is a research method in which subjects respond to a series of items in a questionnaire
or an interview. Are used to studying attitudes that investigators cannot observe directly.
3. Questionnaires
A questionnaire is a series of written questions that a researched supplies to subjects request-
ing their responses. A closed-ended format is a questionnaire where a series of responses are
provide. By contrast, an open-ended format questionnaire allows subject to respond freely.
FIELDWORK, ETHNOGRAPHY AND PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
The most widely used for humanistic field study is participant observation, a method by which
researchers systematically observe people while joining in their routine activities. Cultural an-
thropologists commonly use participant observation and they name their descriptions of unfa-
miliar cultures ethnographies. Most field research is exploratory and descriptive.
Participant observation has two facets:
- Gaining an insider look depends on becoming a participant in the setting
- Hanging out with others, attempting to act, think and even feel the way they do.
Compared to experiments and survey research it has less hard and fast rules. Also participant
observation requires a researcher to become immersed in the setting.
SECONDARY AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
Sociologists also use secondary analysis, a research method in which a researcher utilises data
collected by others.
Clearly, using available data, whether government statistics or the findings of individuals, saves
researchers time and money. But secondary analysis has problems like the available data may
not exist in precisely the form one might wish.
METHOD APPLICATION ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS
For explanatory research that Provides specific cause-and- Laboratory scenarios have
specifies relationships among effect relationships. Replica- artificial quality, unless is
EXPERIMENT variables. Generates quantit- tion of the research is relat- highly controlled, results may
ative data. ively easy. be biased (sesgados)
For collecting information Sampling allows surveys of Questionaries must be care-

about issues that cannot be large populations by using fully prepared and may
SURVEY directly observed. Useful for questionaries. Interviews produce a low return rate.
descriptive and explanatory provide depth responses. Interviews are expensive and
research. Generates quantit- time consuming.
ative and qualitive data
PARTICIPANT For exploratory and descript- Allows study of natural beha- Time consuming. Replication
OBSERVA- ive of people in a natural en- viour. of research is difficult. Re-
vironment. Generates qualit- searcher must balance roles of
TION
ative data. participant and observer.
For exploratory, descriptive or Saves time and expense of Researcher has no control
explanatory research as long data recompilation. Makes over possible alter data. Data
SECONDARY as adequate data are avail- historical research possible. may not be adequate for cur-
ANALYSIS able. rent research needs
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: STEPS IN PLANNING A SOCIOLOGICAL PROJECT

1. Get yourself a research problem and define the topic of investigation.
2. Start keeping a log and record file. (mantener un registro y un archivo de registro)
3. Find out what others have learned about the topic.
4. Asses (evaluar) the requirements for carrying out the research.
5. Specify the research questions.
6. Specify your theoretical orientation, and perhaps your disciplinary links.
7. Consider ethical issues.
8. Devise a research strategy or design.
9. Draw up a written research proposal in which you outline the above stages and say
what you will be doing.
10. Do the research-gather and record your data.
11. Interpret the data.
12. Report your findings and conclusions.
13. Share your results.
14. Where possible, store your data in an archive.

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TOPIC 2: SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

CHAPTER 3:SOCIOLOGICAL METHOD

RELATIONSHIP AMONG VARIABLES:

THE TOOLS OF SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

FIELDWORK, ETHNOGRAPHY AND PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION

SECONDARY AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

For collecting information Sampling allows surveys of Questionaries must be care-

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: STEPS IN PLANNING A SOCIOLOGICAL PROJECT

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