Methods in Context Summary

What do interpretivists believe?

• Qualitative data

• Validity

• Value laden

• Non-probabiliy sampling

• Humans are individual

• Sociology not science

What do positivists believe?

• Quantitative data

• Reliability

• Value freedom

• Probability sampling

• Establish general laws, social/empirical facts

• Sociology is science

What is a key interpretivist study?

Weber - Study of Calvinists

What is a key positivist study?

Durkheim - Study of suicide

What is Popper’s theory?

Science aims to falsify not verify

What is an inductive approach?

Form hypothesis then back it up with data

What is a deductive approach?

Form a hypothesis and then try to prove it wrong - theory can be proven false

Is Popper positivist or interpretivist?

Interpretivist

What is Kuhn’s theory?

Paradigm

What is a paradigm?

Basic framework of assumptions

What does the paradigm theory argue?

There is no accepted framework to base methods off in sociology meaning it can’t be a science

What did Becker argue?

Values are always present in sociology - sociologists should adopt compassionate stance

What did Gouldner say about Becker?

He takes a romantic and sentimental approach to disadvantaged groups, sociologists should not just describe the underdog but should support them. Value freedom is impossible and undesirable

Can sociology influence social policy?

Yes

What is electoral popularity?

Research findings point to policy that is unpopular with voters

What are interest groups?

People that seek to influence government policies with their own interests

What is ideological policy?

If a researcher’s stance is similar to the government’s then they have more chance influencing policies

How does globalisation influence social policy?

International organisations

How does cost influence policy?

Insufficient funds to implement an appropriate policy