Sociological Research Methods

Flashcards covering key concepts and methods in sociological research, based on lecture notes.

What is the purpose of research in sociology?

To develop a better understanding of social processes, structures, and issues to provide insights, policy recommendations, and advance knowledge.

Name some practical issues researchers may face in sociology.

Ethics, access to populations, researcher bias, and securing funding.

What is operationalisation in sociological research?

The process of defining abstract concepts into measurable variables for data collection.

Give an example of operationalising the concept of 'social status'.

Measuring social status using variables like income level, educational attainment, occupation, or neighbourhood characteristics.

What are quantitative data?

Numerical data that can be measured and analyzed statistically.

What are qualitative data?

Descriptive data that involves understanding experiences, behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs without numerical measurements.

What is primary research?

Collecting new data directly from original sources.

What is secondary research?

Using existing data or information that has already been collected by others.

What are the strengths of primary research?

Control over data collection and relevance to research objectives.

What are the main limitations of primary research?

Time and cost, and potentially limited scope.

What are the strengths of secondary research?

Cost and time efficiency, and large-scale analysis.

What are the main limitations of secondary research?

Quality and relevance of data may not align with research objectives, lack of control over data collection.

What is positivism in sociology?

The belief that sociology can be studied scientifically, using methods similar to those in the natural sciences, focusing on cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

What is interpretivism in sociology?

A focus on subjective meanings and interpretations individuals give to their experiences, arguing reality is socially constructed.

What is realism in sociology?

An approach that uses scientific methods and acknowledges social structures that constrain individual agency. Acknowledges social reality exists independently of our perceptions of it and can be studied objectively.

Name some important ethical considerations in sociological research.

Informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, avoiding deception, minimizing risk of harm, and avoiding the exploitation of power and status.

What is validity in social science research?

The degree to which a study accurately measures the concept it intends to measure.

What is reliability in social science research?

The consistency of findings across multiple measurements or over time.

What is representativeness in social science research?

The degree to which the sample reflects the characteristics of the population being studied.

What is objectivity in social science research?

The degree to which researchers are free from personal bias and approach the study impartially.

What is generalisability in social science research?

The degree to which the findings of a study can be applied to other populations or settings.

What is systematic sampling?

Selecting every nth element from a sample frame at regular intervals.

What is random sampling?

Selecting individuals or groups from the sample frame at random, using methods such as a random number generator or a computer program.

What is stratified sampling?

Dividing the sample frame into subgroups based on a characteristic and then selecting a random sample from each stratum.

What is volunteer sampling?

Participants volunteer to be part of the study, responding to an advert of some sort. Individuals self-select to participate.

What is opportunity sampling?

Researchers will go a chosen place and ask participants who are there to take part in the research

What is purposive sampling?

Combined with opportunity sampling, researchers deliberately select participants based on specific characteristics or criteria relevant to the research objectives.

What is snowball sampling?

Initial participants refer or nominate other potential participants, creating a chain or “snowball” effect.

What is quota sampling?

Researchers aim to fill quotas based on certain characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity) to match the population’s proportions.

Name sampling issues sociologists may encounter.

Bias, non-response, sampling frame issues, sampling methods issues, small sample size

List some of the strengths of questionnaires.

Cost-effective, large sample sizes, standardisation and anonymity.

List some of the limitations of questionnaires.

Low response rates, limited depth, social desirability bias and lack of context.

What are the advantages of structured interviews?

Standardisation, control over the interview process, in-depth data, and reliability.

What are the disadvantages of structured interviews?

Limited flexibility, social desirability bias, sample bias and potentially limited insights

What are the advantages of unstructured interviews?

Flexibility, rich data, participant-led, and unique insights.

What are the disadvantages of unstructured interviews?

Subjectivity, lack of standardization, limited generalisability and time-consuming.

Name strengths of semi-structured interviews.

Flexibility, rich data, structure and participant-led.

Name limitations of semi-structured interviews.

Subjectivity, potential interviewer bias, time-consuming and limited generalisability.

What are some strengths of Focus Group Interview?

Group-dynamic, generates more insight. Cost-effective, generates diverse perspectives, and are normally participant-led.

What are some limitations of Focus Group Interview?

Difficulty in managing group dynamics, and also, limited generalisability

What are the strengths of participant observation?

Rich and detailed data, non-reactive, encourages reflexivity and provides access to hidden or hard-to-reach groups.

What are the limitation of the participant observation?

It has to do with ethics concern. It is time-consuming and involves subjectivity.

What is meant by non-reactive data?

The researcher is observing and participating in naturalistic settings, without altering the behavior of the participants. This leads to more accurate and valid data.

What are the strengths of non-participant observation?

Produces more objective data. More systematic data collection, and it is much more flexible.

What are the limitation of non-participant observation?

Limited depth of data and lacks detail. Produces reactive data therefore the researcher may influence the behavior and the setting may be atypical.

What are the strengths of covert observation

Unique insights and authentic data. Provide more access to social groups

What are the limitations of covert observation

It rises a concern because of unethical ways and raises questions about validity and reliability of data collection.

What are the strengths of overt observation

It is considered and ethical way to observe. It also allows for more validity and a natural approach without any interferences.

What are the limitations of overt observation

observer bias. The Hawthorne effect could interfere because participants modify their behavior.

What are the strengths of ethnography

Provides and in depth understanding and holistic view

What are the limitations of ethnography

Ethical concern. Requires a lot of time and subjective bias of researchers.

What are the strengths of Longitudinal Study

Generalizability, insights into development and ability to track change over time

What are the limitations of Longitudinal Study

Cost and time. Limited external validity and possible researcher bias.