Chapter 2 - Research methods

Bias

systemic error in process of drawing conclusion, inaccurate/imprecise knowledge

Computational social science

transformed nature of what we understand as research

Social research methods

toolset, used to learn about/understand social life

5 main goals of research

Emmuneratio/description, Prediction, Explanation, Debunking, social justice

Research process (steps)

Area of study → Literature review → Research question → Research design

Literature review

learn what has/hasn’t been studied, find gap for own research

3 guiding principle of research question

Clarity → clear formulation/easy to understand, Specificity → avoid vague language, Feasibility → answerable in single project and funding

Research question

well defined question about behaviour/event, to be researched

Research design

Blue print, defines study type/variable/data collection/analysis

Variable

measurable attribute or characteristic

Operationalization

process of measuring/comparing abstract theoretical concepts, major area of bias if done poorly

Quantitative method

numerical values, through survey, relationship between 2+ variables, deductive, reveal social patterns, miss complexities/why

Hypothesis

informed assumption about relationship between 2 variables

Correlation

measure association between 2 variable, pos or neg, do not equal causation

reliability

extent to which finding can be replicated

Validity

extent to which concept/idea/measure accurately represent the real world

Statistic

deal large quantities of number, mechanism to collect/analyze /present these number

Qualitative methods

use interview/images/narratives, produce rich account through engagement, develop new theories, inductive, gives meaning

Saturation

when no new insight are gained from additional analysis

Triangulation

comparing/contrasting data from various sources, makes sense of data

content analysis

quantify large amount to qualitative data, for generalization (statistical) through textual analysis, need be thoughtful and consistent

Peer review

work evaluated by experts, asses merit, provides feedback

Mixed methods

use qualitative and qualitative methods, more diverse understanding, contextualize, small scale or trend data, need expertise in both to do and time consuming

Decolonizing methodologies

acknowledge unique/diverse histories/cultures, prioritize self determination of indigenous people

Conflict theory and research methods

uncover/clarify inequalities/conflict, examine how we establish truth, reflect on own role in process

Functionalism and research methods

structural changes over time, roles of institutions, measure through large scale quantitative

Feminism and research methods

focus gender inequalities/consequences, standpoint theory → position in world influence view

Symbolic interactions and research methods

study everyday/social order (observation), uncover role of symbols + meaning, Ethnomethodology research

Survey research

collection of data through structure interview/questionnaires, describe trends and determine relationship between variables, standardized, predetermine categories (allow comparison), large quanitites

Population

larger pool, all share characteristic being studied

Sample

subset of population, manageable to study, method of choosing impact validity

Interview research

ideal for seeking understanding, unstructured or semi structures

Field research

outside lab, observation in natural setting, high validity, susceptible to bias and reactivity, Participant/Enthnography/Photovoice

Participate observation

observation of group in natural setting,to understand custom and practices

Ethnography

researcher fully immerse themself, establish personal understanding, important ethical consideration

Photovoice

understand through participants own experience, how they see themselves

Reactivity

changing of behaviour bc know being observed

Institutinal data

government reports, operation of institutions, analysis of existing data

Secondary data anaylsis

analysis of already collected data

Digital data

vast amount, global, naturalistic setting, lack demographic information

Why trust is important in participant-research

safeguard participant information (informed consent), promote aims/avoid errors, maintain accountability, build public support (funding), protect social/moral values

Informed consent

all potential risk made know to participant before starting, avoid coercion

Coercion

use of persuasion to convince someone to do something

Indigenous data governance

right of indigenous people to control their data, CARE principles

CARE prinicples

Collective benefits → lead equitable outcomes, Authority to control → control how represent/identified by data and how used, Responsibility → address how data supports/ positive relation, Ethics → obligation to rights and well being and used for social justice

Research ethic board (REB)

oversee conduct of participant research, make sure follows guidelines (Tri council policy statment)

Critical component of Tri-council policy

Letter of informtaion, informed consent, research design, potrnial risk/benefits, info about voluntary participation