Research Methods

topic 2

The Scientific Method

• A systematic, organized series of steps that ensure maximum objectivity and consistency when researching a problem

• sociologists are like scientists interested in a specific field

Define the Problem

The first step to the scientific method where you identify a clear research question/problem

Decriminalization

Remvoing something from the criminal code

Legalization

Technically legal but doesn’t mean its encouraged

Review the Literature

• The second step to the scientific method

• Learn the current state of knowledge

• Identify key researchers and major debates

• Ensure your question hasn’t already been answered

• Identify gaps in knowledge

• Be informed enough to hold expert-level discussions

Formulate a Hypothesis or Research Question

• The third step to the scientific method

• Involves quantitative and qualitative research

Quantitative Research

Numbers/statistics are used in order to form a hypothesis

Qualitative Research

Uses research questions instead of hypothesis through exploring a display/interviews of research

Hypothesis

A speculative statement about the relationship between variables (x causes y).

Independent Variable (x)

What is changed within the experience

Dependent Variable (y)

What is influenced/a result of the change you made in the experiment

Select the Research Design

• The fourth step int he scientific method

• This is where you choose a method to gather data

What are the different methods involved with selecting a research design?

• Lab experiments

• Surveys

• Field research

Lab Experiments

• A method to selecting a research design

• Controlled but expensive

Surveys

• A method to selecting a research design

• Cheap, wide-reaching, mostly quantitative

• E.g. The Ontario Drug Survey

Field Research

• A method to selecting a research design

• Multiple types: participant observation, in-depth interviews, existing materials

Participant Observation

• A type of field research

• Immersing in a social setting to gather qualitative data commonly used in sociology

Existing Materials

• A type of field research

• Involves historical research and document analysis

Collect and Analyze the Data

• The fifth step to the scientific method

• Gather and process information (if there is any error in this you have to start ALL over again)

• Involves reliability, validity of data, and value neutrality

Reliability of Data

• A component of collecting and analyzing data

• The extent to which a measure produces consistent results using standard methods

• You use standard measures that are guaranteed/reliable

• E.g. Thermometer = Standard Measure (not questioned)

Validity of Data

• A component of collecting and analyzing data

• The degree to which a measure/scale accurately reflects the phenomenon being studied

• Its important to ensure the scale is valid and doesn’t have too much variation

• E.g. Assuming everyone in a mosque is religious isn’t valid and nonvariable

Value Neutrality

• A component of collecting and analyzing data

• Researchers must report findings objectively, without letting personal beliefs influence results whether you think its right or wrong

Report the Findings

• The sixth (final) step to the scientific method

• Determine if results support or reject the hypothesis

• Add new information to the field

• Note any limitations or problems

• Suggest future research questions

Steps to The Scientific Method

1. Define the problem

2. Review the literature

3. Formulate a Hypothesis or Research question

4. Select the research design

5. Collect and analyze the data

6. Report the Findings