Sociology - Research method basics

Define primary data

Information collected by sociologists for their own purposes

What is an advantage of sociologists using primary data

Sociologists might be able to get the information they need for their specific study, instead of relying on previous, generalised research

Define secondary data

Information collected by someone else for their own research purposes that the sociologist can use

What is an advantage of sociologists using secondary research

Quick and cheap way to find research tools

What is a disadvantage of sociologists using secondary data

The information may not be produced with the interests of the sociologist in mind, may not provide the tailored information primary data provides

Define Qualitative data

Qualitative research aims to gather and analyse non-numerical data in order to gain an understanding of individuals' thoughts and feelings

Define quantitative data

Information that is collected in a numerical form and is easier to analyse

What does PERVRTG stand for

Practical

Ethical

Reliability

Validity

Representativeness

Theoretical

Generalisation

What does it mean to operationalise a concept?

Converting a sociological concept into something measurable

Define pilot study

Trying out a draft of a questionnaire on a small sample of people

What is the aim of a pilot study

To find out issues or clarify the wording of questions

Define sample

A subsection of a wider group in society

What is the purpose of sampling

To ensure the people that were included in the study are representative of the general population

Define sampling frame

A list of all the members in the population who you are interested in studying

What is random sampling

Sample is selected purely by chance and everyone has an equal chance of being selected

What is systematic sampling

Every nth person in the sample is selected

What is stratified sampling

The researcher stratifies the population in the sample frame by characteristics, finds out the proportions and then the sample is created based off of those proportions

What is quota sampling?

A method in which researchers create a sample involving individuals that represent a population. Researchers choose these individuals according to specific traits or qualities.