Introduction to Sociological Research Methods

Social research methods

Systematic techniques for collecting and analyzing data.

Qualitative research

Focuses on understanding social phenomena through non-numeric data.

Quantitative research

Utilizes numerical data for statistical analysis.

Mixed methods research

Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in studies.

Conflict theory

Examines social conflicts and power disparities in society.

Feminism

Studies gender inequalities and advocates for women's rights.

Functionalism

Views society as a complex system with interdependent parts.

Symbolic interactionism

Focuses on social interactions and meanings individuals assign.

Ethical dimensions

Considerations regarding morality in research practices.

Enumeration and description

Collecting data to outline societal characteristics.

Prediction

Forecasting outcomes based on research findings.

Explanation

Creating theories to understand social phenomena.

Debunking

Challenging myths or common beliefs with evidence.

Social justice

Research aimed at understanding and improving marginalized groups.

Deductive approach

Testing theories through specific observations.

Inductive approach

Generating theories from specific data observations.

Descriptive research

Describes social reality or facts about groups.

Explanatory research

Explains relationships and reasons for events.

Literature review

Overview of existing research on a topic.

Research gaps

Identified areas lacking sufficient prior research.

Research questions

Specific inquiries guiding a research study.

Theory and research cycle

Interconnected process of theory generation and testing.

Hypotheses

Testable predictions derived from theories.

Observations

Data collected to validate or challenge hypotheses.

Generalizations

Broad conclusions drawn from specific observations.

Research study design

Planning the methodology for conducting research.

Dissemination of findings

Sharing research results with the broader community.

Literature Review

Assessment of existing research on a topic.

Research Question

Defined question guiding the research process.

Clarity

Easy-to-understand formulation of research question.

Specificity

Avoids vague language in research question.

Feasibility

Research question must be answerable in one project.

Research Design

Blueprint defining study type and methods.

Operationalization

Measuring abstract theoretical concepts for research.

Variable

Measurable attribute or characteristic in research.

Independent Variable

Manipulated variable to explore its effects.

Dependent Variable

Changes as a result of independent variable manipulation.

Causality

Change in one variable causes change in another.

Quantitative Methods

Numerical data obtained through surveys.

Hypothesis

Prediction about relationship between variables.

Correlation

Measure of association between two variables.

Reliability

Extent findings can be replicated consistently.

Validity

Accuracy of a measure representing the real world.

Statistics

Mechanisms to analyze and present numerical data.

Qualitative Methods

Examines non-numerical characteristics and data.

Interviews

Data collection method using personal conversations.

Mixed Methods

Combination of different research methods.

Data Triangulation

Determines validity of findings through multiple data sources.

Challenges of Mixed Methods

Time-consuming and requires diverse expertise.

Phenomenology

Study of experiences from a first-person perspective.

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness of cultural differences in research.

Historical Trauma

Impact of historical events on current populations.

Life-Course Perspectives

Focus on how life stages affect research outcomes.

Inductive Approach

Developing new theory from gathered qualitative data.

Deductive Approach

Testing hypotheses derived from existing theories.

Indigenous Research

Designed and reported by Indigenous Peoples.

Partnerships

Collaborations with Indigenous communities for research.

Knowledge Creation

Supports knowledge in Indigenous languages.

Conflict Theory

Focuses on societal inequalities and resource access.

Researcher Positioning

Researcher's authority affects knowledge definition.

Inequality Topic

Studies marginalized groups and societal inequalities.

Critical Reflection

Challenges traditional notions of knowledge and methodology.

Feminism

Uncovers inequalities among marginalized social groups.

Standpoint Theory

Knowledge varies by social location and demographics.

Functionalism

Examines societal organization and institutional roles.

Quantitative Data

Used to describe changes in institutions over time.

Survey Research

Describes trends and relationships in populations.

Population

Complete group for research generalization.

Sample

Subset of population for manageable study size.

Representative Sample

Reflects essential characteristics of the population.

Simple Random Sampling

Selection of participants by chance.

Systematic Sampling

Sample drawn using a systematic method.

Stratified Sampling

Categories represented in proportion to population.

Quantitative Research Process

Steps include problem selection and data analysis.

Literature Review

Survey of existing research on the topic.

Hypothesis Formulation

Developing a testable prediction for research.

Research Design

Plan for collecting and analyzing data.

Interviews

Conversations with individuals from social groups.

Participant Observation

Researcher engages in group interactions.

Ethnomethodology

Focuses on personal accounts of social situations.

Social Interaction

Understanding meaning through interpersonal exchanges.

In-depth Interview

Unstructured interview allowing free-flowing conversation.

Semi-structured Interview

Guided interview with prepared topics and questions.

Purposive Sampling

Non-probability sampling based on researcher judgment.

Convenience Sampling

Participants selected for accessibility and willingness.

Snowball Sampling

Participants recruited through referrals from others.

Field Research

Research conducted outside a controlled environment.

Participant Observation

Researcher engages in community activities while observing.

Reactivity

Behavior changes due to awareness of observation.

Ethnography

In-depth cultural study through researcher immersion.

Photovoice

Participants express experiences through photography.

Secondary Data Analysis

Analyzing data collected by others.

Institutional Data

Documents providing insights into organizational operations.

Digital Data

Data from online sources like social media.

Informed Consent

Participant agreement after understanding study details.

Coercion

Persuasion tactics to influence participation decisions.

Indigenous Data Sovereignty

Indigenous control over data related to them.

CARE Principles

Guidelines for Indigenous data management: Collective benefits, Authority, Responsibility, Ethics.

Research Ethics Board (REB)

Group ensuring ethical research practices are followed.

Tri-Council Policy Statement

Guidelines for ethical research involving humans.