Two Main Types of Research MethodsQuantifiable research collects or studies data that can be counted and analyzed statisticallyData, numbers, statisticsQualitative research collects information through interviews or observation of individuals, groups, society characteristics, and trendsResearch Tools:Survey (Quantitative)How it is conducted: uses questionnairesPros: a quick way to collect large amounts of data for analysis of trends; with random sampling, permits generalization to larger populationCons: relies on self-report; may not account for personal differences; may be misleading if data aren’t discreet enoughInterview (Qualitative)How it is conducted: Question individuals or small (focus) groupsPros: can be more in depth; can prompt unexpected answersCons: can be time-consuming, expensive, and limited to small samplesContent Research (Qualitative)How it is conducted: Collects information or pictures from media sources and assigns themes.Pros: Large amount of data can be assessed; societal priorities and biases can be analyzed.Cons: Implications of the data collected are inferences from others’ reporting rather than self-report.Ethnography (Qualitative)How it is conducted: Uses recorded notes and conversations obtained by personal observation and immersion within environment or group.Pros: Provides insider view.Cons: Can be time intensive and costly.Societal Analysis (Qualitative)How it is conducted: Analyzes data obtained through a variety of methods already described.Pros: Applies social theories and models to examine life from a social point of view.Cons: If only one theory or model is used, salient facts can be ignored and analysis can be skewed.Social TheoriesTheories compare trends in sport with an overall social theory to reach conclusions about how sport reflects larger culture or acts as a change agent.They help organize how we look at a particular issue or topic.They are used to describe, analyze, formulate beliefs, and make predictionsPAGE 21Functionalist TheorySport helps maintain the status quo and equilibrium in society by building character and teaching values.Sport reinforces society’s value system.Example: Playing in Little League teaches teamwork and fair play.Weaknesses: Overemphasizes the positive consequences of sport and downplays the disenfranchised.Things are good the way they are (positive outlook)Conflict Theory (world is shaped by money)Economic interests shape the world. Sport reinforces the status quo power structure.Focuses on forces that produce instability, disruption, and disorganization.Example: College football BCS system will stay intact because of money interests even though popular opinion thinks it is flawed.Weakness: Relies heavily on economics.Used by people who aren’t in powerCritical TheoryTheories used to study the source of power or authority that groups have over one another (i.e., hegemony).Sport does not simply mirror society but can create change in beliefs and relationships.Example: Authoritarian coaches who degrade players can usually survive if the team continues to win.Weakness: Critical theory can be confusing and may be helpful only in specific cases.Feminist TheorySociety is patriarchal and ignores or undervalues female virtues.Objectively analyzes the current status of women in sport.Example: Media coverage of only male sports can teach society to undervalue female sports.Weakness: Can overlook factors other than gender.Interactionist TheoryFocuses on social interactions and relationships (bottom-up approach).Assumes choices are deliberate, conscious, and based on the effect on self and others.Example: Consider needs of the youth athlete to define youth sport structure.Weakness: Based on the individual and excludes role of the overall power structure.Figurational TheoryEmphasizes connections and interdependence of people.Views historical changes of networks over a period of time.Example: Analyze how differently aged athletes view sport involvement.Weakness: Does not focus on the present, and it emphasizes male power.Primarily used in Europe, mostly in Great BritainSport sociology associationsInternational Committee for Sport Sociology (1964), now International Sociology of Sport AssociationNorth American Society for the Sociology of Sport (1978)Sport Sociology Academy of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)Sport Sociology JournalsInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport (1966)Journal of Sport and Social Issues (1977)Sociology of Sport Journal (1984)Studying sport as a science reduces your own personal biases about sportSPTE 110 1st Edition Lecture 2 Chapter 2: How Do We Study Sport? Two Main Types of Research Methods- Quantifiable research collects or studies data that can be counted and analyzed statisticallyo Data, numbers, statistics - Qualitative research collects information through interviews or observation of individuals, groups, society characteristics, and trends Research Tools:- Survey (Quantitative) o How it is conducted: uses questionnaireso Pros: a quick way to collect large amounts of data for analysis of trends; with random sampling, permits generalization to larger populationo Cons: relies on self-report; may not account for personal differences; may be misleading if data aren’t discreet enough- Interview (Qualitative) o How it is conducted: Question individuals or small (focus) groupso Pros: can be more in depth; can prompt unexpected answerso Cons: can be time-consuming, expensive, and limited to small samples- Content Research (Qualitative)o How it is conducted: Collects information or pictures from media sources andassigns themes. o Pros: Large amount of data can be assessed; societal priorities and biases can be analyzed.o Cons: Implications of the data collected are inferences from others’ reporting rather than self-report.- Ethnography (Qualitative)o How it is conducted: Uses recorded notes and conversations obtained by personal observation and immersion within environment or group.o Pros: Provides insider view. o Cons: Can be time intensive and costly.These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- Societal Analysis (Qualitative)o How it is conducted: Analyzes data obtained through a variety of methods already described.o Pros: Applies social theories and models to examine life from a social point ofview.o Cons: If only one