The Research Process Methods Sociologists use to do research Tools of Research Participant Observation qualitative The sociologist becomes a part of the group while simultaneously studying and observing the behavior of the group members The researcher plays two roles at one time he is an objective observer and a subjective participant The group may or may not be aware of the study Survey Research The most commonly used tool of sociological research Can be administered through a questionnaire interview or telephone poll Randomly sent to a large number of people Use of Official Records or Interviews Ask about income gender occupation followed by more specific questions dealing with the study Closed or open ended questions Face to face over the phone email in person Statistical Analysis of Data quantitative Uses numbers and statistics Scientific Method 1 Develop a Question a most begin as a continuation of previous research or a replication study a primary data original data gathered specifically for the project b secondary data gathering data from an earlier study 2 Research Design 3 Gather Data a decide how to answer the question 4 Data Analysis a Organize data and look for patterns b Labor intensive c where discoveries are made 5 Draw Conclusions Note qualitative methods use more interpretation and quantitative is more statistically sophisticated Research Ethics Personal values of the researcher may affect what problems to study what people to observe what research design to select or what type of media used to distribute their research There was a Code of Ethics developed by the ASA The federal government also has a lot of regulations on human study Before you can collect any data it must be approved by the IRB international review board They must inform you of your rights and responsibilities There s a consent form They must inform you of what they are studying Ensure confidentiality Strict recording guidelines
View Full Document
Unlocking...