Sociology Perspective
Notes: 2.1.1: Explain the importance of sequencing and addressing all steps of the scientific method
Auguste Comte- developed the concept of sociology based on the methods used in the physical sciences
scientific method, the process a sociologist uses to develop and test theories
peer review, a process by which research is evaluated by a group of experts in the specific subject area
hypothesis, an educated guess about a relationship between two or more situations, events, or factors
independent variable, a factor that causes a change in another variable
dependent variable, a factor that is changed by another variable, are identified
validity, the extent that the study measures what it claims to measure
operational definition, a clear, concise, and observable measure of the variable
reliability, the extent to which a study yields the same result in repeated studies
representative sample, a subset of the population whose characteristics accurately reflect those of the larger population from which it is drawn.
Institutional Review Board (IRB), a committee that reviews research proposals to protect the rights and welfare of human participants in research
informed consent, a signed statement by participants indicating full knowledge of the risks involved, and acknowledgment of the procedures to withdraw from the study at any time willingly, from everyone participating in the study
Anonymity, concealing the identities of participants within the research project
confidentiality, guarding who has the right of access to the data provided by the participants, are two basic ways to shield the participants from harm
Social Structures
2.21. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the quantitative methods
Secondary Analysis
Advantages
– Existing data is plentiful and study can be conducted
Disadvantages
– Available data may not fit research questions
Surveys
Advantages
– Cost-effective and convenient
Disadvantages
– Inflexible design and potential low response rate
Experiments
Advantages
– More control over design and stronger validity and reliability
Disadvantages
– Inability to generalize data
Longitudinal Studies
Advantages
– Provides broad and detailed data
Disadvantage
– Expensive and requires a multi-year commitment
2.2.2: Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the qualitative methods
In-depth Interviews
Advantages
– Ability to explore different angles and levels
Disadvantages
–Focuses on individuals and transcribing field notes can be time-consuming
Participant Observation
–Unrestricting access to observe social behavior
Disadvantages
–Difficult to document details and can potentially be unethical
Focus Groups
Advantages
–Ease of implementation and quick results
Disadvantages
–Groupthink can occur and moderators can skew the results
Content Analysis
Advantages
–Does not involve human subjects and cost-effective
Disadvantages
–Researchers must “read between the lines”
Hawthorne effect, the tendency of people to change their behavior when they know they are being watched
verstehen (vûrst e hen), an empathetic approach to understanding human behavior