research methods

• How is quantitative data characterized?

  Quantitative data is presented in numerical form and is more objective in nature.
• What is qualitative data often presented in?

  Qualitative data is often presented in written, verbal, or visual formats.
• What do sociologists seek to understand through qualitative data?

  Sociologists seek to understand the meanings and motivations behind people's behaviors through qualitative data.
• Which group of sociologists prefers quantitative data?

  Positivists prefer quantitative data as it helps observe social facts and establish trends.
• Why do interpretivists prefer qualitative data?

  Interpretivists prefer qualitative data to explore meanings and motivations expressed in words and images.
• What is a characteristic of methods that produce quantitative data?

  Methods that produce quantitative data tend to be more structured and allow for an objective viewpoint.
• What types of experiments produce quantitative data?

  Both lab or controlled experiments and field experiments usually produce quantitative data.
• What is the role of the independent variable in experiments?

  The independent variable is manipulated in experiments to measure the dependent variable.
• How are questionnaires used to produce quantitative data?

  Questionnaires produce quantitative data when questions are pre-coded with a finite number of responses.
• What is the purpose of official statistics?

  Official statistics are compiled to provide quantitative data for social trends and government planning.
• How is quantitative data used by governments?

  Quantitative data is used by governments to report social trends and plan budgets for departments.
• What types of qualitative methods?

  Qualitative methods include participant observations, unstructured interviews, and open-ended questionnaires.
• What is the advantage of using qualitative data?

  The advantage of using qualitative data is gaining insight into different perceptions and motivations behind behavior.
• How do secondary sources contribute to qualitative research?

  Secondary sources provide insights into lives and attitudes that other methods may not reveal.
• What is methodological pluralism?

  Methodological pluralism is the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to enhance research validity and reliability.
• What does Willis's "Learning to Labor" study illustrate?

  Willis's study illustrates the use of mixed methods, including questionnaires and unstructured interviews, to explore working-class boys' experiences.
• Why is combining qualitative and quantitative methods beneficial?

  Combining methods increases the validity of qualitative data and the reliability of quantitative data.
• What are the key differences between quantitative and qualitative data?

  • Quantitative data: numerical, objective, structured, allows for statistical analysis.
  • Qualitative data: contextual, subjective, open to interpretation, provides insights into experiences and meanings.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative methods?

  Strengths of quantitative methods:

  • Objective and reliable
  • Can identify trends and patterns
  • Easier to replicate

  
  

  Weaknesses of quantitative methods:

  • May overlook individual experiences
  • Less depth in understanding motivations

  
  

  Strengths of qualitative methods:

  • Provides in-depth insights
  • Captures individual perspectives

  
  

  Weaknesses of qualitative methods:

  • More time-consuming
  • Harder to replicate findings
• How can qualitative methods inform quantitative research?

  • Qualitative methods can provide context and understanding behind quantitative findings.
  • They can help formulate hypotheses for quantitative studies.
  • Qualitative insights can enhance the interpretation of quantitative data.