Research

• What is the focus of the sociology topic video?

  Research methods focusing on interviews
• Why do sociologists use interviews?

  To gain insight into thoughts and attitudes
• What are interviews in sociological research?

  Conversations between researcher and respondent
• What types of questions can be asked in interviews?


  Open or closed questions
• What is an interview schedule?

  A list of questions for the interview
• How do skilled researchers differ in their approach to interviews?

  They may not use a fixed schedule
• What are structured interviews preferred by positivists?

  Face-to-face interviews with standardized questions
• What type of data do structured interviews usually obtain?

  Quantitative data
• What characterizes semi-structured interviews?

  They allow follow-up questions
• What is the main advantage of unstructured interviews?

  Greater flexibility to explore responses
• What type of data do unstructured interviews usually provide?

  Qualitative data
• What are group interviews often referred to as?

  Focus groups
• Why are interviews considered useful for sociologists?

  They have a higher response rate than questionnaires
• How do interviews compare to questionnaires in terms of insights?

  Interviews provide more valuable insights
• What is a key advantage of having a researcher present during interviews?

  Questions can be clarified for respondents
• What can researchers assess through observing body language?

  The validity of respondents' answers
• Why can structured interviews be more reliable?

  Standardized questions can be replicated
• What is a practical issue with interviews?

  They can be expensive to conduct
• Why can interviews be time-consuming?

  Training and transcribing responses take time
• How does a researcher's personal skill affect interviews?

  Empathy levels can vary among researchers
• What ethical issues can arise from interviews on sensitive topics?

  They may recall upsetting memories
• How can researchers address the impact of group interviews?

  By ensuring anonymity and confidentiality
• What is a potential risk for respondents in interviews?

  Repercussions from revealing sensitive information
• What ethical dilemma might researchers face during interviews?

  Disclosure of illegal or immoral activities
• How can the presence of an interviewer affect responses?

  Respondents may give socially desirable answers
• How can an interviewer's theoretical position influence responses?

  It may lead to over-exaggeration by respondents
• Why might unstructured interviews lack reliability?

  Questions and responses are unique
• What do positivists prefer in interviews?

  Standardized nature and reliability
• What do interpretivists favor in interviews?

  Validity and insight into lives
• Who used unstructured interviews with high school teachers?

  Becker
• What was Carlin's research focus?

  Gender and criminality
• What did Willis research using unstructured and group interviews?

  Anti-school subcultures
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using interviews in sociological research?

  Advantages:

  • Higher response rates than questionnaires
  • Valuable insights into behaviors
  • Flexibility in questioning
  • Clarification of questions
  • Rapport development with respondents

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Costly and time-consuming
  • Potential for researcher bias
  • Ethical dilemmas with sensitive topics
  • Reliability issues with unstructured formats
• What are the different types of interviews used in sociological research?

  1. Structured interviews

  • Standardized questions
  • Quantitative data

  1. Semi-structured interviews

  • List of questions with follow-ups

  1. Unstructured interviews

  • Guided conversations
  • Qualitative data

  1. Group interviews (focus groups)

  • Multiple respondents at once