Types of data

• Why do sociologists collect different types of data?

  To gain a comprehensive understanding of society
• What is the aim of the lesson regarding sociologists?

  To understand how sociologists collect data
• What types of data do sociologists collect?

  Primary and secondary data
• What is the difference between common sense ideas and sociological research?

  Sociological research is systematic and evidence-based
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different types of data?

  They vary based on research methods and contexts
• What is the distinction between primary and secondary data?

  Primary data is collected by the researcher
• What are the two types of data classification?

  Quantitative and qualitative data
• What are the contrasting perspectives on the choice of methods?

  Positivism and interpretivism
• What do structuralists focus on in sociological research?

  Consensus and conflict theories
• What type of data do positivists prefer?

  Objective, quantitative data
• What methods do positivists use for primary research?

  Surveys and experiments
• What type of data do interpretivists prefer?

  Subjective, qualitative data
• What is secondary data?

  Data already available to sociologists
• What are the strengths of secondary data?

  Quicker and cheaper research method
• What are the weaknesses of secondary data?

  May not reflect sociologists' needs
• What does quantitative data refer to?

  Information in numerical form
• What are the strengths of quantitative data?

  Can be repeated for reliability
• What are the weaknesses of quantitative data?

  Fails to capture personal experiences
• What does qualitative data provide?

  A "feel" for experiences and events
• What are the strengths of qualitative data?

  Reveals meanings and motives behind behavior
• What are the weaknesses of qualitative data?

  Small samples lead to generalizability issues
• What does the mnemonic PERVERT stand for?

  Practical, Ethical, Reliable, Valid, Example, Representative, Theory
• What does reliability mean in research?

  Consistency in research methods and results
• What does validity refer to in research?

  How true the data is
• What does generalizability mean in research?

  Applicability of data to the larger population
• What does replicability mean in research?

  Ability to repeat the study with similar results
• If a sociologist were to research the 2011 riots, what kind of data would they collect?

  Both qualitative and quantitative data
• What is the purpose of linking methods to studies?

  To evaluate the effectiveness of research methods
• How do positivists and interpretivists differ in their approach?

  Positivists focus on objective data, interpretivists on subjective
• What is the relationship between theory and methods in sociology?

  Theory influences the choice of research methods
• What is the significance of social facts in sociological research?

  They help identify patterns and trends in society
• What is the role of ethical considerations in sociological research?

  To ensure the safety and rights of participants
• What are practical issues in sociological research?

  Access, time, money, language, and personal risk
• What ethical issues must sociologists consider?

  Informed consent, confidentiality, and harm
• What is the importance of representative samples in research?

  To ensure findings can be generalized
• How does the choice of research method relate to theory?

  Methods are chosen based on theoretical perspectives
• What is the significance of linking methods to examples?

  To illustrate the application of research methods
• What is the role of triangulation in research?

  Combines multiple methods for comprehensive insights
• What is the purpose of the research process stages?

  To systematically approach data collection
• What is the significance of the research question in sociology?

  Guides the choice of data and methods