Key concepts

• Data= A collection of recorded observations gained from research from which inferences are drawn through analysis.
• Hypothesis= An untested theory or explanation expressed as a statement. Sociologists prove or disprove them by testing them against evidence.
• Objectivity= The absence of bias and preconceived ideas; looking at things without beliefs or values getting in the way.
• Subjectivity= Where the individual's personal viewpoint influences their perception or judgement.
• Pilot study= A small-scale trial run of a study conducted before the main study to identify any issues and give the researcher confidence in their method before using it.
• Primary research= Information collected first-hand by individuals, such as sociologists, for their own research purposes.
• secondary research= information collected by others but used by sociologists for their research purposes.
• Qualitative data= Information, usually expressed in words and/or audio recordings about people's thoughts and feelings, motivations, attitudes and values.
• Quantitative data= Information presented in numerical form, such as graphs and statistics.
• Reliability= research which produces the same results every time the experiment is conducted using the same methods.
• Validity= The capacity of a research method to measure what it aims to; a true or genuine picture of what something is really like.
• sample= a smaller group selected from the population to take part in research.
• Representative= Typical; a cross-section which allows findings to be generalised.
• Theory= A way to explain different aspects of social interactions and social structures.
• There are three main issues when selecting a research method:

  1. Practical issues
  2. Ethical issues
  3. Theoretical issues
• Practical issues

  problems appearing in the real world

  • Time and money
  • Personal skills and researcher characteristics
  • Funding from institutions and government bodies
  • subject matter being studied
  • unexpected opportunities
• Ethical issues

  Issues concerning right and wrong where the method used may blur this distinction.

  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality and privacy
  • Harm to participants
  • Vulnerable groups
  • Covert (undercover) research
• Theoretical issues

  "is this research obtaining an accurate, truthful picture of what society is like?"

  • Validity
  • Reliability
  • Representative
  • Methodological perspective
• Types of Research Method

  1. Primary
  2. Secondary
• Primary

  • Experiments (either in-laboratory or in-field).
  • Observations (overt and covert; participant and non-participant).
  • Interviews( structed and unstructured).
  • Content analysis.
• Secondary

  • Use of official statistics.
  • Use of documents i.e. letters, photographs, newspapers, the internet etc.