Chapter 1

• Research evolves systematically collecting and analysing information
• Data

  Information gathered as part of a research project
• Research Methods


  • Interviews
  • Unstructured
  • Structured
  • Longitudinal studies
  • Observations
• There are two main types of data: primary data and secondary data
• Primary data

  First-hand data collected, information not present before the research
• Secondary data


  Data which already exists, second-hand
• Researchers must decide what type of data they wish to collect
• Forms of data

  • Quantitative data
  • Qualitative data
• Quantitative data

  Data in the form of numbers, useful for showing strength of relationships and comparisons
• Qualitative data


  Data not in the form of numbers, can provide richer and more in-depth picture of social life
• Researchers often complete a pilot study before the main research
• Pilot studies

  • Small-scale, preliminary studies to investigate whether crucial components of a main study will be feasible
  • Used to predict appropriate sample size and/or improve study design
• Practical factors focus on the logistics of carrying out social research
• Time and money


  Different methods require different amounts of time and money, which may influence the sociologist's choice
• Personal skills and characteristics


  Each sociologist possesses different skills and characteristics that may affect their ability to use different methods
• Subject matter and target population


  Some methods may be much harder to use for studying particular subject matter or target populations
• Access


  Whether the researcher has the ability to approach, enter or communicate with social groups or individuals
• Operationalisation


  The process of defining a phenomenon that is not directly measurable, to make the theoretical concept clearly distinguishable or measurable
• Flexibility


  Whether the planned research can be adapted as it is being conducted, in response to participants' words, views, or actions
• Ethical factors are the points to be considered during a research project to ensure it is moral, and causes no harm to participants or society
• Informed consent

  The researcher must obtain full informed consent from the participants before and during the research
• Deception


  Making or allowing someone to believe something that is not true
• Wellbeing of participants and researchers

  The researcher must consider the impact of the research on the wellbeing of both participants and themselves
• Right to privacy, anonymity & confidentiality


  The researcher should respect the right of the participants to privacy and anonymity, and keep personal information confidential
• Right to withdraw


  Participants should be made aware of their right to withdraw from the research at any time
• Sensitivity


  Researchers should take into account whether the issue being studied is sensitive in nature