Evaluating Research

• OFFICIAL STATISTICS:

  • Official Statistics are the main source of Secondary QUANtitative Data for​ Sociologists, and are widely used

  They consist of Numerical Data produced by National and Local Governments and by Official Bodies

  • [Hard Statistics] provides you with QUANtifiable Precision and Objectivity
  • [Soft Statistics] has its QUALitative insights, which will help provide you with some vital Interpretation behind that data

  
• Official Statistics

  ADVANTAGES:

  • Often Longitudinal Studies, so show changes over time (More VALIDITY)
  • Representative Data, so LARGE samples often used​
  • Reliable Data, well planned AND organised Research when collecting data

  DISADVANTAGES:

  • Politically BIASED Data, where Governments ‘alter’ data or not collect data that shows a NEGATIVE VIEW on the country
  • Marxism argues that Statistics only reflect the INTERESTS of the RULING CLASS; they help to​ maintain and JUSTIFY the way things are
  • SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED Data is NOT Objective

  
• [Non-Official Statistics] are produced by other organisations, such as Religious Groups and Charities, AND the work of organisations such as Policy Institutes, that carry out Research

  
• QUALitative Secondary Data (like letters + diaries)

  ADVANTAGES:

  • Offer FIRST HAND Accounts of the people involved
  • Provides descriptive DETAIL and insight missing in Statistical Sources
  • High in VALIDITY

  DISADVANTAGES:

  • Usually UNrepresentative
  • May need to be CHECKED against other sources
  • They may be BIASED, reflecting the Emotional STATE of the writer at that time