research methods

• Positivists


  Prefer scientific, quantifiable data that is quick and easy to obtain, and is rich in reliability and validity
• Interpretivists


  Value qualitative data that provides in-depth meaning of a small-scale research group, and is therefore rich in validity
• Experiment


  Characterised by its high degree of control that the researcher has over the situation
• Laboratory experiments


  • Test hypotheses in a controlled environment where the researcher changes the independent variable and measures the effect on the dependent variable
• Field experiments


  • Take place in the real social world, where the sociologist either creates a situation or adapts a real-life situation to their research purpose
• Questionnaires


  A form of social survey, typically a list of pre-set questions that are closed-end questions with pre-coded answers
• Structured interviews


  Face-to-face or over-the-phone delivery of a questionnaire, using a list of pre-set questions asked of all interviewees in the same way
• Unstructured interviews


  Mainly ask open-ended questions that produce qualitative data rich in meaning, with a strong relationship built between interviewer and interviewee
• Semi-structured interviews


  Combine a pre-determined set of open questions with the opportunity for the interviewer to explore particular themes or responses further
• Participant observations


  The researcher joins in the activities of the group they are researching
• Non-participant observations


  The observer avoids any direct involvement with the research group
• Overt observations


  The researcher explains their research intention to the group, so the research subjects are aware they are being observed
• Covert observations


  The researcher keeps their real identity and purpose secret from research subjects
• Official statistics


  Quantitative data collected by government bodies
• Personal documents


  Take the form of diaries, memoirs, autobiographies and letters
• Historical documents


  Provide evidence from the past