Definitions

• Questionnaire - A list of pre-set questions to which the participants are asked to answer
• Interview - When a researcher directly asks a series of questions to one, or more interviewees. They can be: structured, semi-structured or unstructured & can be conducted in groups or with individuals
• Observations - A method in which researchers study the ongoing behaviour of their participants by watching people and their behaviour
• Secondary Data - Information collected by someone else, that is available to the sociologist
•  Mixed Methods - Using more than one method when conducting sociological research including: questionnaires, surveys and interviews
• Focus Group - A group of people who are asked to give their opinions on a particular topic
• Participant Observation - Where the observer becomes part of the social setting they are studying
• Non Participant Observation - The researcher observes without becoming involved in the situation being studied.
• Random Sampling - Every member of the sampling frame has an equal chance of being selected
• Sampling Frame - A list of all possible members of a population from which a sample can be drawn
• Stratified Random Sample - A random sample where the population is divided into groups (strata) based on certain characteristics such as age or gender
• Longitudinal - Data is collected from the same individuals or groups over an extended period of time.
• Snowballing - When respondents suggest other potential interviewees
• Methodological pluralism - Using a variety of research methods or approaches within a single study or research project, rather than relying solely on one method
• Sample - Individuals selected from a larger population for the purpose of studying
• Representative - The extent to which a sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the population
• Generalisable - The extent to which the findings, conclusions, or patterns observed in a study can be applied
• Quantitative - Research method or data that involves the measurement and analysis of numerical data
• Qualitative - Research method or data that focuses on subjective experiences, meanings, and interpretations
• Validity - How true it is
• Reliability - Consistency/repeatability
• Ethical issues - Issues relating to how research is conducted
• Objectivity - Conducting research without personal bias or subjective interpretation, aiming for impartiality and neutrality
• Ethnographic - Immersing oneself in the natural environment of the subjects being studied