Definitions

• Positivism


  An approach to the study of society that relies specifically on scientific evidence, such as, experiments and statistics, to reveal the true nature of how society operates.

  • Data: quantitative.
• Interpretivism


  Method of research in which an action or event is analysed based on the beliefs, norms, and values of the culture of the society in which it takes place. Used to analyse data related to human actions in society.

  • Data: qualitative.
• Realism


  A way of thinking and acting based on facts and what is possible, rather than on hope for things that are unlikely to happen.

  • Uses both positivism and interpretivism.
• Hypothesis


  A hypothesis is a testable statement about a specific relationship. (A causes B)

  • For example, coming from a working-class family leads to lower levels of educational achievement.
• Aim


  An aim is a more general statement which identifies what we intend to study and hope to achieve through the research.

  • For example, to collect data on the educational achievement and experiences of the working class.
• Operationalising concepts


  This refers to how we measure abstract concepts such as ‘social class’.

  This is important as without a clear definition we cannot measure what a social class is.

  We cannot compare results from different studies unless their operationalised definitions are comparable.
• Pilot study

  Sociologists who use social surveys (questionnaires & structured interviews) often carry out a pilot study before conducting the main survey. > Trying to draft out a version of the social survey.

  Used to iron out any problems, refine or clarify questions and their wordings and give interviewers practice.