Sociology —theories and debates

• What is the date mentioned in the study material?

  Monday 20 May 2024
• What are the key differences between Positivism and Interpretivism?

  • Positivism focuses on observable phenomena and quantitative data.
  • Interpretivism emphasizes understanding the subjective meaning of social phenomena.
• What does it mean for a study to be replicable?

  It means the study can be repeated using the same methods to achieve similar results.
• What is meant by the term 'representativeness' in research?

  It refers to whether the research findings accurately reflect the characteristics of the population being studied.
• What type of data is quantitative data?

  Data that is collected and involves numbers and numerical factors.
• What type of data is qualitative data?

  Data that is linked to the spoken word and involves descriptive factors.
• What are the practical considerations when choosing research methods?

  • Time and money constraints
  • Requirements for handling data
  • Personal characteristics of the researcher
  • Research opportunities available
• What do positivists believe about sociology and natural sciences?

  They believe sociology should model research methods on those of the natural sciences to produce objective knowledge.
• How do positivists view society?

  They see society as an objective reality made up of social facts that can be observed and measured.
• What is the purpose of laboratory experiments in positivist research?

  To control variables and discover cause-and-effect relationships.
• What is the experimental group in a laboratory experiment?

  The group that is exposed to the independent variable.
• What is the control group in a laboratory experiment?

  The group that is not exposed to the independent variable.
• What is the Hawthorne Effect?


  It refers to changes in behavior that occur when individuals know they are being observed.
• What is informed consent in research?


  It is the agreement of participants to take part in a study after being fully informed of its purpose and procedures.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of field experiments?

  Advantages:

  • Conducted in natural surroundings
  • Participants are unaware they are subjects

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Ethical concerns regarding consent
  • Less control over variables compared to lab experiments
• What is the comparative method in sociology?

  • A thought experiment comparing two groups
  • Does not involve real experimentation on people
  • Aims to discover cause and effect relationships
• What are the advantages of using questionnaires in research?

  They are cheap, quick to carry out, and can reach a geographically widespread audience.
• What is a disadvantage of using questionnaires?

  They often have low response rates, which can hinder validity.
• What are the types of interviews used in research?

  • Structured interviews
  • Semi-structured interviews
  • Unstructured interviews
• What is an advantage of structured interviews?


  They produce data that can be used to test hypotheses effectively.
• What is a disadvantage of unstructured interviews?

  They are time-consuming and require extensive training for interviewers.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of participant observation?

  Advantages:

  • High validity due to natural settings
  • Opportunity to develop rapport with subjects

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Researcher bias may affect results
  • Difficult to maintain objectivity
• What is the purpose of official statistics in research?

  They provide quantitative data collected by government agencies and organizations.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using historical documents in research?

  Advantages:

  • Allow comparisons over time
  • Provide evidence from the past

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Some documents may be lost or destroyed
  • Validity may be questionable due to selective preservation
• What is a problem with using primary qualitative data?

  It can be time-consuming and may take a long time to collect and analyze.
• What is a potential issue with personal documents in research?

  They may not represent the views of the broader population.
• What are the key points about structured interviews in sociology?

  • Produce quantitative data
  • Can be used to test hypotheses
  • Practical and cost-effective
• What is the significance of the date Monday 3 June 2024 in the study material?


  It marks the date for discussing sociology and science.
• What is the role of patterns, laws, and deductive reasoning in positivism?

  They are used to understand social phenomena through observable and measurable facts.
• What are the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods?

  Quantitative:

  • Involves numerical data
  • Focuses on measurable outcomes

  
  

  Qualitative:

  • Involves descriptive data
  • Focuses on understanding meanings and experiences
• What is the advantage of structured interviews according to positivists?

  Structured interviews are an effective way of carrying out sociological research.
• How do positivists view the use of quantitative data in sociology?

  Positivists believe that quantitative data can reveal patterns and laws in social behavior.
• What are the main differences between positivism and interpretivism in sociology?

  • Positivism:
  • Focuses on quantitative data
  • Aims to find patterns and laws
  • Uses structured interviews and official statistics
  • Interpretivism:
  • Focuses on qualitative data
  • Aims to understand depth and meaning
  • Uses unstructured interviews and participant observation
• What is the role of values in sociological research according to Gouldner?

  Gouldner argues that sociologists should take the side of the underdog and be committed to social change.
• What is the main critique of positivism in sociology?

  Critics argue that positivism overlooks the subjective meanings of social phenomena.
• What are the implications of value freedom in sociological research?

  • Researchers should strive for objectivity.
  • Personal values should not influence research design or interpretation.
  • Value freedom is essential for credible and replicable research.
• How can a sociologist ensure their research is value-free?

  By designing well-structured research that minimizes personal biases.
• What does relativism argue in the context of sociology?

  Relativism argues that different groups have unique perspectives that shape their understanding of the world.
• How does postmodernism critique the idea of a single narrative in sociology?

  Postmodernism rejects the notion that any single account of the world is superior to another.
• What are the key features of committed sociology according to Becker?

  • Sociologists should adopt a compassionate stance.
  • Focus on the perspectives of marginalized groups.
  • Aim to expose and challenge power structures in society.