Understanding Sociology: Theories, Methods, and Research Designs, Study notes of Introduction to Sociology

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Doing Sociology

The Methodology of Sociology

Making Sense of the World

Involves Modes of “Knowing.”

Types of Knowing: Experience: This involves trial and error Cultural Traditions: An accepted body of “facts passed from one generation to another (cultural bound) Faith: Strong belief in “truth” that cannot be verified by observation

The Theory Building Process Theory is a set of interrelated propositions, or statements, that attempt to explain some phenomena. Theory building begins with the identification of important concepts to be studied.

Types of Reasoning Inductive Reasoning: Uses specific observations to develop a general understanding Deductive Reasoning: This begins with a general understanding or theory which is then tested through observations or a study of specific situations.

Guidelines for the Scientific Method Statement of the Problem: Formulation of the research question Review of the Literature: What is already known/documented about the problem Development of Hypotheses/Statement of Research Objectives: Statements about the relationships between the concepts/variables to be studied Research Design: Strategies used to generate observations

Guidelines… Cont’d Data Collection: Collection of relevant observations, facts, and information Data Analysis/Interpretation: Examination of data to determine meaningful patterns and relationships; seeking to rule out chance Conclusions: Discussions of the meanings and implications of findings(larger questions in problem statement and literature.

Types of Research Designs

Exploratory Research: Attempts to answer the question “What?” Descriptive Research: Attempts to answer “What and How?” Explanatory Research: Attempts to answer “What, How, and Why?” Evaluative Research: Attempts to answer “What, How, Why, and Does It Work?”

Quantitative Research Design

(Emphasizes the use of numbers and statistics) Secondary Analysis: Employs existing data Experimental and Quasi-Experimental: Attempts to discover cause-and-effect relationship between dependent and independent variables (control/experimental groups)

Qualitative Research Design

(Emphasizes systematic observations, and meaning people give to social actions) Ethnographic Interview: Talking with people in an effort to learn about them and their lives. Participant Observation: Systematic observations with limited or full participation in subjects’ activities. Case Studies: Intensive examination of a person, group, social scene or event. May use a variety of qualitative techniques.

Ethical Issues

Maintain objectivity, integrity, confidentiality, and social responsibility. Respect and protect the privacy, dignity, and safety of the research subjects. Do not discriminate, misuse, or abuse the research role. Disclose all assistants and support.