2.1.5 Factors influencing social choice (T)

Question 1

What are the 2 contrasting research approaches in sociology?

Answer 1

• Positivism & interpretivism.
• They’re based on different views & perspectives about how society works, what drives our behaviour & how research should be conducted.

Question 2

What do positivists believe?

Answer 2

• sociology is a science.
• Top down approach to society (people are products of society).
• Seek to measure the impact of society on behavior & patterns of behaviour.
• Value detached objective data.
• Adapt a macro level of analysis.
• Prefer quantitative research methods & data.

Question 3

What do interpretivists believe?

Answer 3

• Reject sociology is a science.
• Bottom up approach to society (people impact society).
• Seek to understand social actors meanings, interpret & understand behaviour.
• Value in depth subjective data.
• Adapt a micro level of analysis.
• Prefer qualitative research methods & data.