35 Markers Flashcards
Introduction Part One (Define Topic)
Define the Topic at Hand (Social Media Sites/Change in ambitions in YA)
Introduction Part Two (Qual or Quant)
Identify whether Qual or Quant data is being collected (in the question or dependent on what is being investigated)
- Quantitate Data: Data that is factual and generally takes numerical form typically produces statical truths that can be objectively analysed by anyone
- Qualitative Data: Information/Data that is concerned with the meanings and interpretations people have on issues and questions, the information is in-depth, detailed and requires analysis
Introduction Part Three (Concepts)
Define Concepts in the Question:
- What’s being investigated and Define
- Who is being investigated and Define
- Where is the sample coming from (Define in your area for example)
Literature Review
- If example can be thought of then highlight what it is and what they found
- If there is no example comment on how you will look back and look at previous research and see what they found, what methods they used to collect and obtain the data and also to see if there are any gaps in the current research
Method Rule
Only choose one Method/No semi-Structured
Method Part One (Pick a Method)
Address the brief and what data is being gathered and highlight what method will be used
Method: Quantitative Data is Being Collected
Questionnaire = A self-completion questionnaire are a series if written questions distributed directly, electronically or by post. Associated with the positivist approach as generally used to collect quantitative data in response to closed questions but open questions can also be used.
Method: Qualitative Data is Being Collected
Unstructured Interviews = An extended conversation or a guided conversation where the interviewer asks open-ended questions about a topic, during which the respondent is able to answer freely and in-depth. The interviewer has a mental list of topics to over.
Method Part Two
Justify the Decision
Quantitative Justification
Questionnaires: Association with quantitate data mean the are regarded in collecting data high reliability
- the most common method used by various sociologists but usually those who follow the positive approach
- Due to their flexibility, it is really the only method that can access a large sample
- ease researchers with finance issues regarding travel costs for example
- Gives respondents privacy as they conduct it by themselves in their own time, this is particularly good for sensitive topics being investigated, so likely to be honest and reflective with answers, increasing the validity
- Removers the interviewer from the equation which makes them more likely to give accurate answers as it completely avoids the issue of order effects
Qualitative Justification
Unstructured Interview: Gathers and produces rich qualitative data required as interviewers nor respondents are limited by pre-set questions and predetermined responses
- Respondents can give accurate answered that are detailed and the flexibility allows the interviewer to probe for further clarification if the respondent is being ambiguous
- Adds validity to the data making it more relevant and more likely to be accurate
- The process is usually long allowing for a rapport to be built between the two parties which means they are more likely to be honest
- Can also change the questions to suit the participant like language as ppts may have varying educational comprehensions-allows for a wider range of respondents making things more generalisable
Sample
- Identify the population being investigated
- Target Population
- Sample: the Whole group that is being studied but this can be large and time and money constraints mean usually a sample is studied.
- A sample is a group of individuals with same characteristics of the target population selected from a wider population
- Sampling Frame: A list of those in the target population
- Access (School roll)/Advertisement
- The sample will be small due to restrictions of being A level student
Random Sample is Chosen
- A type of lottery
- Simplest and Basic Sample
- Drawing names and numbers
- Sampling Frame required as it is crucial because it is the list of names of the people who will make up the population that the sociologist wishes to research
- Everyone in the sampling frame as an equal change of being selected
- but may not be representative as may end up with a disproportionate amount from a certain group which creates bias-data is skewed
- Also, need to obtain consent to participate so may turn into a volunteer sample
Volunteer Sample is Chosen
- Advertise
- No representative sample
- Atypical people interested in participated which skews results
Opportunity Sample is Chosen
- It consists of taking the sample from people who are available at the time the study is carried out and fit the criteria your are looking for
- Uses people from target population available at the time and willing to take part. It is based on convenience
- An opportunity sample is obtained by asking members of the population of interest if they would take part in your research
- This is a quick way and easy of choosing participants
- May not provide a representative sample and could be biased
- Still, need consent so may turn into a volunteer sample
