POSITIVISM Flashcards
What do Positivists see sociology as?
A Science.
Which approach do Positivists take? Micro or Macro? Why?
Macro. As they are examining the relationship between different parts of the social structure.
What are Positivists opinion on patterns and trends?
Patterns = whole groups of people behave in patterned ways. Trends = human behaviour can be clearly seen and catalogued.
Positivists believe scientific research should be what?
Objective.
What is important for Positivists to ensure reliability?
Replication.
Positivists aim to take what kind of sample?
A representative sample.
What can Positivists use a representative sample for?
Making generalisations based on data they have collected from the sample.
What type of data is preferred by Positivists?
Quantitative.
What do all sociologists strive to achieve in their research?
Validity.
What do Positivists call absolute truths or scientific laws?
‘social facts’.
Why do the BSA encourage the use of quantitative research?
Because the BSA stresses that researchers need to obtain the ‘informed consent’ of those taking part in research.
What kind of research do governments tend to prefer?
Postivist-style, as generalisations can be made.
