Realist methodology

Question 1

Realist methodology

Answer 1

Realists argue that sociological research can follow the logic and methods of the natural sciences. However, this differs from the Positivists as Realists distinguish between closed and open systems of science. The key difference is that natural science generally operates within ‘closed’ system, where it is possible to generate hypotheses, make predictions and collect empirical data (for example in an laboratory experiment). However, realists argue that social science operates with ‘open systems’ where causal mechanisms underlie regularities, yet these mechanisms are rarely observable and are subject to rapid and unpredictable changes. Realists argue that sociology should use whatever methods necessary to investigate these causal mechanisms so that they are able to give realistic evidence which can access both reliable and transparent quantitative data, as well as qualitative data capable of exploring subjective dimensions of an individuals’ experience.

Question 2

Realist methodology 2

Answer 2

Realists also argue that sociological research is not and cannot be value free. They argue that sociologists should be engaged in the systematic collection of evidence which aim to explain the world as objectively as possible on the basis of the available evidence. Realists frequently use mixed methods in order to achieve this. The use of mixed methods have been identified by Bryman as useful for some of the following reasons:

Question 3

The logic of triangulation

Answer 3

Traingulation is slightly different to methodologcial pluralism in that it means not just any mixture of methods but specifically to research where quantitative and qualitative research methods are used to cross-check the findings produced by the other methods. So, for example, the findings produced in a small number of in-depth interviews might be checked by administering questionnaires to a larger sample of people in oreder to get a balance of reliability and validity. According to Bryman, the main advantage of triangulation is that it increases confidence in the research findings.

Question 4

Qualitative research facilitates quantitative research

Answer 4

Qualitative research might be useful for generating hypotheses to be tested in quantitative research. It might also be used to aid measurement. For example, it can help researchers to operationalize complex concepts in questionnaires through an understanding of what the concepts mean to those being studied. The British Household Panel Study used discussions and interviews to clarify the concepts included in questionnaires.

Question 5

Quantitative research facilitates qualitative research

Answer 5

A good example of this is when questionnaires can be used to identify the people suitable for inclusion in a sample to be studied using qualitative methods. This can save researchers a lot of time which would otherwise be wasted in carrying out research on people from whom no useful data is likely to be obtained.

Question 6

Filling in the gaps

Answer 6

Sometimes research might employ one main method but find that this leaves gaps in the data which need to be filled. e.g william foot whyte

Question 7

Stable and changing features

Answer 7

Stephen ball

Question 8

Problem of generalisabilty

Answer 8

Qualitative research usually employs a small sample for practical reasons. It may be supplemented by quantitative research using a larger sample to make it possible to generalize from the findings.

Question 9

Solving a puzzle

Answer 9

Sometimes research throws up unexpected results which are hard to explain. Researchers might need to use a different method to that used initially to try to understand their findings. A study in the USA of how often shop assistants in convenience stores smiled expected to find that they smiled more in shops where sales were booming, but actually found that they smiled more in shops where there was a shortage of customers. To discover why this was, they decided to carry out observation, participant observation and in-depth interviews. They found that the results could be explained in terms of pressure on staff. In busy shops staff had ‘less time and inclination for the pleasantries associated with positive emotions’ (Bryman, 2001).