Research Design

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

A hunch or an informed guess.

A testable statement either proved by the evidence found or proved wrong.

Question 2

Positivism

Answer 2

Positivists favour a scientific approach.

They prefer quantitative methods.

Question 3

Interactionism

Answer 3

Interactionists favour a human understanding of behaviour approach.

They prefer qualitative methods.

Question 4

Case Study

Answer 4

A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, event, or phenomenon.

It involves collecting detailed information from various sources, such as interviews, observations, documents, or archival records, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case being studied.

Question 5

Pilot Study

Answer 5

A small-scale study carried out before the main research. Allows the researcher to test the chosen methods and ensure they are appropriate.

Question 6

Sample

Answer 6

Samples are essential in sociological research as they allow researchers to draw inferences about a population based on the characteristics of the sample, without having to study every member of the population.

Question 7

Random Sampling

Answer 7

Names out of a hat.

A way of selecting individuals or items from a population so that each member has an equal chance of being chosen.

It’s like picking names out of a hat — everyone’s name has the same chance of being picked. This helps make sure that the sample represents the population fairly and reduces bias in research.

Question 8

Systematic Sampling

Answer 8

Every ‘nth’ person.

A method of selecting individuals or items from a population by choosing every nth member from a list or sequence.

It’s like selecting every 5th person from a line. This method ensures that the sample is spread out evenly across the population, making it easier to gather representative data without needing to randomly select each individual.

Question 9

Snowball Sampling

Answer 9

Researchers start with a small group of participants who meet certain criteria, then ask them to refer others who also meet the criteria, and so on.

This method is often used when the population being studied is hard to reach or identify, such as marginalised communities or rare populations.

Question 10

Quota Sampling

Answer 10

Researchers divide the population into groups based on certain characteristics (such as age, gender, or ethnicity) and then select participants from each group in proportion to their representation in the population. It’s not random.

Question 11

Stratified Sampling

Answer 11

In stratified sampling, researchers divide subjects into subgroups called strata based on characteristics that they share (e.g., race, gender, educational attainment). Once divided, each subgroup is randomly sampled using another probability sampling method. It’s random.

Question 12

Representative Sampling

Answer 12

A method used in research to select a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population from which it is drawn. It’s like taking a small slice of cake that looks just like the whole cake.

Question 13

Sampling Frame

Answer 13

A big list of everyone or everything you might want to study. It’s the starting point for selecting who or what will be included in your research sample.

Question 14

Primary Data

Answer 14

Refers to information that is collected firsthand by the researcher specifically for the purpose of their study.

It’s like doing your own investigation to gather new information rather than relying on what others have already collected. Primary data can be gathered through methods like surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. It’s valuable because it’s fresh and directly relevant to the research question, allowing researchers to tailor their data collection to meet their specific needs.

Question 15

Secondary Data

Answer 15

Refers to information that has been collected by someone else for a different purpose but is used by researchers in their own studies.

It’s like borrowing a book from the library instead of writing it yourself. Secondary data can include sources like books, articles, government reports, and datasets. Researchers analyse and interpret secondary data to answer their research questions or test hypotheses without collecting new information themselves.

Question 16

Quantitative Data

Answer 16

Refers to numerical information or data that can be measured and expressed using numbers.

It’s like counting how many apples are in a basket or measuring the temperature outside.

Quantitative data can include things like measurements, counts, percentages, or ratings, and graphs. It allows for statistical analysis to identify patterns, relationships, or trends.

Question 17

Qualitative Data

Answer 17

Refers to non-numerical information that describes qualities or characteristics.

It’s like describing the colour, texture, and taste of an apple rather than counting how many apples there are.

Qualitative data can include descriptions, observations, interviews, and narratives, and it provides rich insights into people’s experiences, behaviours, and perceptions. It’s often used to explore complex phenomena and understand the meaning behind numerical findings.

Question 18

Mixed Methods Research

Answer 18

Mixed methods research is like using both a ruler and a magnifying glass to understand something. It’s an approach where researchers combine both numbers and descriptions in their study.

This way, they can get a more complete picture of their topic by gathering and analysing both quantitative data (like numbers and statistics) and qualitative data (like descriptions and stories) at the same time.

Question 19

Triangulation

Answer 19

The use of multiple sources, methods, or perspectives to corroborate findings and enhance the validity and reliability of the research results.

It’s like looking at a target from different angles to pinpoint the exact centre. Triangulation can involve comparing data from different sources, using multiple data collection methods, or involving multiple researchers to cross-check findings.

Question 20

Informed Consent

Answer 20

Informed consent is when someone agrees to participate in a study or activity after being given clear and understandable information about what it involves.

It’s like signing a permission slip after knowing all the details of a field trip. In research, informed consent means that participants are aware of things like the purpose of the study, potential risks and benefits, and their rights, and they agree to take part voluntarily without feeling pressured or misled.

Question 21

Closed Questions

Answer 21

Closed questions are questions that can typically be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” or by choosing from a limited set of predetermined options.

Question 22

Open-Ended Questions

Answer 22

Open-ended questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” and require more detailed responses.

It’s like asking someone to explain their thoughts or feelings rather than just giving a one-word answer. Open-ended questions typically start with words like “how,” “why,” or “what,” and they encourage people to share their opinions, experiences, or ideas in their own words. These questions are often used in interviews, surveys, or discussions to gather rich and diverse data.

Question 23

Difference Between Structured and Unstructured Interviews?

Answer 23

Structured interviews follow a predetermined set of questions asked in the same order and format to all participants, focusing on collecting quantitative data efficiently.

Unstructured interviews start with a general topic and allow for open-ended exploration of participants’ experiences and perspectives, providing rich qualitative insights.

Question 24

Bias

Answer 24

Bias refers to systematic and unfair preferences, prejudices, or influences that can affect research, decision-making, or social interactions.

Question 25

Longitudinal Study

Answer 25

A longitudinal study is a research method where data is collected from the same individuals or groups over an extended period of time, often months or years.

It’s like taking snapshots of people’s lives at different points in time to see how they change over time.

Longitudinal studies allow researchers to track developments, trends, or patterns over time and examine how factors such as ageing, life events, or interventions influence individuals or groups. This method provides insights into long-term processes and relationships, helping researchers understand continuity, change, and causality in various aspects of human behaviour and society.

Question 26

Ethnography

Answer 26

Ethnography is a research method used in sociology to study people and cultures by immersing researchers in the daily lives and activities of the individuals or groups being studied.

Question 27

PO (Participant Observation)

Answer 27

Participant observation (PO) is a research method where the researcher actively takes part in the activities of the group or community being studied while also observing and recording their behaviour, interactions, and culture.

It’s like being both a participant and an observer in a social setting, blending in with the group to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives.

Participant observation allows researchers to collect rich and detailed data by immersing themselves in the daily lives and routines of the people they study, providing insights into social processes, norms, and dynamics that may not be accessible through other methods.

Question 28

CO (Covert Observation)

Answer 28

Covert observation (CO) is a research method where the researcher observes and records behaviour, interactions, and social phenomena without the knowledge or consent of the individuals or groups being studied.

It’s like secretly watching people without them knowing. Covert observation is typically used in situations where obtaining consent or revealing the researcher’s presence would interfere with the natural behaviour of the subjects or compromise the validity of the study.

However, covert observation raises ethical concerns about privacy, informed consent, and potential harm to participants, so it should be used with caution and in accordance with ethical guidelines.

Question 29

Non-Participant Observation

Answer 29

Non-participant observation is a research method where the researcher observes and records behaviour, interactions, and social phenomena without actively participating in the activities of the group or community being studied.

It’s like being a fly on the wall, quietly watching from the sidelines without getting directly involved.

Non-participant observation allows researchers to gather data while maintaining a degree of distance and objectivity, as they are not directly influencing the behaviour or dynamics of the group.

This method is often used when the researcher wants to observe natural behaviour without interfering or when participation is not feasible or appropriate.

Question 30

Content Analysis

Answer 30

Content analysis is a research method used to systematically analyse and interpret the content of texts, documents, or other forms of communication to identify patterns, themes, or trends.

It’s like dissecting a book or a set of articles to understand what they’re all about and what ideas they convey.

Content analysis involves coding and categorising the content based on predefined criteria or themes, allowing researchers to quantify and analyse qualitative data.

Question 31

Census

Answer 31

A census is a complete count or survey of all the individuals or items in a population.

It’s like taking a snapshot of everyone or everything in a particular place at a specific point in time. A census aims to gather comprehensive and accurate information about the entire population rather than just a sample, providing detailed insights into its characteristics, demographics, or other attributes.

Census data is used for various purposes, including government planning, resource allocation, and policy-making.

Question 32

What is the difference between stratified sampling and quota sampling?

Answer 32

In stratified sampling, you draw a random sample from each subgroup (probability sampling).

In quota sampling you select a predetermined number or proportion of units, in a non-random manner (non-probability sampling).

Question 33

What is the difference between mixed methods and triangulation approaches?

Answer 33

Mixed methods can help you answer complex research questions, address multiple aspects of a problem, or complement the strengths and weaknesses of each method.

Triangulation is a technique that uses multiple sources or methods of data to cross-check or verify the findings of a study.

Question 34

What is the difference between consensus and census?

Answer 34

Consensus is broad agreement.

Census is an official count or survey.