research methods

Question 1

Structured overt non participant observation

Answer 1

• non-participant observation is where researchers take a ‘fly on the wall approach’ and observes individuals and groups without getting involved in the life of the group (OFSTED lesson observation)
• structured observation involves a schedule and looking out for certain things
  -positivists prefer this observation method because of the pre coded nature of the observational categories allow the researcher to produce quantitive data and so it’s easier to identify and measure pattern and establish and cause and effect relationships

Question 2

Practical advantages of overt participant observations

Answer 2

-cheaper and quicker to do than the participatory method(detached method)
-easy to quantify results because they are structured
- lack of training makes it easy to employ
-ethical transparency
- since the participants are aware they are being observed, no ethical issues regarding consent
- improved data accuracy: the researcher can take detailed notes and observe behaviour without interfering leading to more accurate data (allows researcher to remain neutral)
-clearer researcher role: because the researcher is not involved in the group their role is clear to both participants and the researcher themselves(no bias)

Question 3

Practical disadvantages of over non-participants

Answer 3

-observers presence may alter behaviour( Hawthorne effect)
-limited scope of observation: observers can only state what they can see from a distance, which may limit access to certain interactions or behaviour that occurs out of view or are not immediately apparent
-ethical and legal concerns in certain settings: in some situations even with informed consent, it might be difficult to get permission from all parties involved( private and sensitive environments)

Question 4

Ethical advantages of overt non participant observation

Answer 4

One of the most significant advantages of overt participants observation is it’s ethical transparency. By disclosing there research intentions( aware of presence)
- openness helps build trust and rapport
-participants can provide informed consent.

Question 5

Ethical disadvantages of overt non participant observation

Answer 5

Ethically they can be disempowering for respondents(OFSTED inspections)

Question 7

Quantitive research methods

Answer 7

Favoured by positivists because they are objective and numerical
-lab experiments
-field experiments
-questionares
-structured interviews
-official statistics

Question 8

Lab experiments

Answer 8

Favoured by positivists
Test hypothesise in a controlled environment where the researcher changes the independent variable and measures the effect on the dependent variable.
ADVANTAGES-highly reliable
-can easily identify cause and effect relationships
DISADVANTAGES- artificiality, Hawthorne effect, ethical issues, unrepresentative, impossible to control variables.

Question 9

Field experiments

Answer 9

Take place in the real social world. Sociologists either adapt to real life situation or creates a situation for research. Those involved are usually unaware.
ADVANTAGES- less artificially, validity(no Hawthorne effect)
DISADVANTAGES- ethical issues, less control over variables, limited application

Question 10

Questionnaires

Answer 10

Favoured by positivists
A form of social survey and can be distributed in a range of ways.
Pre-set questions that are usually closed ended and pre coded with answers
ADVANTAGES- practical
Representative, reliable, limited ethical issues
DISADVANTAGE- response rate, low validity, unrepresentive, no follow up questions

Question 11

Structured interviews

Answer 11

Face to face or over the phone delivery of a questionnaire.
ADVANTAGES- practical, representative, reliable
DISADVANTAGES- lack of validity