Research Methods

Question 1

What do positivists prefer ?

Answer 1

They are more scientific sociologists. They see our behaviour as a result of wider forces , and think that research should uncover behaviours causes. They favour quantitative data

Question 2

What do interpretvists prefer ?

Answer 2

They are more artsy , emotional sociologists. They value understanding people behaviour from a small-scale perspective , focusing on meaning. They favour qualitative data.

Question 3

What is primary data ?

Answer 3

Is data that is collected firsthand, by sociologists themselves for their own purposes.

Question 4

What is secondary data ?

Answer 4

Is data that has already been collected by somebody else.

Question 5

What are practical factors ?

Answer 5

Time , finance , personal factors , research subjects , source of funding

Question 6

What are ethical factors ?

Answer 6

Informed consent , confidentiality , effects on research subjects , vulnerable groups , covert research