Research methods definitions

Question 1

What’s the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods?

Answer 1

Quantitative: numerical data (shows patterns / trends)

Qualitative: in depth written analysis (shows meanings /experiences)

Question 2

What is meant by positivist theory as an approach applied to research methods?

Answer 2

Methods favouring scientific approach / quantitative (will produce numerical data)

Question 3

What is interpretivist theory as applied to research approach ?

Answer 3

Researchers who favour subjective approaches / qualitative (will produce written commentary)

Question 4

What are 2 examples of interpretivist methods

(tip: remember qualitative)

Answer 4

A. Semi structured interviews (face to face / mix of closed and open needed questions.

B. Participant observations (researcher spends time with group in natural setting)

Question 5

What is ethnography?

(tip: this is a key interpretivist method)

Answer 5

Writing about people / culture by placing researcher into natural setting of group

Question 6

What are 2 examples of positivist research methods

Answer 6

A. Questionnaires (typically closed questions producing numerical data)

B. Content analysis (eg. statistical analysis counting the number of times something occurs)

Question 7

What is content analysis?

Answer 7

Research tool used to investigate the mass media

Question 8

What is the purpose of content analysis?

Answer 8

To discover how particular issues are presented

Question 9

Is content analysis quantitative or qualitative method?

Answer 9

Quantitative (statistical excersise)

Question 10

What is covert participant observation?

Answer 10

Where the researcher keeps their identity concealed in a participant observation

Question 11

Can covert observation gain informed consent?

Answer 11

No they can’t

Question 12

What does “verstehen” mean?

Answer 12

The ability of the researcher to get in the head of the research subject and understand the world from there perspective

(gets a rapport with people being surveyed)

Question 13

What is a longitudinal study?

Answer 13

Take place over long period of time using same group of participants.

Question 14

Do longitudinal studies use quantitative or qualitative data?

Answer 14

May combine both

Question 15

What does methodological pluralism mean?

Answer 15

Mixed methods

Question 16

Why might sociologists choose pluralism?

Answer 16

To rule out problems associated with using singular methods.

Question 17

Name three key research criteria

Answer 17

Reliability, validity, representativeness

Question 18

What is the definition of Validity?

Answer 18

If research findings give true picture of groups reality

Question 19

What is meant when a method is Reliable?

Answer 19

Whether or not method is easily repeatable (same / similar results can be got by another researcher)

Question 20

What does Representative mean?

Answer 20

Refers to make up of a sample / if sample is typical of target population being studied.

Question 21

What is meant by Ethical research methods?

Answer 21

Method which follows all BSA guidelines

Question 22

What does BSA stand for?

Answer 22

British sociological association

Question 23

What important code do the BSA provide?

Answer 23

Code of sociological ethics

Question 24

How many guidelines are in the BSA code of ethics

Answer 24

Six

Question 25

Should the six ethical guidelines of the BSA be followed A. Never B. Always C. Wherever possible

Answer 25

C. Wherever possible.

Question 26

Name three of the six ethical guidelines of BSA

Answer 26

(See page 8 of booklet) One - gain **informed consent** (if under sixteen via parent) Two - d**o not deceive** participants Three- **protect** participant **anonymity**

Question 27

Name three more of the six ethical guidelines of BSA

Answer 27

Four - **protect** participants from **harm** Five - **avoid risk of physical** harm to themselves (ie the researcher) Six - researcher must not engage in c**riminal behaviour**

Question 28

What is meant by a research method being Practical?

Answer 28

That the research method is **cheap and quick**

Question 29

What are the six key research criteria?

Answer 29

Validity Reliability Representativeness Practicality Ethicality Theory (which theory does the research method suit?)

Question 30

Name the two overarching **THEORIES** of sociological research

Answer 30

Positivism / interpretivism

Question 31

Name 2 research **METHODS**

Answer 31

Quantitative / qualitative

Question 32

What are the terms ***Reliabilty, Validity, and Representativeness*** associated with?

Answer 32

Research **CRITERIA**