Theoretical Factors

Question 1

Validity

Answer 1

True and accurate representation of what os being studied
-qualitative=more likely to be valid

Question 2

Reliability

Answer 2

Method can be repeated/replicated by another researcher to provide similar results
-quantitative= more likely to be reliable

Question 3

Representation

Answer 3

Do ppts represent a cross section of society?
- sample sizes may be restricted (time and money) so need to be as represented as possible

Question 4

Perspective

Answer 4

Sociologist’s background influences choice of topic eg: new right interested in studying effects of welfare state on LPF as they have strong beliefs on this.
N&V of society at the time also influence research.

Question 5

Perspective of positivists

Answer 5

• usually functionalists or Marxists
  -prefer quant data and see soc as a science

Question 6

Perspective of interpretivists

Answer 6

• usually interactionists
• prefer qual data
• seek to understand social actors meanings + dont believe soc is a science

Question 7

Objectivity

Answer 7

Unbiased data, factual data

Question 8

Subjectivity

Answer 8

Data influenced by researcher’s opinion and biases

Question 9

Verstehen

Answer 9

Empathetic in depth understanding of participants responses

Question 10

Hawthorne effect

Answer 10

Participants changing their behaviour Because they know they are being studied

Question 11

Positivists

Answer 11

The scientists of Sociology
(Questionnaires,stats,experiments)

Question 12

Interpretivists

Answer 12

The investigative journalists of sociology
(Interviews, observations,personal documents)