SAMPLE Sociology
Chapter 2: Sociological Research Overview
Chapter2willexplorethevariousviews, methods ,and approaches toconductingsociologicalresearch. We will look at the role of the scientific method , various research designs and methods, types of experiments ,and dataanalysis .Additionally,wewilldelveintotheusefulnessof ethnography andwill discuss the importance of reliability and validity in sociological research. Finally, we willdiscussthe ethical concerns associated with conducting non-obtrusivesociological research. Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
● Identify and explain the three major views on sociological research. ● Explain the basic steps in the scientific method for conducting research. ● Describe different types of research designs and research methods. ● Describe the ethnographic research method and its stages. ● Define reliability and validity and list types of reliability and validity. ● Explain ethical concerns in sociological research. A. Sociological Research Three Major Views on Sociological Research
Sociologicalresearchisthe systematicinvestigation ofsocialrelationships,socialstructures,andsocial institutions. The three major approaches to sociological research are positivist , interpretivist (also calledanti-positivism), and critical . Table 9 - 2: The three approaches to sociological research
Approaches to Sociology
Defined as
Research Approach
Studies the rules that govern behavior in society through a scientific lens, using empirical data . Analyzes how society is shaped by beliefs and other external factors. Max Weber pointed out that sociologists come with a certain worldview that can shape their research .
Focuses on objective, observable quantitative data to make statements about larger social phenomena . Encourages the exploration of qualitative data through subjective experiences & values.
Positivism
Anti-positivism (interpretative)
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