Happy Wednesday!

You will have a little time to put your posters together

Research Methods

BackgroundScientific Method: systematic,

organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem

Rely on qualitative and quantitative research

Very limited in laboratory experiments

Step 1 and 2: Select a topic & define a problem

What do you want to know about?Narrow the topic- needs to be

specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the conceptExample: spouse abuse- TOO BROAD

Why men are more likely than women to be abusers- BETTER TOPIC

Step 3: Review the Literature

Read what has been published about your topicDon’t waste time rediscovering what is

already known

Allows researchers to:Refine the problem under studyClarify possible techniquesEliminate and reduce avoidable

mistakes

Step 4 &5: Formulate the hypothesis & choose a

research methodHypothesis- statement of what you expect to find according to predictions from a theoryNeeds operational definition -precise

way to measure variables

State the procedure the researcher will follow for collecting and analyzing

Step 6: Collecting DataSelect a sample- a selection from a

larger population that is statistically representative of that populationRandom sample

Data must be valid and reliableWays to gather data:

SurveyObservationAnalyze existing data

Step 7: Analyze Data

Test your hypothesis in this stepIs hypothesis supported?Must not allow personal preference to

be involved

Step 8: Share results

Hypothesis is formally accepted, rejected or modified

All work is published so others can verify and duplicate

Research Designs

The method you choose depends on the questions you want to answer

Goal is to find the “average” in your study

SurveysExample: Gallup PollAsking individuals a series of questions2 main forms: Interview or

Questionnaire Interview can obtain a higher response

ratePeople find it more difficult to turn down

personal requestsInterviewers can go deeper into questionsQuestionnaires are cheaper

Surveys (continued)Must create questions that allow

respondents to express their own opinions

Closed-ended question- followed by a list of possible answers

Open-ended question-allows people to answer in their own words

Establish a rapport

Observations

Collect information by direct participation or closely watching a group or community

Major challenge: CANNOT allow close association or friendships influence the subjects behavior or the conclusion of the study

Secondary Analysis

Use of previous collected and publically accessible information and data

Not influenced by people’s behaviorRelies on someone else’s work,

and may not be what is needed

Ethics in Research

Sociologists abide by the American Sociological Association (ASA)

Need to be certain they are not invading their subjects privacy

Use of human subjects must be overseen by a review board

Principles of Sociological Research

Maintain objectivity and integrityRespect the subject’s rights to

privacy and dignityProtect subjects from personal harm

Principles of Soc. Research (continued)

Preserve confidentiality Seek informed consentAcknowledge research

collaboration and assistanceDisclose all sources of financial

support