Sociological Investigations

Tuesday, January 20, 2015SOC101- Introductory Sociology

What are sociological methods?

Definition

Sociological research methods are systematic processes used to explain empirical phenomena.

◦Systematic = Having a strategic plan of action.

◦Empirical = Both observable and measurable.

And sociology is marketable…

Schwartz, Christine R., and Hongyun Han. 2014. “The Reversal of the Gender Gap in Education and Trends in Marital Dissolution.” American Sociological Review 79: 605-629

Bearman, Peter S. and Hannah Bruckner. 2001. “Promising the Future: Virginity Pledges and First Intercourse.” American Journal of Sociology 106: 859-915.

Ramey, David M. 2013. “Immigrant Revitalization and Neighborhood Violent Crime in Established and New Destination Cities.” Social Forces 92: 597-629.

What Makes These Research Studies Sociological?

They employ the sociological perspective…◦ They debunk taken-

for-granted assumptions.

◦ They take into account historical and geographic context.

◦ They make go beyond the particular to find generalities.

They are empirical…◦ They are grounded in

scientific disinterestedness.

◦ They are informed by broader sociological theory.

◦ They are based on repeated observations.

◦ They draw conclusions from systematic analysis.

All research questions are comprised of

variables.

Types of Variables

divorcewives’ education

IV DV

Schwartz, Christine R., and Hongyun Han. 2014. “The Reversal of the Gender Gap in Education and Trends in Marital Dissolution.” American Sociological Review 79: 605-629

Research designs are

case oriented or variable oriented.

Types of Social Research

Q u a lit ia t ive D a ta

In d u c tive Th eory

Id iog rap h ic E xp lan a tion

C ase-O rien tedR esearch

Q u an tita tive D a ta

D ed u c tive Th eory

N om oth e tic E xp lan a tion

V ariab le -O rien tedR esearch

There are many types of data collection methods.

The type you use is determined by theory and design. The type of data you collect determines how you analyze it and the conclusions you can

draw.

Sociological Research Methods

Quantitative Methods

Experiments Survey Research

Self-Administered Interviews

Secondary Data

Official Statistics

Content Analysis

Documents Artifacts

Qualitative Methods

In-Depth Interviews Observation

Participant Non-Participant

Case Studies Secondary Data

Content Analysis

Documents Artifacts

We will not go over this chart more in

class, but be sure to read Research

Methods, Section 2.5 in your book carefully.

Voluntary ParticipationVoluntary Participation

BasicStandards

for Research on Human Subjects

BasicStandards

for Research on Human Subjects

Minimization of RiskMinimization of Risk

Protect ConfidentialInformation

Protect ConfidentialInformation

HonestyHonesty

We will discuss this next class. Plus, watch

the video.

Protecting Objectivity

DisinterestednessScientific SkepticismTransparent Research ProcessHonesty in Reporting ResultsPeer-Review

You can skip this material.