Overview
This lecture covers key terms and methods used in sociological research, emphasizing data collection techniques, differences between research approaches, and research ethics.
Key Research Terms
- Population refers to the entire group being studied.
- A sample is a smaller group selected to represent the population.
- Respondents are individuals from the sample who provide data.
- Quantitative data is numerical information.
- Qualitative data is non-numerical, often in the form of words.
- Reliability measures if a study’s results can be replicated.
- Validity assesses if a study measures what it intends to study.
Research Methodologies
- Surveys gather data from many respondents using questionnaires to identify trends.
- Interviews involve in-depth, one-on-one qualitative conversations to uncover deeper understanding.
- Five steps of interviews: create questions, find respondents, conduct the interview, transcribe responses, and code themes.
Field Research Methods
- Field research collects primary data in natural environments, not laboratories.
- Participant observation involves the researcher actively joining and participating in a group’s daily life.
- Ethnography is extended observation of a community or group, focusing on watching rather than participating.
- The main difference: participant observation is active participation; ethnography is more detached observation.
Case Study
- A case study provides an in-depth analysis of a single event, individual, or situation.
Research Ethics
- Human subjects’ well-being is the top priority in research.
- Ethical research means acting in ways you can morally justify and feel comfortable with.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Population — group being studied
- Sample — representative subset of the population
- Respondent — sample member providing data
- Quantitative data — numerical information
- Qualitative data — non-numerical, descriptive data
- Reliability — consistency and replicability of results
- Validity — extent to which a measure reflects the topic
- Coding — sorting transcribed qualitative data into themes
- Field research — collecting data in natural settings
- Participant observation — researcher participates in group activities
- Ethnography — extensive observation of a group or setting
- Case study — detailed examination of a single case
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read Chapter 2 Section 3 on research ethics.
- Review definitions and differences among research methods.