Essential Sociology Webinar: Research Methods and Methods in Context
Objectives
- Discuss areas of concern in research methods
- Understand the debate between interpretivism and positivism
- Examine types of questions regarding research methods and methods in context
- Explore a writing framework for essays
Positivism vs. Interpretivism
Key Concepts and Ideas
- Positivism:
- Treats sociology as a science
- Emphasis on objectivity and value freedom (researcher's biases should not influence the research)
- Focus on reliability (research should be repeatable)
- Use of representative sampling methods to generalize results
- Data is quantitative and structured
- Interpretivism:
- Subjective in nature
- Value-laden (researcher's own ideas influence the research)
- Use of verstehen (empathy, putting oneself in another's shoes)
- Data is qualitative and unstructured
Primary Methods
- Positivism: Surveys, self-report questionnaires (closed questions), structured interviews, lab experiments
- Interpretivism: Covert/overt participant observations, unstructured interviews, field experiments
Secondary Methods
- Positivism: Official statistics, public documents, historical data, statistical content analysis
- Interpretivism: Personal documents (diaries, letters), public documents, historical data, semiotic content analysis
Theoretical Perspectives
- Positivism:
- Macro approach (how society influences individual action)
- Interpretivism:
- Micro approach (how individual action influences society)
Exam Questions Overview
Paper One
- Methods in Context Question: 20 marks, 30 minutes
- Structure: use of an item, application of sociological knowledge, evaluation, and analysis (AO1, AO2, AO3)
Paper Three
- Theory and/or Methods Questions: 15 minutes
- Structure: two advantages or disadvantages of using a specific method
- Include assessment objectives: knowledge, application, evaluation
Writing Frameworks
PET Model
- Practical issues: Time, funding, response rate, geographical spread, skill of researcher, accessing unique groups
- Ethical issues: Consent, anonymity, psychological and physical harm, confidentiality, going native, deception
- Theoretical issues: Positivism vs. interpretivism, type of data, validity and reliability, representative sampling, interviewer bias, Hawthorne effect, experimental effects
PERVERT Model (Alternative)
- Practical, Ethical, Reliability, Validity, Examples, Representative, Theoretical
- Similar to PET, but includes specific examples and comparison/contrast between methods
Example: Applying PET Model to Field Experiments
Practical Issues
- Variables can't be easily controlled in natural settings
- Unique groups studied in natural environments
Ethical Issues
- Deception and lack of informed consent
Theoretical Issues
- High in validity (true-to-life behavior)
- Reduces Hawthorne effect and experimental effects
- Preferred by interpretivists for generating qualitative data
Document Analysis
Advantages
- Quick, easy, and free to access
- High validity in personal documents (not written with an audience in mind)
- Historical documents may be the only way to study certain behaviors
Disadvantages
- Legal restrictions, not designed for research
- Consent may be required for personal documents
- Personal documents may lack validity due to exaggeration or lying
- Historical documents lack the ability to check validity of original research
Example Question Breakdown
10 Mark Question: Sociological Sandwich Structure
- Introduction: Define method, use theoretical perspective
- Main Body (PET): Practical, ethical, theoretical strengths and weaknesses
- Conclusion: Identify a major strength or weakness, suggest something new, mention methodological pluralism
20 Mark Question
- Methods in Context: Given an item, 30 minutes to answer
- Essay structure hints: define method, strengths/weaknesses, alternative methods, context, conclusion
Additional Resources
- Twitter: Regular updates
- Facebook Community: Peer support and tutor advice
Thank you for attending this webinar on research methods and methods in context.