Lecture Notes: Introduction to Social Research Methods

Instructor Introduction

• Instructor: Armin Trost
• Institution: Furtwangen University, Germany
• Background: Teaches Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
• Focus for this Course: Social Research Methods

Key Concepts in Social Research Methods

Definition and Purpose of Research

• Research: Aimed at finding the truth
• Scientific Research: Systematic pursuit of truth

Importance of Methods

• Methods as Tools: Vehicles to uncover truth
• Types of Methods: Statistics, research design, data collection, questionnaire testing, observation, content analysis
• Systematic Approach: Necessary for credible research

Meaning of 'Social'

• Social Research: Focus on human behavior and interpersonal dynamics
• Scope: Interpersonal, psychological, human behavior

Understanding Social Research

• Social research often challenges common sense or personal beliefs about human behavior.
• Importance of systematic, objective understanding rather than relying solely on intuition or personal advice.

Examples of Misinterpreted Research

Example 1: Reading and Longevity

• Claim: People who read live longer.
• Analysis:
  • Consider potential third variables (e.g., social status, access to books, lifestyle)
  • Importance of questioning study methodology

Example 2: Internet Usage and Depression

• Claim: Extensive internet usage leads to higher depression.
• Analysis:
  • Measure of depression is complex (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory)
  • Internet usage definition is broad and needs clarification
  • Possible third variables like loneliness affecting both internet usage and depression

Example 3: Unemployment and Life Expectancy

• Claim: Unemployment reduces life expectancy.
• Analysis:
  • Difficulty in performing an actual experiment for verification
  • Potential confounding variables affecting results (e.g., lifestyle changes, health, social interactions)

Example 4: Caffeine and Sexual Potency

• Claim: Regular caffeine consumption affects men's sexual potency.
• Analysis:
  • Intervening variables (e.g., sleep, stress, lifestyle choices)
  • Necessity of experimental design to validate claims

Objectives of the Course

• Develop skepticism towards common research claims in media
• Learn appropriate research designs, statistical analyses, and measurement techniques
• Understand the complexity of establishing causal relationships

Conclusion

• This lecture serves as an introduction and aims to reduce naivety about research claims.
• Upcoming lectures will delve into why social research is essential and how to design studies with high internal validity.