Unit 2: Methods of Research - Approaches to Sociological Research

Overview

• Focus on approaches to sociological research.
• Covers mixed methods, positivist and interpretivist approaches, and the debate of science vs sociology.
• Differentiates between research methods and techniques (categories of methods).

Key Components

1. Case Studies

• Definition: Researcher studies a small group (e.g., group interviews, observation).
• Strengths:
  • Provides depth and detail, increasing validity.
  • Cost-effective due to data concentration on a single group.
• Limitations:
  • Requires high researcher skill and time.
  • Difficult to generalize findings due to small sample size.

2. Social Surveys

• Includes: Questionnaires, structured, and semi-structured interviews.
• Strengths:
  • Tend to be representative, allowing generalization.
  • Cross-sectional surveys explain behavioral differences by changing variables.
• Limitations:
  • Low response rate and cold method for sensitive topics.
  • Potentially lacks depth if not combined with qualitative methods.

3. Ethnographic Studies

• Definition: In-depth study of a group/culture from within.
• Strengths:
  • Extensive, detailed data; high in validity.
  • Establishes rapport and understanding, increasing honesty in responses.
• Limitations:
  • Time-consuming and requires subjective interpretation.
  • Not easily replicable and lacks generalizability.

4. Longitudinal Studies

• Definition: Studies conducted over a long period to track changes.
• Strengths:
  • Tracks personal/social changes over time; uncovers trends.
  • Often based on representative samples.
• Limitations:
  • Sample attrition reduces representativeness.
  • Doesn’t explain trends; may lack depth.

Mixed Methods

Methodological Pluralism vs Triangulation

• Methodological Pluralism:
  • Theoretical basis for combining methods to complement strengths and mitigate weaknesses.
• Triangulation:
  • Practical use of multiple methods to ensure reliability and validity.
  • Different ways to apply triangulation (e.g., different researchers, diverse social backgrounds).
• Strengths:
  • Confirm reliability and reduce bias.
• Limitations:
  • Increases time, effort, and cost.
  • May be difficult to compare or resolve conflicting data.

Positivism vs Interpretivism

Positivism

• Beliefs: Sociology is a science, systematic objective study (macro-level focus).
• Preferred Methods: Quantitative, focusing on objectivity and reliability.
• Goal: Identify general behavioral laws.

Interpretivism

• Beliefs: Sociology cannot be studied like the natural sciences due to human free will (micro-level focus).
• Preferred Methods: Qualitative, focusing on meaning and understanding individual perspectives.
• Goal: Describe and understand behavior, acknowledging subjectivity.

Key Sociologists

• Denzin: Advocates for triangulation to balance methodological strengths and weaknesses.
• Mert: Emphasizes the need for scientific ethos to standardize procedures.
• Comte: Established the positivist approach, advocating sociology as a science.

Exam Tips

• Be prepared to discuss strengths and limitations of different research approaches.
• Understand and articulate the benefits of using mixed methods.
• Recognize the contrasts between positivist and interpretivist perspectives.

The lecture concludes with a reminder to subscribe and share the lesson with classmates.