How Do Sociologists Investigate Society? Continued
Overview
Once a study is planned and a sample chosen, the sociologist faces the practical question: how do I actually gather the data? Do I post out a questionnaire, sit down for a long conversation, watch from the corner of a room, or even join in myself, possibly without telling anyone who I am? Each method gathers a different kind of truth, and each carries its own risks, from people lying on a form to a researcher being changed by the group they joined.
This lesson teaches the main methods and how to weigh them: surveys and questionnaires, the four kinds of interview, the four kinds of observation, and experiments. It then shows how a researcher actually chooses, using the practical, ethical and theoretical factors, and it takes ethics seriously: informed consent, privacy, honesty and the duty to do no harm. These are the judgements that turn a method into responsible research.
Objectives
- Surveys.
- Questionnaires.
- Interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured, group).
- Observations (participant, non-participant, covert, overt).
- Strengths and limitations of each method.
- Open.
- Closed.
- Multiple choice.
- Scaled.
- Researcher perspective (positivist/interpretivist).
- Access to sample.
- Response rate.
- Funding/cost.
- Time.
- Informed consent.
- Privacy/confidentiality.
- Deception.
- Prevention of harm.
- Legality.
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on How Do Sociologists Investigate Society? Continued. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- A question that lets respondents answer in their own words is called: A. a closed question B. an open question C. a scaled question D. a multiple-choice question Answer: B
- An interview that follows a fixed list of questions in a set order is a: A. structured interview B. unstructured interview C. group interview D. semi-structured interview Answer: A
- When a researcher joins in a group's activities while studying it, this is called: A. non-participant observation B. participant observation C. a laboratory experiment D. a structured interview Answer: B
- Research carried out without the knowledge of those being studied is described as: A. overt B. covert C. longitudinal D. stratified Answer: B
- Ensuring people agree to take part knowing what the research involves is called: A. informed consent B. operationalisation C. triangulation D. confidentiality Answer: A
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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