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C. Research Methods

This guide delves into the essential concepts and steps of sociological research methods. From understanding variables—independent and dependent—to exploring correlations and hypotheses, it offers a comprehensive framework for empirical investigation. The scientific method is outlined in clear steps, including defining researchable problems, reviewing literature, and analyzing results. Additionally, it covers various research methods such as ethnography, surveys, and experiments. Ethical considerations are also emphasized to ensure the integrity and safety of research subjects.

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C. Research Methods

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  1. C. Research Methods How do you know? Concepts Steps Methods Ethics

  2. Methodological concepts • Empirical: evidence that is obtained through actual observation.

  3. Methodological concepts • Variable: a concept whose value changes; a factor in relation to other factors. • Independent variable: a variable that causally affects another. • Dependent variable: a variable causally influenced by another.

  4. Methodological concepts • Correlation: a regular relationship (often statistical) between two variables. • Positive: high-high, low-low • Example: education and income • Negative: high-low, low-high • Example: employment and criminal behavior

  5. Methodological concepts • Hypothesis: a guess or prediction about a given state of affairs, put forward as a basis for empirical testing.

  6. Sociological research questions • What? – factual • Everywhere? – comparative • At all times? – developmental • Why? – theoretical

  7. Steps of the scientific method • Define a researchable problem. • Review the existing evidence (“the literature”). • Refine the question (make it precise; may be hypothesis). • Create a research design. • Make your observations. • Analyze and interpret the results. • Report your findings.

  8. Steps of the scientific method • Define a researchable problem. • Review the existing evidence (“the literature”). • Refine the question (make it precise). • Create a research design. • Make your observations. • Analyze and interpret the results. • Report your findings.

  9. Sociological research methods • Ethnography • Participant observation • Fieldwork • Surveys • Populations • Representative, random sampling

  10. Sociological research methods • Experiments • Controls • Not necessarily “natural” • Comparative and historical • Comparative questions • Historical data

  11. Ethics • Don’t harm subjects • Confidentiality if desired • no social or psychological damage • Full disclosure of: • Methods • Findings

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