Presentation on theme: "Ch. 2: Sociological Research"— Presentation transcript:
1 Ch. 2: Sociological Research
2
What Is the Scientific Method?
Scientific method: a systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem Defining the problem Reviewing the literature Formulating the hypothesis Selecting the research design and collecting and analyzing data Developing the conclusion
3 Defining the Problem Operational definition: explanation of an abstract concept
that is specific enough to allow researchers to assess the concept
4 Reviewing the Literature
Literature reviewed is relevant scholarly studies and information Refine the problem Clarify possible techniques for collecting data Eliminate or reduce avoidable
mistakes
5 Formulating the Hypothesis
Hypothesis: speculative statement about the relationship between two or more factors known as variables Variable: measurable trait or characteristic subject to change under different conditions Independent variable: variable
hypothesized to cause or influence another Dependent variable: action depends on influence of the independent variable
6 Formulating the Hypothesis
Causal logic: involves relationships between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one event leading to the
other Correlation: exists when change in one variable coincides with change in another Correlation does not necessarily indicate causation
7 Collecting and Analyzing Data
Selecting the Sample Sample: selection from a larger population that is
statistically typical of that population Random sample: when every member of a population has the same chance of being selected Snowball or convenience samples: participants recruited through word of mouth or by posting notices on the Internet
8 Collecting and Analyzing
Data
Ensuring Validity and Reliability Validity: degree to which the measure reflects the phenomenon being studied Reliability: extent to which the measure provides consistent results
9 Developing the Conclusion
Supporting Hypotheses
Sociological studies do not always generate data that support original hypothesis Controlling for Other Factors Control variable: factor held constant to test the impact of the independent variable
10 In Summary: The Scientific Method
Defining
the problem Reviewing the literature Formulating a hypothesis Collecting and analyzing data Developing the conclusion
11 Major Research Designs
Research design: detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically Surveys
Ethnography Experiments Existing sources
12 Surveys Survey: study that provides sociologists with information about how
people act or think Interview: researcher obtains information through face-to-face or telephone questioning Questionnaire: researcher uses printed or written form to obtain information from respondent
13 Surveys Quantitative research: collects and reports data primarily in numerical form Qualitative research: relies on what is seen in field and naturalistic settings; often focuses on small groups and communities
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Table 2-1: Top Reasons Why Men and Women Had Sex
Source: Meston and Buss 2007:506. 14
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Ethnography Collecting information through direct participation and/or by closely watching a group or community Ethnography: efforts to describe an entire social setting through extended systematic observation Observation: sociologist joins group to get accurate sense of how it operates; the basic technique of ethnography
16 Experiments Experiment: artificially created situation that allows researcher(s) to manipulate variables Experimental group: exposed to
independent variable Control group: not exposed to independent variable Hawthorne effect: unintended influence of observers or experiments on subjects
17 Use of Existing Sources
Secondary analysis: research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly
accessible information and data Content analysis: systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale
18 Table 2-2: Existing Sources Used In Sociological Research
Source: Developed by
author. 18
19 Ethics of Research Code of Ethics (ASA, 1997)
Maintain objectivity and integrity in research Respect subjects’ right to privacy and dignity Protect subjects from personal harm
Preserve confidentiality Seek informed consent Acknowledge collaboration and assistance Disclose sources of financial support (1999)
20 Table 2-3: Major Research Designs
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21 Confidentiality Rik Scarce: doctoral candidate in sociology, jailed for refusing to divulge what he knew about a 1991 raid on a university lab by animal rights activists
22 Conflict of Interest Money given in support of basic research can come with strings attached Example: Exxon Corporation’s support for research on jury verdicts
23 Value Neutrality Investigators have ethical obligation to accept research findings even when the data run counter to their personal views, to theoretically based explanations, or to widely accepted beliefs
24 Feminist Methodology Feminist perspective had a great impact on current generation of
researchers See work and family as closely integrated Recently interested in self-injury Other studies tend to overlook women New impact on global research Tend to involve and consult subjects more than other researchers
25 Queer Theory and
Methodology
Queer theorists challenge the sexual orientation generalizations inherent to much research “Veiled reporting” technique may result in underreporting of gays and lesbians in research due to wording of survey or interview questions and the manner in which they are asked
26 The Data-Rich Future Massive increases in available data allow sociologists to undertake new research H1N1 flu strain Crime patterns
Increased data raises concern about individual privacy
27 Social Policy and Sociological Research: Studying Human Sexuality
Looking at the Issue Important to increase scientific understanding
of human sexuality Privacy concerns Preconceptions Myths Beliefs Many people oppose research on human sexuality
28 Social Policy and Sociological Research: Studying
Human Sexuality
Applying Sociology Little reliable national data on patterns of sexual behavior in U.S. Government funding for studies of sexual behavior is controversial Federal government is major source of funding for sociological research Weber’s ideal of value neutrality: sociologists must remain free to reveal information that is embarrassing or supportive of government institutions
29 Social Policy and Sociological Research: Studying Human Sexuality
Initiating Policy Sociologists developed the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS) to better understand sexual practices of adults in U.S.
Private funding NHSLS data allow interest groups to address public policy issues