Sociological
Methods
Scientific Method

Sociologists use the scientific method to study
society

Definition – systematic, organized series of
steps that ensures maximum objectivity and
consistency in researching a problem
1.
Identify the problem
2.
Review the literature
3.
Formulate a hypothesis
4.
Develop and select the research design
5.
Collect data
6.
Analyze data
7.
State findings and conclusions
Identify
the
Problem
Conclusion
Review
the
Literature
Collect and
Analyze Data
Formulate a
Hypothesis
Findings
and
Develop a
Research
Design
What are sociological questions?

Empirical versus Normative (value vs. judgment) statements


Questions about the meaning of certain activities, practices,
or experiences for particular social groups.


“Our country has the highest standards of living in the world.”
versus “Our country is the best country in the world.”
wedding traditions, family/marriage patterns, education
Questions about how identification with larger social
categories such as race, religion, political identification,
gender, etc. have an affect on social life.
What are sociological questions?

Questions about the influence of particular
variables on other variables or outcomes.

Does birth order affect social attitudes?

How does co-habitation prior to marriage affect
the probability of marital success/stability?

Is low voter turnout explained by the
educational levels of the population?


Does the school dress code affect learning?
Is there a correlation between drinking alcohol
and smoking marijuana?
Sociological Research Methods

Sociologists use a variety of research
methods, many of which are not highly
controlled.

These research methods do not always
occur in laboratory settings.
Survey Methods

Interviews: Information gathered through
face-to-face, telephone, or online
interactive questioning.

pros
 high
response rate
 fewer
misunderstandings
 insight

into feelings and reasons
cons
 honesty/personal
 influence
information
of interviewer
Survey Methods

Questionnaires – Written list of questions and/or
statements that surveys people.

Close-Ended Questions – The person chooses from
a predetermined set of questions.

Open-Ended Questions – The person uses their
own words.
pros
 cheap and easy
 large samples
 cons
 interpretation difficulties
 misunderstandings

Ethnography / Observation

Ethnography – a sociological method that explores how
people live and make sense of their lives with one another in
particular places

Observation (watching a group, collecting historical
information, conducting in-person interviews)



Detached - researchers watch groups from a distance

Participant - researchers infiltrate groups to observe
(anonymous versus known)
Pros

safe

Inexpensive

nuances, details
Cons

Assumptions

missed details

affect outcomes
Experiments

Experiment – An artificially created situation that allows
a researcher to manipulate variables

Use of experimental and control groups to test hypothesis

Used to study cause-and-effect relationships
Causation

Events are predictable and one event leads to another.
Things happen for a reason

Multiple Causation – Belief that an event occurs as a
result of several factors
Use of Existing Sources

Secondary Analysis – a variety of research techniques that
make use of previously collected and publicly accessible
information and data.

Examples of Sources – census data, crime statistics, health
statistics, newspapers, web pages, song lyrics, videos,
speeches, literature, etc.

Researchers use data in ways that were unintended by the
initial collectors of information.
Field Research

Research that takes place in a natural setting. Example:
Go to a prison and hang out.

Case study over a single group, incident, or community.

Participant Observation: Case study where the
researcher becomes a member of the group being
studied.
Statistical Analysis

The use of mathematical data to analyze the
relationship between two variables


Pros


Example – poverty and level of education
easy to collect data
Cons

hard to control variables
Historical Analysis

Could include artifacts, documents, records, etc. from
the past (existing sources)

documents, newspapers, magazines, laws, letters,
videos, toys, pictures, tools
Quantitative vs. Qualitative

Quantitative Research – Research that collects
and reports data primarily in numerical form. It
can be measured and given a numerical value.
 surveys,

statistical analysis
Qualitative Research – Research that relies on
what is seen in field or in a natural settings more
than statistical data. A characteristic that is
defined by its presence or absence in a category.
(yes, no, etc.)
 observation
Variable
A characteristic that is subject to change.

Independent Variable – A characteristic that
causes something to occur.


Dependent Variable – A characteristic that
reflects a change.


time spent studying
grade you receive
Intervening Variable – A variable that changes
the relationship between an independent and a
dependent variable.
Correlation

Measure of how two items (variables) are related to
each other.

Positive Correlation: Independent and dependent
variable move in the same direction. A relationship
between two variables where if one variable
increases, the other one also increases. Also exists
when one decreases and the other also decreases.


Example – grizz and grades.
Negative Correlation: Independent and dependent
variable move in opposite directions. A relationship
between two variables such that as the value of one
variable increases, the other decreases.
Ethics of Research

Code of Ethics – The standards of acceptable behavior
developed by and for members of a profession

American Sociological Association (ASA) Code of
Ethics:
1.
Maintain objectivity and integrity in research
2.
Respect the subject’s right to privacy and dignity
3.
Protect subjects from personal harm
4.
Preserve confidentiality
5.
Seek informed consent when data are collected from
research participants or when behavior occurs in
private context
6.
Acknowledge research collaboration and assistance
7.
Disclose all sources of financial support