Lecture #3 - Sociological Investigations UPDATED
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Transcript of Lecture #3 - Sociological Investigations UPDATED
What are sociological methods?
Definition
Sociological research methods are systematic processes used to explain empirical phenomena.
◦Systematic = Having a strategic plan of action.
◦Empirical = Both observable and measurable.
Schwartz, Christine R., and Hongyun Han. 2014. “The Reversal of the Gender Gap in Education and Trends in Marital Dissolution.” American Sociological Review 79: 605-629
Bearman, Peter S. and Hannah Bruckner. 2001. “Promising the Future: Virginity Pledges and First Intercourse.” American Journal of Sociology 106: 859-915.
Ramey, David M. 2013. “Immigrant Revitalization and Neighborhood Violent Crime in Established and New Destination Cities.” Social Forces 92: 597-629.
What Makes These Research Studies Sociological?
They employ the sociological perspective…◦ They debunk taken-
for-granted assumptions.
◦ They take into account historical and geographic context.
◦ They make go beyond the particular to find generalities.
They are empirical…◦ They are grounded in
scientific disinterestedness.
◦ They are informed by broader sociological theory.
◦ They are based on repeated observations.
◦ They draw conclusions from systematic analysis.
Types of Variables
divorcewives’ education
IV DV
Schwartz, Christine R., and Hongyun Han. 2014. “The Reversal of the Gender Gap in Education and Trends in Marital Dissolution.” American Sociological Review 79: 605-629
Types of Social Research
Q u a lit ia t ive D a ta
In d u c tive Th eory
Id iog rap h ic E xp lan a tion
C ase-O rien tedR esearch
Q u an tita tive D a ta
D ed u c tive Th eory
N om oth e tic E xp lan a tion
V ariab le -O rien tedR esearch
There are many types of data collection methods.
The type you use is determined by theory and design. The type of data you collect determines how you analyze it and the conclusions you can
draw.
Sociological Research Methods
Quantitative Methods
Experiments Survey Research
Self-Administered Interviews
Secondary Data
Official Statistics
Content Analysis
Documents Artifacts
Qualitative Methods
In-Depth Interviews Observation
Participant Non-Participant
Case Studies Secondary Data
Content Analysis
Documents Artifacts
We will not go over this chart more in
class, but be sure to read Research
Methods, Section 2.5 in your book carefully.
Voluntary ParticipationVoluntary Participation
BasicStandards
for Research on Human Subjects
BasicStandards
for Research on Human Subjects
Minimization of RiskMinimization of Risk
Protect ConfidentialInformation
Protect ConfidentialInformation
HonestyHonesty
We will discuss this next class. Plus, watch
the video.