Research Methods in Sociology

Study Notes

A self-reporting method where participants answer a series of questions
Can be conducted through various mediums: online, paper, phone, or in-person
Advantages:
- Large sample sizes can be achieved
- Cost-effective
- Allows for generalizability
Disadvantages:
- Limited depth of information
- Response bias (e.g., social desirability bias)
- May not be suitable for sensitive or complex topics

A method where researchers observe participants in their natural environment
Can be further divided into:
- Participant observation: researcher participates in the observed activity
- Non-participant observation: researcher observes without participating
Advantages:
- Provides rich, contextual data
- Can capture behaviors that may not be reported through self-reporting
- Allows for naturalistic observation
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming and labor-intensive
- May be subject to observer bias
- Ethical concerns (e.g., informed consent)

A controlled method where researchers manipulate variables to observe their effect
Advantages:
- Allows for causal inference
- High level of control over variables
- Can be replicated
Disadvantages:
- Artificial setting may not reflect real-life situations
- Limited generalizability
- Ethical concerns (e.g., potential harm to participants)

An in-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases
Advantages:
- Provides rich, detailed information
- Can capture complexities and nuances
- Allows for exploration of rare or unique phenomena
Disadvantages:
- Limited generalizability
- May be subject to biases and assumptions
- Time-consuming and resource-intensive

A method where researchers analyze and interpret texts, images, or other media
Advantages:
- Allows for analysis of existing data
- Can be used to examine large datasets
- Can provide insights into cultural and social trends
Disadvantages:
- Limited to the content being analyzed
- May be subject to interpretation bias
- May not provide contextual information

A method where researchers ask participants questions in a face-to-face or mediated setting
Advantages:
- Allows for in-depth exploration of topics
- Can capture nuanced and contextual information
- Can build rapport with participants
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming and resource-intensive
- May be subject to interviewer bias
- May not be suitable for large sample sizes

Self-reporting method where participants answer a series of questions
Can be conducted through various mediums (online, paper, phone, or in-person)
Advantages: large sample sizes, cost-effective, and allows for generalizability
Disadvantages: limited depth of information, response bias, and not suitable for sensitive topics

Method where researchers observe participants in their natural environment
Types: participant observation (researcher participates) and non-participant observation (researcher observes without participating)
Advantages: provides rich, contextual data, captures behaviors not reported through self-reporting, and allows for naturalistic observation
Disadvantages: time-consuming, labor-intensive, subject to observer bias, and ethical concerns

Controlled method where researchers manipulate variables to observe their effect
Advantages: allows for causal inference, high level of control over variables, and can be replicated
Disadvantages: artificial setting, limited generalizability, and ethical concerns

In-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases
Advantages: provides rich, detailed information, captures complexities, and explores rare phenomena
Disadvantages: limited generalizability, subject to biases, and time-consuming

Method where researchers analyze and interpret texts, images, or other media
Advantages: analyzes existing data, examines large datasets, and provides insights into cultural trends
Disadvantages: limited to analyzed content, subject to interpretation bias, and lacks contextual information

Method where researchers ask participants questions in a face-to-face or mediated setting
Advantages: in-depth exploration, captures nuanced information, and builds rapport with participants
Disadvantages: time-consuming, resource-intensive, subject to interviewer bias, and not suitable for large samples