Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the main arguments the 'Constructionist (soft)' school of thought makes about social reality?
What is one of the main arguments the 'Constructionist (soft)' school of thought makes about social reality?
- There is an objective social reality that is influenced by, but not solely determined by, human interpretation. (correct)
- Social reality is a complex web of interactions that cannot be fully understood through objective study.
- Social reality is objective and can be measured directly, beyond human interpretation.
- Social reality is subjective and constructed solely through human interpretation.
How do ontological assumptions about reality affect research?
How do ontological assumptions about reality affect research?
- They have a broad influence, affecting the formulation of research questions, data collection, and analysis. (correct)
- They predominantly impact the interpretation of data, but not the collection process.
- They influence the selection of research topics, but not the methods used.
- They are irrelevant to social research, as the focus should be on empirical evidence.
What distinguishes quantitative research from qualitative research?
What distinguishes quantitative research from qualitative research?
- Quantitative research is concerned with numerical data, while qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data.
- Quantitative research uses structured methods, while qualitative research uses unstructured methods.
- Quantitative research aims to generalize findings, while qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding.
- All of the above. (correct)
What is "reflexivity" in the context of research?
What is "reflexivity" in the context of research?
What is the main argument presented in the first position regarding values in social research?
What is the main argument presented in the first position regarding values in social research?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential area where a researcher's values can influence the research process?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential area where a researcher's values can influence the research process?
What is a key aspect of social research that can be influenced by a researcher's values?
What is a key aspect of social research that can be influenced by a researcher's values?
What is the central message conveyed by Figure 1.3, which is referenced in the text?
What is the central message conveyed by Figure 1.3, which is referenced in the text?
What is the primary starting point of the deductive method in social research?
What is the primary starting point of the deductive method in social research?
Which approach to research involves creating a theory based on initial data observations?
Which approach to research involves creating a theory based on initial data observations?
How is the deductive method typically revised during research?
How is the deductive method typically revised during research?
What is the relationship between theory and research in the inductive method?
What is the relationship between theory and research in the inductive method?
Which aspect does epistemology primarily concern?
Which aspect does epistemology primarily concern?
What principle does positivism primarily rely on for knowledge acquisition?
What principle does positivism primarily rely on for knowledge acquisition?
Which of the following best describes the main goal of interpretivism?
Which of the following best describes the main goal of interpretivism?
How do critical approaches differ from positivism?
How do critical approaches differ from positivism?
Which perspective argues that social phenomena exist independently of human perception?
Which perspective argues that social phenomena exist independently of human perception?
Which of the following concepts is associated with the idea of empathetic understanding in interpretivism?
Which of the following concepts is associated with the idea of empathetic understanding in interpretivism?
What is a potential consequence of funding in research?
What is a potential consequence of funding in research?
Critical approaches involve which of the following in their research methods?
Critical approaches involve which of the following in their research methods?
What approach may be preferable when little research has been conducted on a topic?
What approach may be preferable when little research has been conducted on a topic?
Which philosopher is associated with the conflict theory within critical approaches?
Which philosopher is associated with the conflict theory within critical approaches?
Which term refers to the practice of applying theoretical positions within critical approaches?
Which term refers to the practice of applying theoretical positions within critical approaches?
Why is developing rapport with subjects important when researching illicit activities?
Why is developing rapport with subjects important when researching illicit activities?
Which of the following factors should guide the choice of research method?
Which of the following factors should guide the choice of research method?
What signifies a 'theory-generating' approach in research?
What signifies a 'theory-generating' approach in research?
What is a key characteristic of a qualitative research approach?
What is a key characteristic of a qualitative research approach?
In formulating a research question, what element is critical?
In formulating a research question, what element is critical?
Which research question is most likely to call for a qualitative approach?
Which research question is most likely to call for a qualitative approach?
What is the primary purpose of a theory in social research?
What is the primary purpose of a theory in social research?
What is a key distinction between deterministic and probabilistic theories?
What is a key distinction between deterministic and probabilistic theories?
Which of the following is NOT a common component of a theory?
Which of the following is NOT a common component of a theory?
What distinguishes a middle-range theory from a grand theory?
What distinguishes a middle-range theory from a grand theory?
Which of the following is an example of a middle-range theory?
Which of the following is an example of a middle-range theory?
Which of the following is an example of a grand theory?
Which of the following is an example of a grand theory?
In what way can research be used to create theories?
In what way can research be used to create theories?
What is the primary difference between deductive and inductive approaches to research?
What is the primary difference between deductive and inductive approaches to research?
Flashcards
Deductive Method
Deductive Method
Begins with theory, tests hypotheses with data.
Inductive Method
Inductive Method
Creates theory from observations and gathered data.
Grounded Theory
Grounded Theory
A qualitative research approach that derives theory from data observations.
Epistemology
Epistemology
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Hypothesis
Hypothesis
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Theory
Theory
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Deductive Approach
Deductive Approach
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Inductive Approach
Inductive Approach
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Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research
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Quantitative Research
Quantitative Research
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Positivist Approach
Positivist Approach
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Middle Range Theories
Middle Range Theories
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Grand Theories
Grand Theories
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Value Commitment in Research
Value Commitment in Research
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Funding in Research
Funding in Research
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Gatekeepers in Research
Gatekeepers in Research
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Qualitative Exploratory Approach
Qualitative Exploratory Approach
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Building Rapport with Subjects
Building Rapport with Subjects
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Research Question
Research Question
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Choosing Research Orientation
Choosing Research Orientation
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Research Methods Aligning with Questions
Research Methods Aligning with Questions
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Nietzsche's Perspective
Nietzsche's Perspective
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Constructionism
Constructionism
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Ontological Assumptions
Ontological Assumptions
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Researcher Bias
Researcher Bias
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Reflexivity
Reflexivity
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Value Positions in Research
Value Positions in Research
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Positivism
Positivism
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Empiricism
Empiricism
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Interpretivism
Interpretivism
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Social Construction of Reality
Social Construction of Reality
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Critical Approaches
Critical Approaches
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Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic Interactionism
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Objectivist Perspective
Objectivist Perspective
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Constructionist Perspective
Constructionist Perspective
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Study Notes
Social Research Methods Textbook
- The sixth Canadian edition of Social Research Methods is authored by Edward Bell, Alan Bryman, and Steven Kleinknecht.
- The book is published by Oxford University Press.
Chapter 1: General Research Orientations
- This chapter covers the relationship between theory and research, including deductive and inductive approaches, epistemological and ontological considerations, and the different types of social research (quantitative and qualitative).
- It also examines influences on the process of social research.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the relationship between theory and data collection.
- Learn about positivist, interpretivist, and critical approaches to social science.
- Know the differences between qualitative and quantitative research.
- Identify factors (like values, politics) that influence social research.
Theory and Research
- Theory is an explanation of regularities or patterns in observed data.
- Components of a theory include definitions of key terms, descriptions of characteristics, and relational statements that show how variables are related (deterministic or probabilistic).
- Middle-range theories are limited in scope, testable, and address specific phenomena (like Merton's theory of anomie).
- Grand theories are general and abstract, offering frameworks to understand the world (like structural functionalism).
- Theory guides and informs research, and research can test and refine theory.
Deductive and Inductive Approaches
- Deductive method: The most common approach to social research, it starts with theory, then develops hypotheses, gathers data to test the hypotheses, and revises or refines the theory based on the results. Deductive steps were illustrated in a figure (Figure 1.1).
- Inductive method: Starts by gathering and examining data first, and then develops theories from these observations. Grounded theory is an example of this process, used by qualitative researchers. Inductive and deductive approaches were shown graphically (Figure 1.2).
Epistemological Considerations
- Epistemology explores how we know the world and how knowledge is acquired.
- The three major perspectives are positivism, interpretivism, and critical approaches.
Positivism
- Positivism follows the natural sciences, emphasizing empiricism (using the senses) and deduction (testing hypotheses to form theory).
- Early positivism emphasized objectivity, but current approaches emphasize intersubjectivity (shared agreements among researchers).
- Scientific statements are crucial in this perspective.
Interpretivism
- Interpretivism critiques positivism, focusing on subjective meaning.
- It aims to understand how people interpret their lives and the social world by looking from the point of view of social actors.
- Symbolic interactionism is a major perspective within sociology using this approach, using examples from theorists like George Herbert Mead and Irving Goffman.
Critical Approaches
- Critical theories oppose positivism. Researchers in this area may use various methods (deductive, inductive).
- They emphasize that social science cannot be value-free and is often involved in power and oppression issues.
- Karl Marx and conflict theory are examples of critical approaches.
- Praxis involves using theory to improve society.
Ontological Considerations
- Ontological debates concern the nature of reality.
- Objectivism posits an objective social reality independent of perception, whereas constructionism views reality as a set of mental constructs. Hard constructionism (radical) believes reality is purely interpretations, while soft constructionism believes in an underlying objective reality that is still shaped and filtered by human interpretations. Ontological considerations impact research question formulation and how research is conducted.
General Orientations: Quantitative and Qualitative Research
- Quantitative research uses numbers and statistics to analyze data.
- Qualitative research relies on words or other non-numeric symbols. There are differences in role of theory, epistemology and ontology of each approach.
Issues Related to the Research Question
- Qualitative research is preferred for little or no prior research; it aims at generating theory.
- Qualitative techniques are important when dealing with sensitive subjects like illicit activities. Rapport-building with participants is crucial.
Formulating a Research Question
- Research question must align to the method, design, and orientation.
- Clear, researchable, theory-related, well-defined, linked questions are necessary.
Influences on Social Research: Values and Politics
- Researcher values can influence choices of topic, methods, data collection, analysis, and conclusions.
- Reflexivity is important; researchers should make their own values explicit.
- Social research should not be value-free according to some theories; researchers should be open about their values.
- Funding and politics can impact research decisions. Participants (and gatekeepers) can also influence and shape the research process.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts in Chapter 1 of 'Social Research Methods'. This chapter delves into the relationship between theory and research, highlighting various methodologies such as deductive and inductive approaches. Gain insights into qualitative and quantitative research while understanding the influences that shape social research.
