Social Research Methods Overview

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes middle range theories according to Merton's terminology?

They are broad and abstract.

They are only applicable in specific countries.

They focus solely on historical contexts.

They can be tested directly by gathering empirical evidence. (correct)

Which of the following is an example of a grand theory?

Merton's middle range theories

Structural-functionalism (correct)

Causal-comparative analysis

Durkheim's theory of suicide

What is the primary question that a theoretical hypothesis seeks to answer?

Does the gathering of empirical evidence support the theory?

Does the theory match reality? (correct)

Is the hypothesis statistically significant?

Can the theory be applied universally?

In the context of theory and research, which statement best describes the relationship?

Theory can guide research and research can test theory. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of methods focuses on deriving general principles from specific observations?

Inductive method Signup and view all the answers

What type of theories might include feminist theory or Giddens's structuration theory?

Grand theories Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary motivation for conducting social research?

To assess the adequacy of social theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of any scientific claim?

It is a hypothesis regarding the match between theory and reality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following expresses a key aspect of good theories?

They should re-present reality in meaningful ways. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates qualitative research?

An interview gathering personal experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is likely to influence social research?

Personal values of the researcher Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between qualitative and quantitative research?

Qualitative research seeks to understand meaning, while quantitative research seeks to measure variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best represents a scenario requiring quantitative analysis?

A researcher measuring the number of books sold after display changes Signup and view all the answers

How does social research relate to politics?

Social research often aims to solve pressing social problems influenced by political contexts. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario primarily uses a qualitative research method?

Conducting a focus group discussion on customer satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

What does the desire to make sense of the world around us motivate?

Social research inquiry and exploration Signup and view all the answers

What concept is described as the empathetic understanding of individuals being studied?

Verstehen Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the perspective of critical researchers?

They advocate for social activism through research. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is fundamental in interpreting social interactions according to symbolic interactionism?

Role-taking Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between ontology and research methodology?

Ontology shapes both the formulation of research questions and the methodology used. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research approach do critical theorists typically reject?

Value-free science Signup and view all the answers

Which approach involves the application of theoretical positions into practical action?

Praxis Signup and view all the answers

Why do social scientists seek to 'catch' the interpretation of actions by individuals?

To understand how actors construct their actions. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does participatory action research address social issues?

It emphasizes collaboration and social change. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can lead to bias in social research?

Choice of topic Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'reflexivity' in the context of social research?

Awareness of personal biases by researchers Signup and view all the answers

According to the positions on values in social research, which statement is correct?

Researchers should explicitly declare their values. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is essential for a good research question?

Clarity Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a research question to be 'researchable'?

It allows for the development of a solid research design. Signup and view all the answers

How can establishing connections with existing studies benefit new research?

It provides a foundation for making a contribution to existing knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes ethical issues in social research?

Informed consent, deception, and invasion of privacy are crucial considerations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration related to values in social research?

Statistical significance Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration when formulating a research question?

It should be linked to other research questions. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is a qualitative, exploratory approach preferable?

When little or no research has been conducted on the topic. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is vital for researchers studying individuals involved in illicit activities?

Developing rapport with subjects. Signup and view all the answers

How should the choice of research method be aligned?

Methods must align with the research question being asked. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a quantitative research orientation?

Tests causal models and has a narrowed research question. Signup and view all the answers

Why might funding sources influence research findings?

Funding may come with restrictions on what findings are published. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research question is likely to be found in qualitative studies?

How do certain individuals perceive their experiences? Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue when conducting socially sensitive research?

It encourages biased funding that promotes certain agendas. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social research is driven by a need to assess theories, solve social problems, explore personal experiences, and understand the world around us.

This course introduces general social science research methods.
Students may apply these methods to diverse fields like leadership, criminology, health studies, social work, etc.
Research impacts various career paths including frontline work, administration, education, and policy.

Types of Theories

Deterministic Theories: These theories hold that all events are predetermined, leaving little room for individual choice.
Probabilistic Theories: These theories acknowledge influences and probabilities, allowing for flexibility and individual agency.
Middle-Range Theories: These theories are specific, empirically testable, and focus on a particular social phenomenon. An example is Durkheim's theory of suicide.
Grand Theories: These theories are broad and abstract, focusing on larger social structures and systems. Examples include structural-functionalism, feminism, and Giddens's structuration theory.

Theory and Research

Theory can guide research by providing starting points and frameworks.
Research can test theories by gathering evidence and comparing it to theoretical predictions.

Theoretical Hypothesis

Theory represents a model of reality, an imagined world.
A theoretical hypothesis attempts to find a match between this imagined model and real-world observations.
The question "does the theory match reality?" is central to evaluating a scientific claim.
Any scientific claim is a hypothesis, proposing a potential fit between theory and reality.

Deductive and Inductive Approaches

Deductive Approach: Starts with a general theory and attempts to verify it through specific observations.
Inductive Approach: Begins with specific observations and tries to build a broader theory based on these observations.

Interpretivism

Interpretivist researchers believe in understanding people's subjective experiences and their interpretations of the world.
They utilize methods that capture the meanings and interpretations of social actors.

Critical theories challenge positivism and interpretivism, advocating social change.
Critical researchers employ a wide range of methods, including both deductive and inductive approaches, and reject the idea of value-free science.
Critical research is politically engaged and aims to address social injustice and inequality.

Key Points on Critical Approaches

Value Commitment: They believe social scientists should actively engage in supporting those they study.
Praxis: They strive to put their theoretical positions into practice, moving beyond mere understanding.
Participatory Action Research: This approach involves actively engaging with the communities being studied, allowing them to co-create knowledge and drive social change.

Ontology

Ontology explores the nature of existence and reality, shaping research questions and methods.

Values: Researchers' personal values can influence all aspects of the research process, from topic selection to data interpretation.
Reflexivity: Researchers are encouraged to be aware of their own biases and the impact they have on the research process.
Politics: Funding sources, research access, and acceptable findings can be politically influenced.
Practical Considerations: Constraints like time, resources, and accessibility influence research choices.
Ethical Issues: Researchers must prioritize ethical considerations like informed consent, minimizing harm, and protecting privacy.

Formulating a Research Question

Key characteristics of a good research question:

Clear and Understandable: Formulated in a way that is easily understood by others.
Researchable: Allows for data collection and analysis using appropriate methods.
Relatable to Existing Studies: Demonstrates how your research contributes to existing knowledge.
Linked to Other Research Questions: Develops a cohesive argument or set of interrelated arguments.
Appropriate Scope: Not too broad (impossible to cover everything) or too narrow (lacking impact).
Matching Orientation: The chosen research orientation (qualitative or quantitative) should align with the research question.

Types of Research Questions

Qualitative Questions: Tend to be broader and open-ended, focusing on exploring complex phenomena through narratives and subjective experiences.
Quantitative Questions: Often more specific and focused, aiming to test hypotheses and measure relationships between variables.

The Relationship Between Research Question and Method

The chosen research method needs to be aligned with the research question.
For example, if exploring new phenomena, a qualitative approach may be more suitable. For testing specific hypotheses, a quantitative approach might be better.

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Description

Explore the nuanced world of social research through this quiz. Understand how various theories, from deterministic to grand theories, shape our understanding of social phenomena. Discover the implications of research methods in different career paths such as leadership, criminology, and health studies.