Sociological Research Methods

• The basis of sociology is focused on what is, not what should be
• Sociologists rely on data and observation, not moral judgments
• The approach to subjects must be with an open mind
• Empirical refers to being based on observation or experience that is verifiable

Data Collection in Sociology

• Systematic data collection is essential in sociology
• Systematic observation is a key component
• Methodological pluralism involves using multiple methods to make systematic observations
• Data scraping involves algorithms collecting online behavioral data
• Quantitative content analysis involves counting occurrences in texts, visuals, and audio

Levels of Analysis

• Macro-level focuses on institutions
• Messo-level focuses on organizations
• Micro-level focuses on small group interactions

Observations in Sociology

• Observations in sociology are empirical
• It requires approval from university Research Ethics Boards (REBs)

Research Ethics in Social Research

• Ethical guidelines are put in place to maintain respect for persons as well as ensure informed consent
• Concern for welfare involves privacy and confidentiality
• Justice requires fair and equitable participation

Quantitative Methods in Sociology

• These methods are generalizable and operate at macro and meso levels
• These methods are limited by variables

Qualitative Methods

• These methods are micro-level, exploratory, and capture lived experiences

Data Collection Methods

• Original surveys involve collecting original data for analysis
• Secondary analysis uses existing data such as census or CCHS data
• Field Research/Ethnography involves participant observation and long-term engagement

Types of Sampling

• Random Sampling means each individual in the population has an equal probability of being selected for study
• Representative Sampling means if 60% of the population is female, then 60% of the sample should be female
• Snowball Sampling involves participants referring other participants
• Convenience Sampling would involve surveying students in a class

Variables

• Phenomena of interest (concepts) are abstract ideas
• Operationalization involves deciding how a concept will be measured and turning these concepts into variables
• Requires decisions on questions that should be asked
• An example of this would be someone's university major

Variable Types

• Nominal/Categorical variables involve no ranking, just categories, such as Business, Psychology, Engineering, History, and Biology
• Ordinal variables involve ranking, such as academic performance ranked as "Hard", "Moderate", or "Easy"
• Ratio variables have a true zero, as seen with GPA

Descriptive Statistics

• Univariate descriptive statistics involve one variable
• Bivariate/Multivariate descriptive statistics examine the relationship between two or more variables such asGPA and major
• Cross-tab is used when one variable is categorical

Inferential Statistics

• Mode measures the most frequent value and is used with nominal variables, such as nursing
• Median measures the middle value and is used with ordinal/ratio variables
• Mean measures the average and is used with ratio variables; it is sensitive to outliers
• Correlation Coefficient measures the relationship between two ratio variables with values ranging from -1 to 1

Interviews

• Structured interviews occur when all participants answer the same pre-set questions in the same order
• Semi-structured interviews involve all participants answering questions, but the interviewer can ask follow-ups
• Unstructured interviews are open-ended conversations where the interviewer has a general guide, and the participant directs the question

Analysis

• Transcription involves recorded interviews that are transcribed word for word
• Content analysis focuses on the interpretation of meaning rather than numbers
• Inductive coding means codes emerge from the data
• Deductive coding means codes are pre-determined