sociological research methods how do sociologist conduct research?
TRANSCRIPT
SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS
How do sociologist conduct research?
Sociology and Common Sense
Introduction to Sociology: Sociological Research Methods
2
True or False: U.S. black/white income gap has
narrowed significantly in recent years. FALSE-The ratio of black-to-white family
income has consistently been around 55-60% ever since the major civil rights laws were passed in the 1960s. There has been some fluctuation, but not much (Farley 1995, in Farley 1998).
Sociology and Common Sense
Introduction to Sociology: Sociological Research Methods
3
True or False: On average, men have a higher
tolerance for both pain and temperature extremes than women do.
FALSE-On average, women tolerate pain, heat, and cold better than men do when physiological tests are performed. However, U.S. culture socializes men to be “tough” more than it does women–so women may often act wimpier!
Sociology and Common Sense
Introduction to Sociology: Sociological Research Methods
4
True or False: Most homeless people choose to be
homeless. FALSE-Only ~ 6% of homeless people are that
way by choice (Kendall 2000). 40+% of homeless adults are actually employed. (Population Review Bureau supplement). Over 1/4 of homeless women get that way fleeing domestic violence.
Sociology and Common Sense
Introduction to Sociology: Sociological Research Methods
5
True or False: Teenage pregnancies have increased
dramatically since the 1950s. FALSE-Actually, they decreased over past half
century; teens are less likely to marry/start family. Percentage of teen pregnancies involving unmarried teens increased dramatically (but even that has been dropping since the early 1990s). (Kendall 1996)
Discuss the following with your group:
How do these TRUE/FALSE questions demonstrate research?
What are some different ways you could use this information in the study of sociology?
What are some potential problems with the validity of this research?
Research vs. Common Sense Research Factual and
Objective Answers
questions based on data collection and analysis of that data
Common Sense Knowledge
Based on experience
Sometimes based on ill informed information
An Overview of Research Methods
Introduction to Sociology: Sociological Research Methods
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Quantitative research uses data that can easily be converted into numbers, such as a survey or an experiment.
Qualitative research involves data that cannot easily be converted to numbers, such as observation or informal interviews.
CREATE A POSTER
In your group, you will create a poster based on your assigned method of research. The poster should include the following:
Explain your method of research Is the method qualitative or quantitative?
Why? What are the strengths and weaknesses of
your method? Create an example to demonstrate your
understanding.