SCIENTIFIC METHOD/SOCIAL RESEARCH INTSOCI SCIENTIFIC METHOD/SOCIAL RESEARCH

Human Inquiry In social science, what matters is not only what we know but ___________.

WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD? Module 5 WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD? Systematic,______ series of steps that ensures maximum _________ and ___________ in researching a problem. 3

How scientific method is used in social science? _______ explains what the reality is, and not with what should be or the ideal state (not philosophy or belief) We use science to know what _______ and why? We use science to find ______of regularity in social life. (social research)

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD Module 5 5

__________- A statement of what you expect to find according to predictions that are based on a theory. ___________- A systematic explanation for the observations that relate to particular aspect of life (e.g., juvenile delinquency, social stratification, or political revolution) (Babie, 2007, p. 10)

Nexus of Research and Theory Theory cannot stand alone. If theory is not connected to research, _________ (Henslin,2002). Sociology looks at social life by combining research and theory.

_______ Approach

_______ Approach Grounded Theory

Module 5 SCIENTIFIC METHOD Select a Topic (timely, relevant, interest, contribution, research gap) Research Gap- Missing element in the research literature. 10

SCIENTIFIC METHOD Defining the Problem- narrow down the topic. Module 5 SCIENTIFIC METHOD Defining the Problem- narrow down the topic. _________ definition: Explanation of an abstract concept that is specific enough to allow researchers to assess the concept. 11

SCIENTIFIC METHOD Review of Literature-To refine a problem. To find out what is already published.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD Formulating the Hypothesis A hypothesis predicts relationship of two variables, factors that vary, or change, from one person or situation to another. 13

Scientific Method Your hypothesis will need operational definition, i.e., precise way to measure the variables. Men who are socially isolated are more likely to abuse their wives then are men who are more socially integrated. Social isolation, social integration, and spouse abuse.

Scientific Method Independent Variable-A factor that causes the change in another variable (called the dependent variable) Dependent Variable-A factor that is changed by the independent variable.

Scientific Method Students will likely get high scores in the exam taken without a background music than with a background music. What is your independent variable? What is your dependent variable?

Correlation does not necessarily indicate causation. Module 5 SCIENTIFIC METHOD Formulating the Hypothesis Causality: Involves relationships between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one event leading to the other. (X results to Y) Correlation: Exists when change in one variable coincides with change in another X (increases/decreases) Y (increases/decreases) Correlation does not necessarily indicate causation. 17

Correlation Observed Correlation Shoe Size and Math Skills Bigger shoe size is associated greater math skill. (cannot explain relationship) Age may serve as the factor that establish the relationship of the correlation.

COLLECTING AND ANALYZING DATA Selecting the Sample Sample: Selection from a larger population that is statistically typical of that population (CENSUS). Random sample: When every member of a population has the same chance of being selected 19

Sampling _________ –recruitment of participants through word of mouth or by posting notices on the Internet Purposive Sampling- a sampling in which the units to be observed are selected on the basis of the researcher's judgment about which one will be the most representative.

COLLECTING AND ANALYZING DATA ________: Degree to which the measure reflects the phenomenon being studied. extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure __________: Extent to which the measure provides consistent results. A test is considered reliable if we get the same result repeatedly 21

Module 6 TYPES OF RESEARCH Quantitative research: Collects and reports data primarily in numerical form Qualitative research: Relies on what is seen in field and naturalistic settings; often focuses on small groups and communities 22

MAJOR RESEARCH DESIGNS Module 6 MAJOR RESEARCH DESIGNS Research design: Detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically Surveys Observation Experiments Existing sources 23

Module 6 SURVEYS Study that provides sociologists with information about how people act or think Interview: Researcher obtains information through face-to-face or telephone questioning Questionnaire: Researcher uses printed or written form to obtain information from respondent 25

SURVEY Self-Administered Face to Face Interview Telephone Internet

Strengths Good in describing the characteristics of your population. Large sample Flexible (as opposed to experiment)

Weaknesses Results in fitting of round pigs into square holes. (You may miss what is most appropriate in to all respondents) Lacks feel of the total situation (one may not be able explain what factors lead to certain phenomenon in depth) Artificiality

MAJOR RESEARCH DESIGNS Module 6 MAJOR RESEARCH DESIGNS Research design: Detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically Observation 29

Module 6 OBSERVATION Collecting information through direct participation and/or by closely watching a group or community Observation: Sociologist joins group to get accurate sense of how it operates Ethnography: Efforts to describe an entire social setting through extended systematic observation 30

Types Direct Observation: Researchers watch a behavior as it occurs and report what they see. Indirect Observation: Researchers observe the results of a behavior. Unobtrusive or Disguised Observation: Subject does not know he/she is being observed. Obtrusive or Undisguised Observation: Subject knows he/she is being observed.

Participant Observation You stay in the area for at least six months. Due to prolong exposure, people being observed may no longer mask realities of their every day life. Danger of going native

Limitations Researcher bias can enter into data collection. (reflexivity in research) Any group that is studied is altered to some degree by the very presence of the researcher. It takes time to build trust with participants that facilitates full and honest self-representation.

EXPERIMENTS Artificially created situation that allows researcher to manipulate variables Experimental group: Exposed to independent variable Control group: Not exposed to independent variable Hawthorne Effect: Unintended influence of observers or experiments on subjects 34

Examples Does using colored paper improve learning or performance? Are faster-paced styles of music (i.e. dance, hip-hop, rap, etc) correlated to particular personality traits such as extraversion and high self-esteem? Are people who prefer more complex musical styles such as classical and jazz more creative? Do people who like more aggressive musical styles (i.e. heavy metal, rap) more assertive?

Helps perform better at work/school: Experiment Does eating breakfast really improve learning? Helps perform better at work/school: Hungry employees and students don’t do any good at work/school. When you are hungry you are irritable and disinterested which reflects on your work too. Breakfast helps you to wake up and makes you attentive.

USE OF EXISTING SOURCES Module 6 USE OF EXISTING SOURCES Secondary analysis: Research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data Content analysis: Systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale 37

Other Methods Focus Group Discussion

Other Methods Drawing Technique

Ethnography Is a qualitative research Popularized by Margaret Mead Anthropologist A systematic (thick) description of contemporary culture often through fieldwork.

Difference between Sociology and Anthropology Anthropology ‘“ is a social science that is concerned with human culture as well as the physical and social characteristics that create that culture. Often it will compare one group of humans to another or even compare humans with animals. Sociology ‘“ is a social science that studies the functionality of human society including origins, development, and organization. It will also look at these attributes inside institutions and organizations.” Read more: Difference Between Anthropology and Sociology | Difference Between | Anthropology vs Sociology http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-anthropology-and-sociology/#ixzz1yNpgj1H2