Starter Name the two types of data One disadvantage of primary data One advantage of quantitative data What is qualitative data? Disadvantage of secondary sources

Research Methods Lesson 2 factors influencing choice of methods Objectives: To explain some of the factors influencing the choice of research methods To describe what is meant by practical, ethical and theoretical issues

Practical issues Ethical Issues Theoretical issues So how do sociologists decide which is the best method to use for their research? When looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the methods (last lesson) we need to look at them in terms of Practical issues Ethical Issues Theoretical issues

Practical issues This is about how easy it is for the researcher to use a particular method These refer to the practicalities of carrying out certain research for instance how much money is available to the sociologist, how much time have they got, what personal skills they posses and the subject matter

Ethical issues These are issues of morality, Right or wrong. The British Sociological Association sets out guidelines for the ethical conduct of research Is the research is within the ethical guidelines set out by the BSA (British sociological association) Are you familiar with these principles? Informed consent Confidentiality Harm to research participants Vulnerable groups Deception/covert research

Theoretical Issues Validity: A valid method is one that produces a true or genuine picture of what something is really like. It allows the researcher to get closer to the truth. Some sociologists believe qualitative methods such as participant observation are more valid than questionnaires. Participant observation gives us a more deeper insight through first-hand experience.

Theoretical Issues Reliability: replicability A reliable method is one which, when repeated by another researcher, gives the same results. E.G in physics or chemistry, different researchers can carry out the same experiment and get the same results. In sociology, quantitative methods such as written questionnaires produce more reliable results than qualitative methods such as interviews. Why do you think this is the case?

Reliability or validity? Read the scenarios at the bottom of page 93 Are they describing validity or reliability?

Theoretical Issues This refers to whether the results of research actually give us an accurate understanding of society. Are they reliable? Are they valid? A valid method produces a true or genuine picture of what something is really like It allows researcher to get closer to the truth Qualitative methods are often said to be valid because you can gain a deeper insight about what its like to be a member of that group Reliability Means replicability Can be repeated over and over and gain same results For instance a controlled experiment done in a lab would be reliable Quantitative methods such as a questionnaires are said to be reliable

Theoretical Issues Representativeness Are the people we are studying a representative sample If so we can make generalisations without having to study the entire population

Task In your booklet, colour code the boxes to decide whether they are practical, ethical or theoretical issues

Methodological perspective Choice of method also influenced by their methodological perspective- this is the researchers views about what society is like and how we should study it Positivists See sociology as a science-objective, factual reality Believe in repeating research Prefer quantitative data as this is more scientific Seek to discover patterns of behaviour so society can be predicted and understood Interpretivists Study of society is not scientific as all people are not identical Prefer qualitative data that interpret meaning of behaviour Try to understand the meaning of our actions Bias is unavoidable

Conclusion? Using page 94, draw a conclusion stating which is the most important factor when choosing which method to use. This may be a balanced argument!

Plenary- learning triangle 3 things you have learnt today, two things you already know, 1 thing you still want to know!