Happy Wednesday! You will have a little time to put your posters together

Research Methods

Background Scientific Method: systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem Rely on qualitative and quantitative research Very limited in laboratory experiments

Step 1 and 2: Select a topic & define a problem What do you want to know about? Narrow the topic- needs to be specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the concept Example: spouse abuse- TOO BROAD Why men are more likely than women to be abusers- BETTER TOPIC

Step 3: Review the Literature Read what has been published about your topic Don’t waste time rediscovering what is already known Allows researchers to: Refine the problem under study Clarify possible techniques Eliminate and reduce avoidable mistakes

Step 4 &5: Formulate the hypothesis & choose a research method Hypothesis- statement of what you expect to find according to predictions from a theory Needs operational definition -precise way to measure variables State the procedure the researcher will follow for collecting and analyzing

Step 6: Collecting Data Select a sample- a selection from a larger population that is statistically representative of that population Random sample Data must be valid and reliable Ways to gather data: Survey Observation Analyze existing data

Step 7: Analyze Data Test your hypothesis in this step Is hypothesis supported? Must not allow personal preference to be involved

Step 8: Share results Hypothesis is formally accepted, rejected or modified All work is published so others can verify and duplicate

Research Designs The method you choose depends on the questions you want to answer Goal is to find the “average” in your study

Surveys Example: Gallup Poll Asking individuals a series of questions 2 main forms: Interview or Questionnaire Interview can obtain a higher response rate People find it more difficult to turn down personal requests Interviewers can go deeper into questions Questionnaires are cheaper

Surveys (continued) Must create questions that allow respondents to express their own opinions Closed-ended question- followed by a list of possible answers Open-ended question-allows people to answer in their own words Establish a rapport

Observations Collect information by direct participation or closely watching a group or community Major challenge: CANNOT allow close association or friendships influence the subjects behavior or the conclusion of the study

Secondary Analysis Use of previous collected and publically accessible information and data Not influenced by people’s behavior Relies on someone else’s work, and may not be what is needed

Ethics in Research Sociologists abide by the American Sociological Association (ASA) Need to be certain they are not invading their subjects privacy Use of human subjects must be overseen by a review board

Principles of Sociological Research Maintain objectivity and integrity Respect the subject’s rights to privacy and dignity Protect subjects from personal harm

Principles of Soc. Research (continued) Preserve confidentiality Seek informed consent Acknowledge research collaboration and assistance Disclose all sources of financial support