All these theories! How do we apply them? And what do we apply them to? It’s exhausting!

Not to worry… Research helps us “sniff it out” and is informed by our perspectives e.g., conflict, functional symbolic interaction

Verstehen – the notion of objectivity is related to the specifics of research, not the choices of what to study Ritzer distinguishes this as objectivity versus procedural objectivity

Steps in the Research Process Researcher uncovers question in need of answer Researcher reviews the relevant literature Researcher develops hypotheses about how phenomena relate to one another Researcher identifies a method that will enable him or her to answer the research question Researcher collects data Researcher analyzes data

Two major analytical approaches “Skip Rock” Quantitative (measurable phenomena) Opinion polls, surveys – e.g., church attendance Based on the goal of “objectivity” “Conventional approach”

“Anchor” Qualitative -- gathers information by using interpretation to get at deeper meanings Words rather than statistics to describe findings “why” versus “how often”

In a Research Study, Sociologists Ask a question Or test a hypothesis –The more social networks one is involved in, the less likely he/she is to consider suicide. Facebooking? 2 What are the social conditions that influence suicide?

Aim of social research is …… Operationalization – specify what is to be studied Variables = a characteristic that can change in value or magnitude under different conditions –Attitudes –Behaviors –Traits Independent (cause) /dependent (outcome) Suicide – Independent of other social phenomena or dependent?

The Empirical Approach The empirical approach attempts to answer questions through systematic collection and analysis. –This is referred to as the scientific method, and is based on the assumption that knowledge is gained by direct, systematic observation.

Sample—The part of the population that is studied »- Probability sample—each person or thing has an equal chance of being selected; results can be generalized to the larger population »- Nonprobability sample— researchers rely on convenience or availability or theoretical perspective 2 Types of Samples

If Suicide rate is DV – what might be some IVs? strong or weak ties? Social Networks? Facebook friends? Religiosity? Married? Membership in social institutions?, Poor? Wealthy?

Other terms you need to know. Validity (accuracy) –Reliability (consistent) If we calculate a the suicide rate among teens, will the answer always be the same? Replicable (similar results) Verification (prove?)

What are some other research methods….. Surveys are most widely used with random sampling (everyone in the sample had the same chance of being picked for that study) but think of the example – Las Vegas and Winner… Do you feel like you were a winner? versus Are you taking more money home than you came to the casino with?

Interviews (standardized and open- ended) Secondary analysis (already collected)

Field Research Observing people in their natural surroundings Includes participant observation “dirty jobs” Ethnography (netnography – internet) Pure observation Face-to-face interviewing 3

ETHICAL ISSUES IN SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Basic Ethical Considerations Must obtain subjects' consent Must not harm participants Must honor all guarantees Must describe the limitations Must identify sponsors Must acknowledge contributions 4

Protecting Subjects: Misleading Subjects: The Humphreys Research