1. Social Research Methods

2. Write down as many research methods you can think of!!

3. qualitative
quantitative

4. Quantitative
Data in numerical form
e.g. Official statistics

5. Positivists Quantitative data
We must quantify things so we can provide evidence for theories
Quantify so we can:
replicate studies to check findings
establish causes
make generalisations

6. What types of research methods could you use to get quantitative data?

7. Structured interviews
Official statistics
Experiment
Surveys
Questionnaires
Structured interviews

8. Qualitative
Words Descriptions

9. Interpretivists
Behaviour influenced by interpretations and meanings given to social situations
We must understand these meanings!
Methods = provide understanding from point of view of subjects

10. What types of research methods could you use to get qualitative data?

11. Unstructured interviews Open ended questionnaires
Observation
Unstructured interviews
Open ended questionnaires
Personal accounts

12. Advantages of using qualitative methods
Provides greater depth
Creates a better picture of area being studied
Often higher in validity

13. Disadvantages of using qualitative methods
Harder to analyse
Time consuming
Usually less reliable

14. Advantages of using quantitative methods
Easy to analyse data
Draw conclusions
Usually fairly reliable

15. Disadvantages of using quantitative methods
Not providing meanings or explanations
Less valid?