1. SCIENTIFIC METHOD/SOCIAL RESEARCH
INTSOCI
SCIENTIFIC METHOD/SOCIAL RESEARCH

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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Module 5 5

6. __________- 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)

7. 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.

8. _______ Approach

9. _______ Approach
Grounded Theory

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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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?

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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

22. 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

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

25. 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

26. SURVEY
Self-Administered
Face to Face Interview
Telephone
Internet

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

28. 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

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

30. 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

31. 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.

32. 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

33. 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.

34. 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

35. 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?

36. 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.

37. 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

38. Other Methods
Focus Group Discussion

39. Other Methods
Drawing Technique

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

41. 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