1. Research Methods Irving Goffman People play parts/ roles
Behind the scens make the ?????
Bad actors = ruin
we are all performares in theis play. In sociology wor are
Research Methods

2. Casual research vs. empirical research
Casual research is what we do everyday as we observe our surroundings and draw conclusions
about what we see
Empirical Research: Structured Generalizability (representative sample). Systematic, controlled observation. Theoretical basis for method of study
Casual – we react to what we draw conclusion on – sometimes it is faulty because we need to engage in empirical research.

3. What Is The Scientific Method?
A systematic series of steps that ensures
maximum objectivity and consistency in
researching a problem
The Scientific Method:

4. Defining the Problem:
State as clearly as possible what you hope to investigate.
Operational Definition: An explanation of an abstract concept that is specific enough to measure.

5. Reviewing the Literature:
The relevant scholarly studies and
information that pertains to the subject
what you’re interested researching.
begin to talk about theoretical perspective

6. Formulating the Hypothesis:
A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
Variable:
A measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions.

7. Formulating the Hypothesis:
Types of Variables:
Independent:
The variable that is hypothesized to cause or influence another.
Dependent:
The variable whose action depends on the influence of the independent variable.

8. Formulating the Hypothesis:
Correlations:
Exist when a change in one variable coincides with a change in another.

9. Correlations: Independent variable x Ban of assault rifles
Degree of integration
into society
Parents’ church attendance
Time spent preparing for quiz
Parents’ income
Dependent variable y
Use of weapons in crime
Likelihood of suicide
Children’s church attendance
Performance on quiz
Likelihood of children’s enrolling in college

10. Correlation =
Causation

11. Does the difference make a difference?
Hypothesis Testing
Is the specified relationship statistically “significant”?
What is the likelihood of the relationship occurring by chance?
Can we say with some certainty that the relationship will reappear?

12. Collecting and Analyzing Data:
Selecting the Sample
Representative Samples:
A selection from a larger population that is statistically typical of that population.
Random Samples:
When every member of an entire population has the same chance of being selected.

13. Collecting and Analyzing Data:
Ensuring Validity and Reliability:
Validity:
The degree to which a measure truly reflects the phenomenon being studied.
Reliability:
The extent to which a measure provides consistent results.

14. Major Research Designs
Surveys:
A study generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire.
Provides sociologists with information about how people act or think.

15. Research Methods, cont.
Survey Research: data collected through questionnaires or interviews; can measure things such as attitudes or values that can not be observed
Advantages:
large population can be studied
random, representative sample means results can be generalized
Disadvantages:
can not provide in-depth information about people’s behavior or experiences

16. Research Methods, cont. What do you think the chances are these
days that a white person will not get a
job or promotion while an equally or less
qualified black person gets one instead?
_____ Very likely
_____ Somewhat likely
_____ Somewhat unlikely
_____ Very unlikely
_____ Don't know

17. Ethnographic Research:
Interviews:
High response rate.
Can probe beyond questionnaire.
Questionnaires:
Inexpensive.
Good for large samples.

18. Participant Observation:
Field Research:
Collecting information through direct
participation and/or observation of a group.
Participant Observation:
When the researcher “joins” a group for a period of time to get a sense of how it operates.

19. Field Research: Field Research (Participant and nonparticipant
observation): researcher directly observes people in
their natural settings
Advantages:
provides detailed and descriptive understandings of
people’s everyday lives
generally inexpensive to conduct
Disadvantages:
time consuming
difficult to replicate
difficult to generalize to other groups
particularly susceptible to ethical issues

20. Experiments:
The artificially created situation that allows the researcher to manipulate variables.
Experiments involve two types of groups:
Experimental: Exposed to independent variable
Control Group: Not exposed to independent variable.

21. Experiments:
Experiment: the use of experimental and control groups, usually in a laboratory, to test the effect of one variable on another variable
Advantages:
experimenter is able to control other variables so causal relationship can be studied
easy to replicate
Disadvantages:
not a natural environment
many sociological concepts can not be measured in a lab

22. Use of Existing Sources:
Secondary Analysis:
Research techniques making use of publicly accessible information and data.
Content Analysis:
The systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale.

23. Finally…
Make Conclusions
Report Findings

24. American Sociological Association Code of Ethics on Sociological Research:
Researchers should always maintain objectivity and integrity
Respects respondents right to privacy
Protect respondents from personal harm
Preserve confidentiality
Disclose all sources of funding
Do not abuse role as researcher