1. Sociological Research Methods

2. The Research Process Sociologists answer questions about society through empirical research (observation and experiments) Collect data in objective, logical, systematic way (scientific method)

3. Step 1: Define the Problem Researchers selects a topic of study and develops operational definitions of key concepts

4. Step 2: Review the Literature Review existing literature on the subject to learn how others have approached the problem and what conclusions they have reached

5. Step 3: Form a Hypothesis Develop a testable hypothesis (prediction about the relationship between two or more variables) on the research topic –Independent variable- characteristic that causes change in another variable –Dependent variable- characteristic changed by the independent variable

6. Step 4: Choose a Research Design Develop a plan for collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data Four main types of sociological research methods: –Surveys –Analysis of Existing Sources –Observations Study –Experiment

7. Research Methods: Surveys Surveys allow collection of data on attitudes and opinions from a sample of people –Questionnaires- questions or statements that people respond to in writing –Interviews- questions answered orally

8. Research Methods: Analysis of Existing Sources Analyze existing information to make own conclusions –Historical method- examination of past materials (artifacts, written documents, etc.) to determine trends and changes –Content analysis- counting how many times a particular word, phrase, idea, or symbol appears in a given context –Statistical analysis- analyzing mathematical data to determine the strength of the relationship between variables, usually producing a statistical average (using mean, median, or mode)

9. Research Method: Observational Studies Observation of behavior of individuals or groups in actual social settings –Detached observation- observation from a distance –Participant observation- researchers directly involved

10. Research Method: Experiment Data gathered under controlled conditions in which one group exposed to the independent variable and the other is not (control group)

11. Step 5: Collect Data Gather and carefully record data collected through research

12. Step 6: Analyze the Data Objectively analyze data to determine correlations or causation between variables and whether the data supports the hypothesis –Correlation- a change in one variable is regularly associated with a change in another –Causation- a change in one variable causes a change in another

13. Step 7: Present Conclusions Present research findings to others so that everyone can better understand the issue and possibly so that the study can be replicated

14. Ethical Issues in Research Sociologists are expected to follow ethical standards of research for the welfare of the people with whom they work –Nondiscrimination- eliminate bias from study –Confidentiality- protect private information of subjects and participants –Informed consent- participants informed of research and agree to be part of it –Social responsibility- use of knowledge to contribute to the public good