1. Aim: How do sociologists do research?
Do Now: What makes a joke funny?

2. Social Research Definitions
Quantitative: focusing on numbers (most research is done this way: surveys and pre-collected data)
Qualitative: focusing on narrative and descriptive data
Survey: research method in which people respond to questions
Population: a group of people with certain specified characteristics
Sample: a group of people that represent a larger population
Representative sample: a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of a population as a whole.
Questionnaire: a written set of questions to be answered by a research participant

3. Interview: a survey method in which a trained researcher asks questions and records the answers.
Closed-Ended Questions: questions a person must answer by choosing from a limited predetermined set of responses
Open-Ended Questions: questions a person is to answer in his or her own words
Secondary Analysis: using precollected information for data collection and research purposes
Field Research: research that takes place in a natural (nonlaboratory) setting
Case Study: Intensive study of a single group, incident, or community
Participant Observation: a case study where the researcher becomes a member of the group being studied

4. Critical Thinking Questions:
Do you think that selecting a sample of three thousand individuals could yield an accurate picture of the eating habits of Americans? Why or why not?
You are a sociologist who wants to see if receiving welfare benefits affects long term job commitment. Describe the research method you would use. Why is the method you chose best for this topic?
Suggest several areas in your own school or community where field research could be used for a research project.
What methods have the authors of the articles we have read so far used?

5. Conclusion:
Which research method would you most like to explore?