Section Overview
This section focuses on various research methods utilized in sociology, detailing their unique advantages and limitations. It explores survey methods and their use in collecting data on attitudes, behaviors, and opinions, and introduces field research, a strategy for studying people within their natural environments to glean insights into human behavior and social contexts. The section further dives into participant observation, an immersive approach providing an insider’s perspective on social dynamics. Ethnography is also examined, a technique allowing in-depth understanding of social perspectives and cultural values within specific social settings. Lastly, secondary data analysis, or the study of previously completed research, is discussed. The section also considers the Hawthorne effect’s influence on research findings and underlines the role of ethical considerations and objectivity across all methods. Overall, the choice of research method in sociological studies is driven by study topics, research questions, and potential limitations.
Reading Assignment for Section 1.5
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 1.5: Social Research.
What You Will Learn
In this section, you’ll delve into the various research methods used in sociology and understand their respective advantages and disadvantages. You’ll learn how surveys are used to gather data on people’s behaviors, opinions, and attitudes. Additionally, you’ll explore the importance of field research in studying human behavior in natural settings, and gain insights into participant observation as a way to get an insider’s view of social dynamics.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 1.5
- SLO 1: Students will understand various research methods in sociology and their pros and cons.
- SLO 2: Students will grasp how surveys collect data on behaviors, opinions, and attitudes.
- SLO 3: Students will learn about field research and its role in understanding human behavior in natural environments.
- SLO 4: Students will appreciate participant observation as a method for gaining an insider’s perspective on social dynamics.
- SLO 5: Students will recognize secondary data analysis as a time and cost-effective method yet understand its limitations and challenges.
Modification History File Created: 05/07/2023 Last Modified: 06/26/2023
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