1.3.1

Introduction

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Sources of Data

Sociologists use a number of different methods in order to collect data.

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Introduction

  • Sociologists use a number of different methods in order to collect data.
  • These methods will be influenced by different factors, including the theoretical inclination of the researcher (positivist or interpretivist).
  • Some methods collect quantitative data while others collect qualitative data and all methods have strengths and weaknesses.
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Overarching considerations

  • When examining the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods, it’s useful to take into account issues of:
    • Practicality, ethics, reliability, validity, examples, representativeness and theoretical considerations.
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The Hawthorne effect

  • The Hawthorne effect can potentially impact the results of most types of research: once people know they are being observed they might alter their behaviour as a way of pleasing the researcher, for example, by not telling the truth on a questionnaire.

Jump to other topics

1Theory & Methods

2Education with Methods in Context

3Option 1: Culture & Identity

4Option 1: Families & Households

5Option 1: Health

6Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare

7Option 2: Beliefs in Society

8Option 2: Global Development

9Option 2: The Media

10Crime & Deviance

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