INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Quantitative research– uses numerical data such as statistics (think objective). If you would like to survey a large amount of people this is the type of research to use.

Qualitative research-uses narratives, such as field research and case studies (think subjective).  If you would like to study a smaller group, more face to face accounts, this is the type of research you would employ.

 1) You are a sociologists conducting research on a social group.  Ask yourself, what population are you drawn to? There are so many to choose from! Do you want to focus on a certain gender, race, ethnicity, culture, the elderly, religion, students, immigrants, or the disabled just to name a few. You can also focus on a social problem or social issue that you would like to know more about. Some topics to choose from are immigration, poverty and social inequality, racism and discrimination, ageism, overpopulation, affirmative action.

 Which group do you plan on studying?

 2) What type of research method would be the most appropriate for your study? First, would you conduct qualitative or quantitative research? Would you use interviews, surveys, field research, case study, secondary analysis, or participant observation? Why is this the best research method in your opinion?