Introduction to
Sociology
Week 4: Introduction to Sociological Research
Previous week ?
How Do We Do
Sociology?
Understanding
Sociological
Research
Survey:
Qualitative vs Quantitative Methods
Qualitative methods—rely
on observations,
interactions, conversations, Quantitative methods—
interviews, and archival statistical/numerical data
data.
Sociological research aims to meet scientific
standards:
• Inference involves generalising from specific observations to broader claims.
• Reproducibility means others should be able to retrace steps and reproduce results.
• Reflexivity requires researchers to acknowledge their role and how their identity
influences the study.
• These principles, shared by both natural and social sciences, guide scientific work,
especially in qualitative research.
• Social science research should strive to meet these ideals, even if not all are met in every
study.
• The next step is defining and answering a research question.
The Research Process
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Define the Review the Make the Work Out a Carry Out Interpret Report the
Research Literature: Problem Design: A the the Results: Findings:
Problem: Sociologists Precise: plan for how Research: After The results
Researchers must Researchers to collect Researchers gathering are shared
must make examine formulate a data and implement data, through
their data existing clear, which the plan, researchers reports,
collection research to testable methods to though analyse usually
and analysis understand hypothesis use based unforeseen trends, test published in
methods how others based on on the challenges hypotheses, journals or
public to have existing research may arise, and books, and
allow addressed literature to objectives. requiring interpret often
verification similar guide their adjustments the findings, suggest
and issues and research. to the even if further
comparison, identify approach. conclusive research
while gaps. answers questions.
acknowledgi aren’t
ng always
uncertainty reached.
in their
conclusions.
Historical Context
• Sociology began as a highly theoretical discipline with limited evidence.
• In the 1920s, American sociology shifted towards grounding theories in facts and data.
• This change was led by Robert Park and William Ogburn at the University of Chicago.
Historical Context
• Robert Park’s Approach
• Believed in fieldwork and direct observation.
• Advocated for sociologists to engage with communities.
• Focus: Immigrant life, urban neighborhoods, and social conditions.
• Legacy: Ethnographic research and community-based studies.
• William Ogburn’s Approach
• Advocated for sociology to become a quantitative science.
• Focus: Measurable data, statistics, and scientific rigor.
• Legacy: Emphasis on statistical analysis and data-driven research.
Legacy of Park and Ogburn
• Park's approach is still seen in the personal and emotional side of sociological
research.
• Ogburn’s legacy highlights the importance of statistics and scientific methodologies.
• Today, data analysis and scientific thinking are essential in sociology, especially with
the rise of big data on the internet.
Modern Research Methods in Sociology
• Sociology uses multiple methods:
• Ethnography
• Surveys
• Experiments
• Comparative Historical Research
Ethnography
• Ethnography involves first - hand study of people
through observation or participation.
• Strengths include a rich, in-depth understanding of social
processes.
• Limitations include small sample sizes and difficulty
generalising findings.
• An example is Alice Goffman’s On the Run, which studied
policing in poor neighborhoods:
• “How we’re priming some kids for college—and others for
prison.”
• Surveys involve structured questionnaires
administered to a sample population.
Surveys • Strengths include efficient data collection and
generalizable results.
• Limitations include superficial responses and
potential for bias.
Experiments
• Experiments are a research method used to determine causal relationships—
meaning they help us understand whether one factor directly influences another.
• This is done by controlling variables, meaning researchers keep all conditions the
same except for the one they are testing.
• Strengths:
• High control over variables: Researchers can isolate specific factors to see
their effects.
• Clear cause-and-effect relationships: Because variables are controlled, it's
easier to determine what causes a particular outcome.
• Limitations:
• Artificial settings: Many experiments take place in laboratories, which
might not reflect real-life situations.
• Ethical concerns: Some experiments manipulate people’s behavior in ways
that might be harmful or distressing.
• Example: Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment- Ethical concerns!!!
• Comparative historical research compares social
phenomena across time and place.
Comparative • Strengths include insights into long-term social
change.
Historical • Limitations include reliance on existing data and
difficulty controlling variables.
Research • An example is Theda Skocpol’s States and Social
Revolutions.
Key Takeaways
• Sociology evolved from theoretical speculation to evidence-based research.
• Modern sociology employs diverse methods such as ethnography, surveys, experiments,
and historical research.
• Each method has strengths and limitations, making sociology a versatile discipline.
Class Activity/Homework
• Create Questions: In small groups, write 5-7 interview questions for
someone who studied abroad or in another city. What would you
ask?
• Apply Survey questions: Rethink our survey questions to ask a parent
or older relative about their study experiences. Consider how their
experiences might differ.
• Discuss questions: How can you make them clearer, more specific, or
more open-ended?
• Share: your best questions. We’ll combine them into a final interview
list, which I’ll share later.
Thanks!
Next Week: Culture and
Information session for the
interview assignment.
