SOC1.4 Research Methods

SOC 1.4 Explain Research Methods and apply to situations. 

In order for Sociology to be researched correctly, it is important to follow the scientific method. Not all research methods are appropriate for each topic of study. In this component, you are responsible for deciding if a research method could work for a particular topic and for explaining why it would work. 

For example, let's say you want to study the differences in the concept and role of family across different ethnic groups. 

Your options to research are observations, surveys, experiments, and content/statistical data 

Observation will not work it's too broad of a topic. It is not practical to plan on traveling so much. It is also not likely that you'd be able to correctly gather information just from watching. 

Surveys: This is good when you want to gather a large amount of data. This would work for this topic because the data could be collected through questions that you could send out. 

Experiments: This option would not work because your topic is to research the differences that already exist. 

Content/Statistical Data This research method may work. If you could find research already collected for the groups that you are wanting to study. You may find data that is a bit dated so your research may need to be updated for 2017. 

SURVEYS