Sociological methods of research
- This is a preview of the essay.
To view the full text you must login!
Briefly describe what you understand by the following:
1) Methods of research
2) Methodology
1) Methods of research are the various devices that are used to study and gather information on a sociological issue. There are many varying methods, each effective in their own way. Methods include: surveys, interviews, questionnaires and observation. Methods could be described as the 'fundamental tools' that sociologists use in order to study any given issue. Methods typically, but not universally, come under either the quantitative or qualitative categories of research.
2) Methodology is a more complex issue. It is concerned not with 'what' methods should be used but as to 'how' these methods of research should be practised. Often different groups in society have their own specific methodologies that dictate how they carry out their research and the guidelines they follow in doing so.
Critically asses the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods of research commonly used by sociologists.
There are a number of different methods that are available to sociologists when choosing to study an issue of sociological concern...