Research Methods and Evidence
How Sociologists Know What They Know
The research cycle
Sociological research usually moves from question to theory, from theory to operationalization, and from measurement to analysis and interpretation. Good research is transparent and replicable where possible.
Core method terms
Common methods
Survey
- Good for breadth
- Useful for comparing many cases
Interview
- Good for depth
- Captures meaning and context
Remember
A method is only as good as the question it is designed to answer. Breadth, depth, and causality often require different tools.
Which method is usually strongest for identifying causal effects?
Experiments allow researchers to control conditions and compare outcomes.
Correct answer: Experiment
What does validity assess?
Validity is about accuracy of measurement.
Correct answer: Whether a measure captures the intended concept
What is one advantage of interviews over surveys?
Interviews can reveal meanings, narratives, and context that closed-ended surveys may miss.
Correct answer: more depth
Evaluating a study
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1
Step 1: Identify the research question.
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2
Step 2: Check how key concepts were measured.
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3
Step 3: Examine the sample and comparison group.
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4
Step 4: Look for alternative explanations.
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5
Step 5: Judge whether the conclusions match the evidence.
Why is sampling important?
Sampling helps researchers infer from a subset to a broader group.
Correct answer: to make claims about a population from cases studied