Applied sociological research skills

Key terms

Objectivity

  • A lack of bias, preconceptions or prejudice.  Lack of bias = keeping your opinions and your values separate from what you’re studying and try to look at the issue as scientifically as possible.  (related to value freedom)

Value freedom

  • Where the research of a sociologist ought to be carried without their beliefs and ideas influencing the project.  (see also positivism)

Ethical issues

  • Issues which have a moral dimension, such as the debates over euthanasia and abortion.  It goes against the mores, norms and values of society as people see it as not the right thing.  In research we need to be sensitive aware of peoples morals and values.
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Positivism

  • A view where phenomena should be studied in a scientific manner.  To find out things for certain.

Case study – strengths and weaknesses

  • A detailed in-depth study of a group or event.  
  • Weakness – it is not representative of others which are similar to it
  • Strength – it is good to use as a hypothesis, an untested theory, for research that you may plan to do in the future.

Methodological pluralism

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Sampling methods / Sampling frame – strengths and weaknesses

  • A sampling method is how you plan ...

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