In secondary research, your data is collected from preexisting primary research, such as experiments or surveys. 2. There are two subtypes of construct validity. The advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research make it possible to gather and analyze individualistic data on deeper levels. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the early 1980s, sociologists were involved in a much-discussed field experiment sponsored by the federal government. Most Gallup Polls are conducted over the telephone. 1. When would it be appropriate to use a snowball sampling technique? Research is the systemic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem. Explanatory research is used to investigate how or why a phenomenon occurs. To find the slope of the line, youll need to perform a regression analysis. These questions are easier to answer quickly. Structured interviews are best used when: More flexible interview options include semi-structured interviews, unstructured interviews, and focus groups. Whats the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning? Mailed surveys, done by mailing questionnaires to respondents, are still used, but not as often as before. What are the types of extraneous variables? An independent variable represents the supposed cause, while the dependent variable is the supposed effect. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. As well as highlighting the relationships between variables, it also allows the effects of manipulating a single variable to be isolated and analyzed singly. What is an example of simple random sampling? In plain layman language, the advantage of quantitative research is that it can help make difficult decisions easier to understand. No. Therefore, this type of research is often one of the first stages in the research process, serving as a jumping-off point for future research. The survey is the most common research design in sociological research. Uses more resources to recruit participants, administer sessions, cover costs, etc. Inductive reasoning is a bottom-up approach, while deductive reasoning is top-down. A confounding variable is a type of extraneous variable that not only affects the dependent variable, but is also related to the independent variable. To implement random assignment, assign a unique number to every member of your studys sample. Random sampling or probability sampling is based on random selection. Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses. Action research is conducted in order to solve a particular issue immediately, while case studies are often conducted over a longer period of time and focus more on observing and analyzing a particular ongoing phenomenon. One of the most significant advantages of qualitative research is that it does not rely on specific deadlines, formats, or questions to create a successful outcome. The Canadian Research Institute for Social Policy (CRISP) at the University of New Brunswick is one of these organizations. Pre-experiments offer few advantages since it is often difficult or impossible to rule out alternative explanations. Snowball sampling is best used in the following cases: The reproducibility and replicability of a study can be ensured by writing a transparent, detailed method section and using clear, unambiguous language. Its essential to know which is the cause the independent variable and which is the effect the dependent variable. In some cases, its more efficient to use secondary data that has already been collected by someone else, but the data might be less reliable. Why are independent and dependent variables important? Fellowship of the Rich Interview CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. You can ask experts, such as other researchers, or laypeople, such as potential participants, to judge the face validity of tests. This type of research can be used to create new research questions, or form hypotheses about cause and effect relationships (though we cannot determine cause and effect from this research alone). What are some types of inductive reasoning? A related type of research design is . The survey is the most common method by which sociologists gather their data. These considerations protect the rights of research participants, enhance research validity, and maintain scientific integrity. Researcher-administered questionnaires are interviews that take place by phone, in-person, or online between researchers and respondents. Advantages and Disadvantages Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Pros (advantages) ".the researcher should not predetemine a priori about what he or she will find, and what and how social phenomena should be viewed. Educators were positive about the sense of community in this online course. External validity is the extent to which your results can be generalized to other contexts. A confounding variable, also called a confounder or confounding factor, is a third variable in a study examining a potential cause-and-effect relationship. 5. In quota sampling you select a predetermined number or proportion of units, in a non-random manner (non-probability sampling). This process allows researchers to ask open-ended questions whenever they feel it is appropriate because there may be more data to collect. This type of survey can yield a lot of information, because interviewers typically will spend at least an hour asking their questions, and a high response rate (the percentage of all people in the sample who agree to be interviewed), which is important to be able to generalize the surveys results to the entire population. How do you randomly assign participants to groups? It is less expensive and less time-consuming. What is the difference between an observational study and an experiment? A semi-structured interview is a blend of structured and unstructured types of interviews. In turn, this can help: To rank employees and work units. Since telephone overviews may intrude on the individual time of the respondents, interviews through telephone are to be led no longer than 15 minutes. What are the disadvantages of a cross-sectional study? They then use their analysis to help devise effective social policies and strategies for dealing with the issue. Stratified sampling and quota sampling both involve dividing the population into subgroups and selecting units from each subgroup. Information on Canadian social research organizations can be found at http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/index.htm. Advantages. As exploratory research is often qualitative in nature, you may need to conduct quantitative research with a larger sample size to achieve more generalizable results. A confounding variable is a third variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables. In other words, it helps you answer the question: does the test measure all aspects of the construct I want to measure? If it does, then the test has high content validity. Observational studies consist of both participant observation and nonparticipant observation. It usually lacks conclusive results, and results can be biased or subjective due to a lack of preexisting knowledge on your topic. How you proceed with your exploratory research design depends on the research method you choose to collect your data. In non-probability sampling, the sample is selected based on non-random criteria, and not every member of the population has a chance of being included. For example, use triangulation to measure your variables using multiple methods; regularly calibrate instruments or procedures; use random sampling and random assignment; and apply masking (blinding) where possible. A confounding variable is related to both the supposed cause and the supposed effect of the study. In addition, certain books or articles may have not been preserved and . Nonprofit organizations often analyze existing data, usually gathered by government agencies, to get a better understanding of the social issue with which an organization is most concerned. A confounder is a third variable that affects variables of interest and makes them seem related when they are not. Common non-probability sampling methods include convenience sampling, voluntary response sampling, purposive sampling, snowball sampling, and quota sampling. A quasi-experiment is a type of research design that attempts to establish a cause-and-effect relationship. This is usually only feasible when the population is small and easily accessible. Helps in proper planning of the resources and their procurement in right time. Computers do random-digit dialing, which results in a random sample of all telephone numbers being selected. It can be easy to confuse exploratory research with explanatory research. Social desirability bias can be mitigated by ensuring participants feel at ease and comfortable sharing their views. All questions are standardized so that all respondents receive the same questions with identical wording. To assist in prediction. New York, NY: Free Press. For example, looking at a 4th grade math test consisting of problems in which students have to add and multiply, most people would agree that it has strong face validity (i.e., it looks like a math test). For example, say you want to investigate how income differs based on educational attainment, but you know that this relationship can vary based on race. Exploratory research is a methodology approach that explores research questions that have not previously been studied in depth. Whats the difference between a confounder and a mediator? There are 4 main types of extraneous variables: An extraneous variable is any variable that youre not investigating that can potentially affect the dependent variable of your research study. 22.2 Public Sociology and Improving Society. Research misconduct means making up or falsifying data, manipulating data analyses, or misrepresenting results in research reports. Another benefit of descriptive research is that it enables you to determine the behavior of people in a natural setting. First, the author submits the manuscript to the editor. The careful and exact way in which quantitative tests must be designed enables other researchers to duplicate the methodology. Advantages of Quantitative research: Allows you to reach a higher sample size When you want to study the large sample data to conclude, this is the best way to conclude the exact results. A network topology is the physical or logical arrangement of network devices and connections. When field experiments are conducted in sociology, they can yield valuable information because of their experimental design. The external validity of a study is the extent to which you can generalize your findings to different groups of people, situations, and measures. There are several methods you can use to decrease the impact of confounding variables on your research: restriction, matching, statistical control and randomization. Exploratory research is often qualitative and primary in nature. It provides a better focus by developing better and more specific instruments according to the research context. It always happens to some extentfor example, in randomized controlled trials for medical research. Human error 4. Together, they help you evaluate whether a test measures the concept it was designed to measure. Using stratified sampling, you can ensure you obtain a large enough sample from each racial group, allowing you to draw more precise conclusions. In experimental research, random assignment is a way of placing participants from your sample into different groups using randomization. Sherman, L W. (1992). Because a text can encompass just about anything, you have a lot of freedom. Convergent validity and discriminant validity are both subtypes of construct validity. Research design is the strategy or blueprint for deciding how to collect and analyze information. Large surveys are expensive and time consuming. List the major advantages and disadvantages of surveys, experiments, and observational studies. Better control and customization: Primary data collection is tailor-made to suit the specific needs of the organization that is conducting it. Between-subjects and within-subjects designs can be combined in a single study when you have two or more independent variables (a factorial design). Dirty data contain inconsistencies or errors, but cleaning your data helps you minimize or resolve these. What is the difference between stratified and cluster sampling? While you cant eradicate it completely, you can reduce random error by taking repeated measurements, using a large sample, and controlling extraneous variables. Dirty data include inconsistencies and errors. The major advantage of experiments is that the researcher can be fairly sure of a cause-and-effect relationship because of the way the experiment is set up. How can you ensure reproducibility and replicability? A logical flow helps respondents process the questionnaire easier and quicker, but it may lead to bias. Better documentation of the various activities while the project work is going on. Some 2,500 other people were rendered instantly homeless. This is particularly useful when studying specific subsets . Cross-Validation. Unstructured interviews are best used when: The four most common types of interviews are: Deductive reasoning is commonly used in scientific research, and its especially associated with quantitative research. Whats the difference between clean and dirty data? What are some advantages and disadvantages of cluster sampling? Correlational ResearchCorrelational Research Disadvantages: 1) correlation does not indicate causation 2) problems with self-report method Advantages: 1) can collect much information from many subjects at one time 2) can study a wide range of variables and their interrelations 3) study variables that are not easily produced in the laboratory 6. It becomes possible to understand attitudes. Identification of the cause-effect relationship 3. In tandem with the research questions and accompanying objectives, the study adopted the survey approach (personal interviews). The flood occurred when an artificial dam composed of mine waste gave way after days of torrential rain. For example, if you are interested in the effect of a diet on health, you can use multiple measures of health: blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, pulse, and many more. A disadvantage is that the data set being analyzed may not contain data on all the variables in which a sociologist may be interested or may contain data on variables that are not measured in ways the sociologist might prefer. What are the pros and cons of naturalistic observation? However, peer review is also common in non-academic settings. A mediator variable explains the process through which two variables are related, while a moderator variable affects the strength and direction of that relationship. A regression analysis that supports your expectations strengthens your claim of construct validity. You can mix it up by using simple random sampling, systematic sampling, or stratified sampling to select units at different stages, depending on what is applicable and relevant to your study. Random assignment is used in experiments with a between-groups or independent measures design. How do you define an observational study? If the population is in a random order, this can imitate the benefits of simple random sampling. It thus provides a good starting point for research but usually does not include enough variables for a full-fledged sociological study. The researchers wanted to see whether arresting men for domestic violence made it less likely that they would commit such violence again. How do I decide which research methods to use? As far as a quantitative research design is concerned, data analysis may take a broad assortment of forms. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic. Exploratory research is often used when the issue youre studying is new or when the data collection process is challenging for some reason. This way, you can investigate whether people with a stronger non-native accent are indeed as intelligible as speakers with a native accent. After both analyses are complete, compare your results to draw overall conclusions. Closed-ended, or restricted-choice, questions offer respondents a fixed set of choices to select from. 22.1 What Have You Learned From This Book? Survey research has several flaws. What is the definition of construct validity? Discriminant validity indicates whether two tests that should, If the research focuses on a sensitive topic (e.g., extramarital affairs), Outcome variables (they represent the outcome you want to measure), Left-hand-side variables (they appear on the left-hand side of a regression equation), Predictor variables (they can be used to predict the value of a dependent variable), Right-hand-side variables (they appear on the right-hand side of a, Impossible to answer with yes or no (questions that start with why or how are often best), Unambiguous, getting straight to the point while still stimulating discussion. . Policing domestic violence: Experiments and dilemmas. 3.2 Research method In statistics, dependent variables are also called: An independent variable is the variable you manipulate, control, or vary in an experimental study to explore its effects. coin flips). Sociologists have long gone into the field to observe people and social settings, and the result has been many rich descriptions and analyses of behavior in juvenile gangs, bars, urban street corners, and even whole communities. The researcher typically records the interview and later transcribes it for analysis. The reviewer provides feedback, addressing any major or minor issues with the manuscript, and gives their advice regarding what edits should be made. Many people can be included. The absolute value of a number is equal to the number without its sign. They are important to consider when studying complex correlational or causal relationships. When its taken into account, the statistical correlation between the independent and dependent variables is higher than when it isnt considered. Also, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the study's research design. Here, the researcher recruits one or more initial participants, who then recruit the next ones. Although much information is gathered, this information is relatively superficial. height, weight, or age). However, in stratified sampling, you select some units of all groups and include them in your sample. The Learning From Other Societies box discusses a nonprofit organization in Canada that analyzes existing data for this purpose. What are the pros and cons of a between-subjects design? Like any other research design, exploratory studies have their trade-offs: they provide a unique set of benefits but also come with downsides.. A major concern of CRISP has been developmental problems in low-income children and teens. Time-Constrained Interviews. This method is often used to collect data from a large, geographically spread group of people in national surveys, for example. In this process, you review, analyze, detect, modify, or remove dirty data to make your dataset clean. Data cleaning is also called data cleansing or data scrubbing. This means that each unit has an equal chance (i.e., equal probability) of being included in the sample. First of all, questionnaires are one of the most affordable ways to gather quantitative data. Construct validity is often considered the overarching type of measurement validity. PURPOSES OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH 1. Data is then collected from as large a percentage as possible of this random subset. It is often used when the issue youre studying is new, or the data collection process is challenging in some way. In mixed methods research, you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question. In this course, we'll only have time to discuss and practice using surveys. Its a relatively intuitive, quick, and easy way to start checking whether a new measure seems useful at first glance. As such, a snowball sample is not representative of the target population and is usually a better fit for qualitative research. Qualitative data is collected and analyzed first, followed by quantitative data. In this case, you multiply the numbers of subgroups for each characteristic to get the total number of groups. You decide to come up with an exploratory research design to investigate this relationship without spending too many resources or too much time doing so. Exploratory research questions are designed to help you understand more about a particular topic of interest. In all three types, you first divide the population into clusters, then randomly select clusters for use in your sample. In order to collect detailed data on the population of the US, the Census Bureau officials randomly select 3.5 million households per year and use a variety of methods to convince them to fill out the survey. Well walk you through the steps using the following example. In nonparticipant observation, the researcher observes a group of people but does not otherwise interact with them. Your results may be inconsistent or even contradictory. Do experiments always need a control group? In this way, both methods can ensure that your sample is representative of the target population. A hypothesis states your predictions about what your research will find. What are the pros and cons of a within-subjects design? Its one of four types of measurement validity, which includes construct validity, face validity, and criterion validity. This means they arent totally independent. A statistic refers to measures about the sample, while a parameter refers to measures about the population. The specific deterrent effects of arrest for domestic assault. May not generalize to a larger population. Advantages Updated information: Data collected using primary methods is based on updated market information and helps in tackling dynamic conditions. In a between-subjects design, every participant experiences only one condition, and researchers assess group differences between participants in various conditions. Street corner society: The social structure of an Italian slum.
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