Sociological research is the study of social problems and behaviours of the people of a particular part/area of the world by the Sociologists to find out the deep-rooted causes behind it, so that they can device solution to these problems.
There are three methods of sociological research:
- Qualitative method
- Quantitative method
- Mixed method
Qualitative method is used when the concerned
information is unstructured, subjective, open-ended and to codify it is
difficult. Interviews, focus groups, ethnography, case studies and literature
reviews are most common methods of qualitative research.
Quantitative method is used when the
concerned information is structured and objective. Surveys, secondary data,
observational research, experiments and content analysis are most common
methods of quantitative research.
Mixed research is used when the both of the above methods are used for
a best possible result, it is called mixed research.
Advantages and disadvantages: There are positive and negative points in both of the types. One type is selected according to the need of the research. In some cases, mixed research type is used because of the nature of the research.
Research Process in Sociology: Research Process could be at micro or macro level according to its nature. Researcher should be unbiased, especially when the subject is gender or race, and should be equipped with ethical values. Moreover, controversial and sensitive topics should be avoided.
Research Model:
- Detect/select a problem
- Define problem
- Review concerned literature
- Make a hypothesis
- Select a research method
- Collect information
- Interpretation of research data (analyse)
- Publish report