SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS

The Scientific Method

Need a set of procedures that show not only how findings have been arrived at but are also clear enough so that can repeat the inquiry to test the findings

Step 1:Developing a Research Question Manageable; should not be too ambitious Researchable; can it actually be done? Goal of research not to find evidence to

support your opinions; it is to ask “what if,” “how,” “why,” “how well,” “what,” and “where”

Interesting to a wider audience Advances the field; takes the field forward Considers what you want the research to

achieve (deliverables)

What does this cartoon illustrate?

Review the research question that you have developed. -Does it meet all of the criteria? -How might it be revised?

Make notes...

PAUSE!

Step 2: Do Background Research In a literature

review the researcher reviews related and reliable literature published by other researchers

Obtains insight into the topic

The Literature Review

Shows that the researcher has read some relevant materials

Most importantly, it informs the research (question, methodology, etc)

Will include up-to-date information from books, articles, reports, research papers, newspaper articles, reviews, government documents, material from databases, etc.

Key Terms

Secondary Sources-items such as journal or newspaper articles that summarize what others have to say about a topic or issue (your literature review)

Primary Sources-obtained from field research that you (the researcher) performs (your research)

Key Terms

Quantitative Data-data that is capable of being measured in numbers(i.e. Statistics)

Qualitative Data-describes or explains something in words

Research Methods

Surveys

Developing and distributing surveys or questionnaires to sample groups who are fair representatives of the entire group under study

Data is graphed or put into tables Advantage: can question large numbers of

people about their behaviour and attitudes in a short time; data is quantitative

Disadvantage: a good survey is hard to design; issues of validity and reliability

Interviews

Researchers gather important information from individuals, such as professionals in a field

Ask direct questions to draw out detailed and personal information

Advantage: Can organize information quantitatively or qualitatively

Disadvantage: May be difficult to find appropriate individuals to interview; hard to guide an interview

Participant Observation

Researcher immerses himself or herself into the group under study

Join a family/live in a community to gain first-hand knowledge about a group

Advantage: Knowledge gained is rich and complex and thorough

Disadvantage: Time constraints; access to different groups

Case Study

Researcher observes the characteristics of an individual unit—a child, a clique, a class, a school, etc.

Purpose is to probe deeply and analyse many phenomena and then establish wider generalizations

Advantage: Recognizes the complexity of social “truths”; whole picture

Disadvantage: Prone to observer bias

Experiments

Investigators control and manipulate conditions which determine the events in which they are interested, introduce an intervention, and measure the difference it makes

Randomization is a key, critical element of a “true” experiment; random sampling and random allocation to a control or experimental group

Advantage: Fun and interesting to see the results

Disadvantage: Prone to bias (selective sampling, chance effects, subversion, reporting bias)

How do I know which research method is right for me?

Choosing a Research Method

Consider...

What are the specific purposes of the research?

What needs to be the focus of the research in order to answer the research question(s)?

How will validity and reliability be addressed?

What kinds of data are required?

With a partner, consider the video Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st Century

1)Develop a research question relating to one of the topics/themes addressed in the video2)Consider how this might be tested3)Do it! (let’s be quick...this is practice)

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