Research Methods - 26

Attrition

The loss of participants from the cohort or panel over time in a longitudinal studies

Bias

The subject is presented in a one-sided way which favours one point of view more than others.

Case study

A detailed and in-depth study of a group or situation.

Closed questions

Respondents are presented with either a list of options or a two way choice and have to select the response they most agree with.

Cluster sample

Used when the population is spread out over a large geographical area such as the whole of Britain. Areas are selected at random as a sample to save time.

Coding

The transformation of qualitative or quantitative data into categories for analysis. Computer software can be used to analyse coded data. Some studies may use more than one coder to provide inter-rater reliability

Correlation

The tendency for one variable to be found in association with another. For instance, children who live in poverty do less well in education.

Covert observation

Where the researcher does not let the group being studied know that they are being observed. They go 'under-cover'.

Cross-sectional

If a sample is cross-sectional, then it will be made up of a range of different people to represent the research population.

Empirical data

Data which is produced through experimentation or observation.

Ethical guidelines

The British Sociological Association (BSA) issue guidelines on how to conduct research in an ethical and professional manner which include; not causing harm or embarrassment to participants, consent, confidentiality, anonymity, right to withdraw, deception and debriefing.

Ethics

Ideas about what is morally right and wrong.

Ethnography

A detailed study of the way of life of a particular group in natural settings.

Falsificationism/Black Swan Thesis

Popper proposed that Positivism should seek to find social facts through the testing and falsifying of hypotheses.

Feminism/Feminist research methodologies

Feminism is a theoretical perspective which attempts to explain the status of women in relation to patriarchy.

Field research/work

The term used to describe the activity of collecting empirical data in social settings.

Fitness for purpose

Making sure that the methods and evidence you choose for any piece of research are the ones that give you the best chance of completing your investigation accurately and meeting your aims.

Focus group

Several respondents are interviewed at once and are allowed to discuss the questions being asked of them (while the researcher takes notes).

Gatekeepers

The person/people able to give the researcher access to the group of participants. Typically through giving formal permission to the researcher or gaining the trust of the group.

Hypothetical-deductive model

The process behind all scientific methodologies. Scientists make observations about the world and attempt to explain them through theories. They devise hypotheses and a method of data collection in order to text the hypothesis through empirical evidence.

Insider status

Belonging to a group; having access to the group's secrets or knowledge.

Interpretivism or Anti-Positivism

The empathetic approach concerned with finding out social meanings or 'Verstehen' according to Weber.

Interviewer bias

Where the interviewer influences the answers that the respondent gives.

Interview questionnaire

Questions are read out to the respondent by the researcher, who then records the respondent's answers.

Longitudinal study

A study completed over a long period of time. It allows the researcher to build up a picture of social life and changes over time.

Objectivity

Studying topics and people with an open mind and not allowing your own views and opinions to influence the research findings.

Open questions

Respondents are free to answer the question in any way that they like; there are no pre-set questions

Opportunity sampling

A sample drawn from people who happen to be available due to the choice of location.

Overt observation

Where the researcher tells the group under study that they are being observed or does not attempt to hide their presence from them

Participant observation

Where a researcher joins the group being studied and acts as they do whilst watching and recording their behaviours.

Pilot study

A small scale study completed before a piece of research to identify any possible problems.

Positivism

The theoretical approach that states the social world can be studied using the methods of the natural sciences such as the hypothetical-deductive model.

Purposive sampling

Hand-picked participants chosen on the basis of specific characteristics desirable for the aims of the research e.g. members of a subculture.

Qualitative data

In-depth data usually presented in a written form.

Quantitative data

Numerical data, often presented as statistics.

Quota sample

This is when the researcher uses data on the social characteristics in the general population such as gender and ethnicity to decide how many respondents to select from each relevant group. They recruit participants at random until each quota is filled.

Reliability

Whether or not the findings are consistent. If another researcher can do the same research in the same way and get the same results then the research is reliable.

Representativeness

When the sample is representative, the data can be said to accurately represent the research population in terms of, for example, gender and age composition.

Sampling frame

The source (list) from which a sample is drawn e.g. electoral register, telephone directory, class register etc.

Snowball sample

A researcher makes contact with one relevant respondent and then asks them to put them into contact with further respondents. Often used when researching groups for whom there is no recognised sampling frame such as gangs members.