Key Concepts for Methods of Sociological Enquiry Revision

Sociology as a Science

Validity and reliability: Validity refers to accurately measuring what it sets out to measure. Reliability means the research can be replicated with the same results.
Objectivity and subjectivity: Science aims for objectivity, observing facts independently from personal feelings. But sociologists also use a subjective perspective, considering peoples’ interpretations of their own lives.
Inductive and deductive approaches: Inductive approaches begin with data collection, followed by theory development. Deductive approaches start with a theory, then collect data to confirm or reject it.
Positivism and interpretivism: Positivism sees society as observable, measurable, and predictable like sciences do. Interpretivism states social realities are created by individuals’ interpretations of the world.

Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

Quantitative data: Quantitative data is represented numerically, using statistics to identify patterns.
Qualitative data: Qualitative data provides descriptive detail, analysing meanings and experiences.
Surveys and questionnaires: Use for collecting large amounts of data; limit the scope of responses.
Interviews: Provide richer, more detailed responses; can be structured, unstructured or semi-structured.
Observations: Involve watching and recording behaviour; can be participant or non-participant.

Issues of Research

Ethical considerations: Involves issues like gaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and preserving the well-being of the research participants.
Practicality: Addresses limitations like limited access, time and money.
Representativeness: Considers whether the participants accurately represent the larger population.
Generalisation: Refers to applying research findings beyond the specific group studied.

Mixing Methods and Triangulation

Mixing methods: Combines different research methods to offset the weaknesses of one with the strengths of another.
Triangulation: Using different methods to study the same issue, increasing the validity of the findings.

Theory and Methods Relationship

Relationship between theory and methods: The choice of method often depends on the theoretical perspective of the sociologist.
Functionalism and positivism: Functionalists tend towards positivism, preferring quantitative data to study large-scale patterns.
Marxism and positivism: Marxist sociologists often prefer positivist approaches, focusing on structures that contribute to social inequality.
Interactionism and interpretivism: Interactionists often link with interpretivism, using qualitative data for detailed study of individuals.

These points should help provide a general understanding of the key concepts informing methods of sociological enquiry. They should be enriched by additional reading and practical understanding of how these concepts are put into practice during research.