Practical Issues Affecting Research

Time Constraints

Time Constraints determine how much depth the research can attain. If a researcher has limited time, they may be unable to carry out longitudinal studies or in-depth interviews.
The researcher may have to choose research methods that can be conducted quickly, such as questionnaires or using secondary data sources.
Time also influences how much data can be analysed. Quantitative data from large surveys can take significant time to process and analyse.

Financial Factors

Financial Factors play a crucial role in deciding the scope and method of the research. Surveys, especially face-to-face or telephone ones, and experiments can be expensive to administer.
Limited resources may dictate the sample size, with larger samples being costlier to study.
Researchers may also have to choose less costly research methods, such as questionnaires or secondary sources, instead of resource-intensive methods like fieldwork or in-depth interviews.

Research Skills and Experience

Research Skills and Experience of the sociologist fundamentally dictate the choice and success of the research method. Some methods require advanced skills, such as conducting in-depth interviews, participant observation or statistical analysis.
Inexperienced researchers might commit methodological errors that can affect the research’s reliability and validity. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the capability of the researcher when deciding on the research method.
Additionally, the researcher’s familiarity with the group being studied can also impact the quality of data collected. A deep understanding of the group’s customs, values, and language can lead to richer and more accurate data.

Research Subject and Accessibility

Research Subject and Accessibility are vital factors to consider because some groups may be hard to reach or non-responsive. Researchers may face issues when studying high-ranking officials, criminal groups, or marginalized communities due to limited access or response.
Ethical considerations may also come into play when approaching vulnerable groups, and obtaining informed consent might be challenging.
The characteristics of the research group, such as their age, language, or education level, can also influence the method selection and execution. For instance, young children may not be able to complete questionnaires, so alternative methods will need to be used.

Remember, all these Practical Issues can interact and impact the choice and effectiveness of sociological research methods. Researchers always have to balance these factors, making the best choice given their context and constraints.