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That is the purpose of sociological research—to investigate and provide insights into how human societies function. Although claims and opinions are part of sociology, sociologists use empirical evidence (that is, evidence corroborated by direct experience and/or observation) combined with the scientific method or an interpretive framework to ...
- William Little
- 2016
People also ask
What is the purpose of sociological research?
How do sociologists use sociological research methods?
Why do sociologists study society?
What are the responsibilities of a sociology researcher?
Here’s what sociological research is: the systematic study of people, institutions, or social phenomena using measurement techniques such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, ethnography, or comprehensive analysis of texts.
- Ask a Question or Find a Research Topic. The first step of the scientific method is to ask a question, select a problem, and identify the specific area of interest.
- Review the Literature/Research Existing Sources. The next step researchers undertake is to conduct background research through a literature review, which is a review of any existing similar or related studies.
- Formulate a Hypothesis. A hypothesis is an explanation for a phenomenon based on a conjecture about the relationship between the phenomenon and one or more causal factors.
- Design and Conduct a Study. Researchers design studies to maximize reliability, which refers to how likely research results are to be replicated if the study is reproduced.
Sociologists study society and human behavior, and in order to do so, they sometimes go to extreme measures to do research that will provide insightful and valuable results. They go beyond common sense understandings in trying to explain or understand social phenomena.
What you’ll learn to do: describe basic sociological research methods and ethical practices. Figure 1. Sociologists rely on systematic scientific processes to collect data and then to evaluate social behavior. Sociologists use different methods of study, including conducting interviews with research participants.
Critical sociologists view theories, methods, and the conclusions as serving one of two purposes: they can either legitimate and rationalize systems of social power and oppression or liberate humans from inequality and restriction on human freedom.
Depending on the focus and the type of research conducted, sociological findings could be useful in addressing any of the three basic interests or purposes of sociological knowledge discussed in the last chapter: the positivist interest in quantitative evidence to determine effective social policy decisions, the interpretive interest in understa...
