Essay Plan
TOPIC III : Sociological Research Methods and Designs
QUESTION : Distinguish between a hypothesis and a theory.
INTRODUCTION: Sociological research refers to research conducted by social scientists which follows a systematic plan. The emphasis is on the collection of data that is valid reliable and dependable. There are two broad traditions that have been highlighted in the study of sociology which are positivism and interpretivism. Positivism suggests that the scientific study of human is possible using the methods and procedures of natural science such as observation, multivariate analysis and correlation.
In social sciences a universal generalization about a class or facts is regarded as a law. A fact is an observed phenomenon. Experiences by the researcher which involves hearing and seeing of events are what make up observation. Methodological assumptions involve the use of theories and hypotheses in order to derive propositions.
AIM OF ESSAY: This essay seeks to outline the distinguishing features between a hypothesis and a theory highlighting examples of both concepts so as to facilitate proper understanding.
POINT #1: What is a hypothesis?
- A hypothesis is an educated guess or proposition that attempts to explain a set of facts or natural phenomenon.
- Hypotheses are specific expectations about empirical reality which are derived from propositions.
- Hypotheses formation is usually used in the field of science, using the scientific method.
- The scientific method is used to test this hypothesis.
In using the scientific method there are four main steps that are involved.
- These steps are as follows :
(1) Observation and description of a phenomena – the observations are made visually or with the aid of scientific equipment.
(2) Formulation of a hypothesis to explain the phenomenon in the form if a fundamental mechanism or a mechanical
QUESTION : Distinguish between a hypothesis and a theory.
INTRODUCTION: Sociological research refers to research conducted by social scientists which follows a systematic plan. The emphasis is on the collection of data that is valid reliable and dependable. There are two broad traditions that have been highlighted in the study of sociology which are positivism and interpretivism. Positivism suggests that the scientific study of human is possible using the methods and procedures of natural science such as observation, multivariate analysis and correlation.
In social sciences a universal generalization about a class or facts is regarded as a law. A fact is an observed phenomenon. Experiences by the researcher which involves hearing and seeing of events are what make up observation. Methodological assumptions involve the use of theories and hypotheses in order to derive propositions.
AIM OF ESSAY: This essay seeks to outline the distinguishing features between a hypothesis and a theory highlighting examples of both concepts so as to facilitate proper understanding.
POINT #1: What is a hypothesis?
- A hypothesis is an educated guess or proposition that attempts to explain a set of facts or natural phenomenon.
- Hypotheses are specific expectations about empirical reality which are derived from propositions.
- Hypotheses formation is usually used in the field of science, using the scientific method.
- The scientific method is used to test this hypothesis.
In using the scientific method there are four main steps that are involved.
- These steps are as follows :
(1) Observation and description of a phenomena – the observations are made visually or with the aid of scientific equipment.
(2) Formulation of a hypothesis to explain the phenomenon in the form if a fundamental mechanism or a mechanical
References: : Website: 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_research Books: 1. Haralambos, Michael and Holborn, Martin (2000) Sociology: Themes and Perspectives. Fifth Edition. London: Collins. 2. Mustapha, Nasser: Sociology for Caribbean Students. Kingston, Jamaica: Ian Raddle Publishers, 2009.