Task 1: A Comparison Of Research Methods
A Comparison of Research Methods
Western Governors University
GLT1 Task 4
August 05, 2013
A Comparison of Research Methods
A. Sociological Research Methods Sociology is the study of human relationships and institutions (UNC, 2013). In order to enrich our understanding of key social processes, sociologists carefully gather and analyze evidence about social life. Most sociological research involves “field work” that has been designed to most closely represent the characteristics of a population (UNC, 2013). This process involves the utilization of a wide variety of research methods. Some of these methods include conducting surveys of large groups, observing people in social settings, deciphering …show more content…
This method allows for a broader scope of study with greater efficiency (Pearson, 2013). Subjects may remain anonymous, which in turn can produce more truthful responses to questions (Jones, 2013). Due to the fact that the sociologist may not be present during some of the surveys, this method helps to eliminate bias in the interpretation of the results (Jones, 2013). This method of research is seen as highly reliable in that the data collected can be easily coded and analyzed (Pearson, 2013). Survey methods are a valuable adjunct to other research methods. They play an important role in confirming more qualitative research. The survey method can help to identify areas that need further research and reveal broad patterns that exist that could otherwise be overlooked by researchers relying solely on qualitative methods (Pearson, …show more content…
Anthropology on the other hand, traditionally studies simple, more primitive, non-literate societies (Bhatt, 2013). Sociology studies both large and small societies while anthropology tends to focus more on smaller societies. When it comes to research styles, anthropology stresses immersion in native life while sociology tends to stress distance from the object of study (Dilipchandra, 2012). Sociology treats data quantitatively while anthropology treats data qualitatively. Sociology emphasized that human behavior can be measured and that that measurement is reliable (Dilipchandra, 2012). Anthropology touts that a large part of human behavior is beyond the realm of measurement (Dilipchandra, 2012). Due to changes in our world, sociology and anthropology are converging (McGraw-Hill, 2013). Sociologists can now be found doing research in developing countries and due to industrialization, anthropologists can be found doing research in industrialized societies (McGraw-Hill,
Western Governors University
GLT1 Task 4
August 05, 2013
A Comparison of Research Methods
A. Sociological Research Methods Sociology is the study of human relationships and institutions (UNC, 2013). In order to enrich our understanding of key social processes, sociologists carefully gather and analyze evidence about social life. Most sociological research involves “field work” that has been designed to most closely represent the characteristics of a population (UNC, 2013). This process involves the utilization of a wide variety of research methods. Some of these methods include conducting surveys of large groups, observing people in social settings, deciphering …show more content…
This method allows for a broader scope of study with greater efficiency (Pearson, 2013). Subjects may remain anonymous, which in turn can produce more truthful responses to questions (Jones, 2013). Due to the fact that the sociologist may not be present during some of the surveys, this method helps to eliminate bias in the interpretation of the results (Jones, 2013). This method of research is seen as highly reliable in that the data collected can be easily coded and analyzed (Pearson, 2013). Survey methods are a valuable adjunct to other research methods. They play an important role in confirming more qualitative research. The survey method can help to identify areas that need further research and reveal broad patterns that exist that could otherwise be overlooked by researchers relying solely on qualitative methods (Pearson, …show more content…
Anthropology on the other hand, traditionally studies simple, more primitive, non-literate societies (Bhatt, 2013). Sociology studies both large and small societies while anthropology tends to focus more on smaller societies. When it comes to research styles, anthropology stresses immersion in native life while sociology tends to stress distance from the object of study (Dilipchandra, 2012). Sociology treats data quantitatively while anthropology treats data qualitatively. Sociology emphasized that human behavior can be measured and that that measurement is reliable (Dilipchandra, 2012). Anthropology touts that a large part of human behavior is beyond the realm of measurement (Dilipchandra, 2012). Due to changes in our world, sociology and anthropology are converging (McGraw-Hill, 2013). Sociologists can now be found doing research in developing countries and due to industrialization, anthropologists can be found doing research in industrialized societies (McGraw-Hill,