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Research Methods and Methods in Context
infoWhy this? Research Methods is about how sociologists gather and analyse data. You learn the difference between primary and secondary data, and quantitative and qualitative approaches. You study key methods: questionnaires, interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured), observations (participant and non‑participant), experiments (lab and field), official statistics and documents. You also cover sampling techniques (random, stratified, systematic, snowball, opportunity), operationalising concepts, hypotheses, pilot studies, validity, reliability, representativeness and generalisability. All of the information you gain here is useful and crucial for all units when applying.
scheduleWhy now? The unit further introduces students on application and key research methods, which are necessary for all units ahead.
neurologyYou need to know
- Purpose of research
- Choices in research
- Quantitative methods
- Qualitative methods
- Asking questions
- Secondary sources of data
- Methods in context
rocket_launchYou must be able to
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Functionalist, Marxist, Feminists, New Right and Postmodernism perspectives
- Demonstrate knowledge of Interactionalism and Postmodernism
- Apply knowledge of education for the methods in context
- Analyse and evaluate key sociologists
- Analyse different methods of collating data and the effectiveness of this