SOCI 217 Sociological Research Methods Week 5 - Test Review Sociological Research Concepts and Application Module 1: Introduction & Logic of Inquiry For knowledge to be valid according to sociological standards, it must be acquired empirically and systemically Knowledge gathered through informal observation and assumption has a tendency to be flawed due to bias and unseen elements · Systems of research correct these issues Way of Knowing Informal observation Selective observation Overgeneralization Assuming a broad pattern exists based off of limited observation Authority Observations without any systematic process to judge accuracy Seeking nonexistent patterns based on personal biases A source of knowledge that is socially agreed upon to determine accuracy and truth One of sociologies main ventures is to examine beliefs in such a way that they can be confirmed or denied as knowledge - specifically that which is based on humans and the relationships they hold · The other side is taking this knowledge and using it to understand and influence society Due to the nuanced nature of humanity, social researchers must always hold keep considerations in mind: · Even the strongest patterns have exceptions · Enlightening knowledge can be uncomfortable and upsetting (particularly if they challenge personal beliefs) · Is the social research better to be for applied or basic uses · How this research implicates the general (and specific) populations · Values of quantitative and qualitative research
Public sociology is a term that describes sociology's purpose as having a duty to serve people without bias and use knowledge for the advancement of equality and the human social experience Theories are defined as explanations of observed regularities which have three components: 1. Definitions - key terms 2. Descriptions - characteristic of terms 3. Relational statements - describes the correlations between variables a. Deterministic statement describe a constant relationships b. Probabilistic describes regular but not constant relationships Two types of theories: 1. Theories of the middle range: more specific & require empirical array evidence 2. General theories: broader & more abstract (i.e. the founding theories like conflict theory, structural-functionalism, etc ... ) Standpoint theory: by Dorothy Smith states that people's worldviews are informed by their social class Most scholars use theoretical research however there are also non-theoretical methods better used for applications: The major classification of research approaches are indicative and deductive reasoning: · Inductive starts with formal observation which is explored to inform a theory · Deductive starts with a hypothesis which determines needed evidence to support or disprove theory o More common on social research *there is always overlap in their definitions because all research and theory starts with some observation Secularization refers to a decrease in religiousness, particularly Western, highly industrialized countries Sociology also depends on two branches of philosophy which address "ways of knowing": · Ontological research aims to uncover what in fact exists · Epistemological research aims to uncover how we know these things exist
Epistemology sparks much debate ins sociology because how the field determines what is legitimate knowledge compared to how it