SOCI 250 Sociological Research Methods Week 1 (January 9 - 15) readings: · Blackstone, Ch.1 · Social Research Methods Ch. 1 Introduction: Research Methods for Everyday Life (Blackstone, Ch.1) 1.1 How do we know what we know? LEARNING GOALS 1. Define research methods. 2. Identify and describe the various ways of knowing presented in this section. 3. Understand the weaknesses of nonsystematic ways of knowing. 4. Define ontology and epistemology and explain the difference between the two. Social science has its own unique set of research methods to determine social fact. Much knowledge is acquired through assumptions, which often turn out to be false · Social scientists make sure to seek out any false assumptions before performing research to ensure accuracy Other alternative non-scientific ways of knowing include: · Knowledge from personal experience (but not understood/applied systemically) · Thinking something must be true simply because you've always known it · Generalizing personal observations Systematic methods of acquiring knowledge are necessary because while informal observations can be accurate, they are very often flawed. A groundwork of shared assumptions, operations, and ethics are needed Selective observation is choosing to seek out a non-existing pattern Over-generalization is applying a pattern to a larger group than it actually applies to
Way of Knowing Informal observation Observations without any systematic process to judge accuracy Selective observation Seeking nonexistent patterns based on personal biases Overgeneralization Assuming a broad pattern exists based off of limited observation Authority A source of knowledge that is socially agreed upon to determine accuracy and truth Research methods are the most reliable way of knowing because it is systematic. 1.2 Science, Social Science, and Sociology LEARNING GOALS 1. Define science. 2. Describe what the phrase "sociology is a social science" means. 3. Describe the specific considerations of which social scientists should be aware Sociology aims to examine beliefs in such a way that they can be confirmed as knowledge · The knowledge they aim to discover is that which applies to humans; their relationship to earth and others. There are specific consideration that sociologist must be aware of before they attempt to explain the patterns of society: · Even strong patterns do not apply to every single persons experience · Discoveries may disrupt your current beliefs and even be disappointing/alarming · Should sociological research be applied or basic? O Applied: research for the purpose of employing that knowledge to something in real life o Basic: research for the purpose of learning more about a topic · Public sociology is a term that refers to sociology's duty to perform research in the interest of the public and societal improvement · The differences between qualitative and quantitative methods as well as their strengths and weaknesses 1.3 Why Should We Care?
LEARNING GOALS 1. Be able to describe and discuss some of the reasons why students should care about social scientific research methods. 2. Identify the types of employment opportunities that exist for those with an understanding of social scientific research methods. At this point,