AS Practical Factors Influencing Choice of Methods
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There are several practical factors that influence a sociologist's choice of research methods. Time and money constraints impact whether large or small-scale studies can be conducted. Funding bodies may require certain data formats that influence the selection of methods like questionnaires. Individual sociologists also have different skill sets and characteristics that determine which methods they can effectively apply based on the requirements of tasks like participant observation or in-depth interviews. The nature of the subject matter and availability of research opportunities also shape methodological decisions.
AS Practical Factors Influencing Choice of Methods
- 1. Sociological Methods: Practical Factors Influencing Choice of Methods
- 2. Method Issues... Different methods all have specific problems. These problems are: Practical Ethical Theoretical
- 3. Practical Issues: Time & Money Large scale studies may req. dozens of interviewers & data- inputting staff. Small scale projects might req as few as a singe researcher. Lone participant Obs. Studies are cheap, but take a lot longer to complete.
- 4. Practical Issues: Requirements of Funding Bodies Funding Bodies are: research Inst., businesses, & other organisations. Often require results to be in a particular format. Sociologist will have to use a method which can produce such data, i.e. questionnaires, structured interviews
- 5. Practical Issues: Personal Skills & Characteristics Each Sociologist has different skills; this affects their choice in methods used for research-strengths/weaknesses. Part. Observation Req’s good social skills, heightened observation & recall skills etc... In depth interview req’s ability to build rapport....
- 6. Practical Issues: Subject Matter Some groups are easier to study using one method over another. Example: a male sociologist will likely find it hard to study an all female group via participant observation. Likewise, written questionnaires are useless studying people who cannot read.
- 7. Practical Issues: Research Opportunities Opportunities can be spontaneous & so structured methods which take longer to prepare, like questionnaires are not possible to use. Example: Glasgow gang leader offered 'out of the blue' a chance to James Patrick (1973) to hang with his gang. Patrick used participant observation as there was no time to use a more structured method.
- 8. Practical Issues Summary Time & Money play a significant role in the length and depth of the study. Funding bodies impose their own expectations on the sociologist. Not all sociologists are equipped with the same social skills which affect their research options. There are various limitations on subject matter and how it can be studied. Research opportunities are often spontaneous and thus the sociologist is not able to adequately prepare.
- 9. Check Your Learning Name two practical issues that might affect a researcher's choice of method. Work with a partner. Write the question and your answers in your notes. Come up with your own examples-- one for each.
- 10. Next Up... Ethical Issues