2.1 Approaches to Research Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in 2.1 Approaches to Research Deck (19)
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1
Q

What is a positivists view of society?

A

It is outside of us, it shapes and controls our behaviour

2
Q

How does society control our behaviour? (Positivists)

A

Through socialising us into the same norms and values

3
Q

What are the names of the two approaches to research?

A

Positivism

Interpretivism

4
Q

What is an interpretivists view of society?

A

Society is just individuals interacting with each other

5
Q

What do interpretivists believe about individuals and behaviour?

A

We are conscious beings with free will, we interpret the behaviour of others and choose how to behave

6
Q

What is the positivists view of the individual?

A

Passive products of society

7
Q

According to positivist what is human behaviour?

A

Predictable

8
Q

(Positivists) If behaviour is predictable…

A

… It can be measured, explained and generalisations can be made

9
Q

According to positivists, what is the aim of sociology…

A

… To generalise about the rules and laws which influence human behaviour

10
Q

According to interpretivists to understand behaviour what must sociologists do?

A

Attempt to get inside the consciousness of individuals do understand how they interpret the world, to then understand their behaviour

11
Q

What research methods do positivists prefer?

A

Large scale quantitative methods

12
Q

What is quantitative data?

A

Numerical data that is quick and easy to analyse

13
Q

Give examples of quantitative methods:

A

Structured interviews
Statistics
Questionnaires

14
Q

What sort of data do positivists want?

A

Reliable, representative data that is objective

15
Q

What do positivists look at with regard to data?

A

Drawing patterns, correlations, cause and effect relationships, generalisations

16
Q

What research methods do interpretivists prefer?

A

Small scale qualitative methods

17
Q

What is qualitative data?

A

Lengthy, in depth, highly descriptive worded data

18
Q

Give examples of qualitative methods:

A

Instructed interview
Documents
Observations

19
Q

What sort of data do interpretivists want?

A

In depth, subjective and valid data which allows us to understand people’s interpretations and motives

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