Question

Research methods in sociology

Describe in detail each of the seven steps in the sociological research process.( describe what is involved in each step and give examples)

1. Define the variable ( dependent and independent variables; cause vs. correlation)

2. Write a hypothesis

3. Conduct literature review

4. Select a research design ( observation, experiment, survey, case study, content analysis)

5. Collect the data ( do the research)

6. Analyze the data

7. Draw conclusions ( generalizations and inferences)

Answer 1

1. At first, in research you have to decide the variables which will be studied and within the purview of the given research, for instance gauging the causal relationship between the social structures of society and happiness index of people.

2. The hypothesis is formulated on the basis of the research purview and is a predictive and tentative statement which is under study and proved positive of negative. For instance, Good social structures are responsible for satisfaction and/or happiness within the people of the society.

3. Literature review is sifting through all the literature with respect to the two variables selected and those which are closely related to the said topic at hand. It is necessary to go through and have knowledge of all the literature available

4. This would be more of a survey design wherein people would be asked about their experiences with respect to the social structures and the social structures would be observed as to their state and efficiency

5. Data collection is the praxis part of research wherein the there ethical construct is tested.

6. Analysis is wherein the hypothesis is tested and seen by analysis of numbers and what they are speaking.

7. Conclusions are drawn thus, and help putting a framework for the research.