The method is a technique used for gaining knowledge based on experimental observations and logical reasoning. It is used to collect data in different fields. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods-I
There are multiple ways to conduct research in any field. The collection of data and its analysis are the two major objectives of any approach.
In sociology also, the different methods make use of several techniques of data collection that can be implemented as per the will of the sociologist or experimenter. Also, sociologist starts their analysis based on their perspective on different aspects.
For instance, positivists are more sure of statistical techniques, causal analysis, correlations, and field experiments. But, the viewpoints of non-positivists are different from theirs as they believe in using observational approaches, case studies, experiments, etc.
But in the contemporary world, sociologists are free to make use of any of the methods being it qualitative or quantitative for their research such as post-modernists focusing more on purpose despite any other specified method. So let us study about two different methods for sociological research and experimentation.
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods-I
A. Quantitative methods.
Different quantitative methods can be used for sociological investigation. Quantitative methods consist of counts or numbers, percentages, statistics, rates that prove the absence or existence of problems, etc.
Some of the quantitative methods used by researchers include:
- Questionnaires
- Surveys
- Observational checklists
- Statistical data
- Performance tests
Apart from these, some of the quantitative methods are detailed as follows: Qualitative And Quantitative Methods-I
1) Field experiments.
When sociologists carry their research out of laboratories, the method utilized can be called a field experiment. These methods are conducted in fields and outer areas. This method involves intervening in the social world. This method is applicable in a way that theories can be verified by separating specific variables.
For instance, Brown and Gay (1985) conducted field experiments in which they made false requests for jobs by letter and telephone, identifying them as being from different ethnic groups. Even though the field experiment is advantageous over the experiments conducted in unnatural settings, it has several limitations associated with it.
- It is impossible to control variables as closely as it is in the laboratory.
- The results of field experiments can vary depending on the place where the experiment is conducted.
2) Statistical data.
The statistical method is another widely used quantitative research method for conducting research. It makes use of statistical data collected for particular research and examines it respectively. This method is also considered by positivists. They believe that it is better to categorize the social world in an objective manner using statistical data. Using this, the set of observable social facts can be counted to produce statistics for a particular event. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods-I
For instance, Durkheim elaborates his theory on social facts like the suicide rate of different religions collected data. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods-I
3) Comparative method.
The comparative method uses a logical, scientific approach. Many famous sociologists like Marx, Durkheim, and weber have used the comparative method to conduct their research. The comparative method can be used to establish correlations or test hypotheses among different societies, and groups at the same or different points in time. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods-I
