Understanding Social Problems
Sociology 230
Dr. Babcock
Unit I
Chapter 1: Research
The Scientific Method
1.
Formulate a research question
2.
Review the literature
3.
Define variables
4.
Formulate a hypothesis.
5.
Choose a research design including sample
6.
Collect data
7.
Analyze the data (pl)
8.
Draw conclusions
9.
Publish results
(Chart on the right shows the cyclical nature of
research. While the steps may be a bit different
from our list above, the process will be the
same)
Variable

Any measurable event, characteristic,
or property that varies or is subject to
change.

Must operationally define the variables
we study.
◦ specifies how a variable is to be
measured.

The Independent Variable (IV) causes
change in the Dependent Variable (DV)

Sex, race, age, education, religion, class,
political party, occupation, and income
are typical variables of interest to
social scientists. SES is a composite
variable made up of income, education
and occupation
Hypothesis/Hypotheses

A prediction about how one variable is related to another variable.

The dependent variable (DV) is the variable that the researcher wants to explain.

The independent variable (IV) is the variable that is expected to explain change in the
dependent variable. Can you identify the IV and DV in the following?


Sociology majors attend class more frequently than non-majors
Smokers have a higher probability of contracting cancer than do non smokers

Males drive more aggressively than do females
Null Hypotheses will be supported or disproven:

Hyperactivity is unrelated to eating sugar.

All daisies have the same number of petals.
Methods of Data Collection

Surveys

Observation

Secondary data research

Experiments
Survey Research Steps
Survey
Sampling

Survey research involves eliciting information
from respondents through questions.

An important part of survey research is
selecting a sample of those to be questioned.

A sample is a portion of the population,
selected to be representative so that the
information from the sample can be
generalized to a larger population.
Interviews

In interview survey research, trained
interviewers ask respondents
questions and make written notes
about or record the answers.

One advantage of interview research
is that researchers are able to clarify
questions for the respondent and
follow up on answers to particular
questions.

The transcripts are analyzed using
qualitative methods
Questionnaire

Researchers may develop questionnaires that
are mailed, or given to a sample of
respondents.

Questionnaire research is less expensive and
less time consuming than surveys and provides
privacy to research participants.

The disadvantage of mail questionnaires is that
it is difficult to obtain an adequate response
rate.
Mailed Surveys
Computer as Interviewer

A popular method of conducting survey research is asking respondents to provide answers to a
computer that “talks.”

Research finds that when topics are sensitive, as with sexual surveys, respondents rate the
computer more favorably than face-to-face interviews. Computer interviews tend to be more
reliable.
Observational Field Research

Field research involves observing
social behavior in settings in which
it occurs naturally.

In participant observation the
researcher participates in the
phenomenon being studied to
obtain an insider’s perspective.

In unobtrusive nonparticipant
observation the researcher
observes the phenomenon being
studied without actively
participating.
Secondary Data
Research

Secondary data are data that have already been collected by other researchers or government
agencies or that exist as historical documents.

An advantage of using secondary data in studying social problems is that the data are readily
accessible, so researchers avoid the time and expense of collecting their own data.

The disadvantage is that the researcher is limited to the data already collected.
Experiment


A research method that involves manipulating the independent
variable to determine how it affects the dependent variable.
Not very common in Sociology—more often in Psychology
Milgram Experiment

Stanley Milgram found that 65% of a sample of
citizens were willing to use harmful shocks on
an elderly man with a heart condition because
they were instructed to by the experimenter.

It was revealed that the man had been part of
the experiment.
Asche Conformity Study
Bystander Apathy Experiments
A.
Notice that something is
happening.
B. Interpret the situation as one
in which help is needed.
C. Assume personal
responsibility.
D. Choose a form of assistance.
E. Implement the assistance.
B.
Bystanders ignore the man on the
ground
END