Research Methods in Social Science
Ø a science is characterized by its systematic and empirical approach in answering questions, not by its topic of study
Ø a systematic and empirical approach requires from the scientist…
o …curiosity: making inquiries based on observations
o …skepticism: requiring sufficient evidence before accepting any claim
o …objectivity: ensuring the integrity, fairness, and accuracy of a study
o …critical thinking: thoroughly evaluating and testing generally accepted conventions or facts
Ø it employs the scientific method, which basically tests and/or challenges theories by formulating hypotheses
o conceptualization of a problem: (gives an operational definition which presents how the study should be conducted)
o collection of research information or data (ex. psychology uses random and representative sampling in a population for relevant results)
o analysis of data (i.e. statistical analysis)
o drawing conclusions based from the analyzed data
Ø by using a scientific approach, social scientists try to minimize any personal, gender and racial biases, and keep themselves aware of any ethical complications
Ø types of research:
o descriptive (reliance on observation and recording of events, i.e. case studies, surveys and interviews)
§ ex. (psychology) standardized tests, IQ tests [What is your IQ?]
o correlational (description of the strength of relationship between two or more events or characteristics)
§ ex. (psychology) What is the relationship between male effeminacy and their socio-economic status?
o experimental (regulated procedure wherein certain factors are manipulated or controlled, depending on the topic of interest)
§ ex. (psychology) James Pennebaker’s study on the effect of writing about one’s emotions to their physical health
Source:
Santrock, J. W. (2005). Psychology 7 (pp. 40-67). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Ø a science is characterized by its systematic and empirical approach in answering questions, not by its topic of study
Ø a systematic and empirical approach requires from the scientist…
o …curiosity: making inquiries based on observations
o …skepticism: requiring sufficient evidence before accepting any claim
o …objectivity: ensuring the integrity, fairness, and accuracy of a study
o …critical thinking: thoroughly evaluating and testing generally accepted conventions or facts
Ø it employs the scientific method, which basically tests and/or challenges theories by formulating hypotheses
o conceptualization of a problem: (gives an operational definition which presents how the study should be conducted)
o collection of research information or data (ex. psychology uses random and representative sampling in a population for relevant results)
o analysis of data (i.e. statistical analysis)
o drawing conclusions based from the analyzed data
Ø by using a scientific approach, social scientists try to minimize any personal, gender and racial biases, and keep themselves aware of any ethical complications
Ø types of research:
o descriptive (reliance on observation and recording of events, i.e. case studies, surveys and interviews)
§ ex. (psychology) standardized tests, IQ tests [What is your IQ?]
o correlational (description of the strength of relationship between two or more events or characteristics)
§ ex. (psychology) What is the relationship between male effeminacy and their socio-economic status?
o experimental (regulated procedure wherein certain factors are manipulated or controlled, depending on the topic of interest)
§ ex. (psychology) James Pennebaker’s study on the effect of writing about one’s emotions to their physical health
Source:
Santrock, J. W. (2005). Psychology 7 (pp. 40-67). New York: McGraw-Hill.
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