Sociology: Research Methods and Theories

This reference and revision guide looks at the methodological approaches chiefly used by positivists and interpretivists in sociological research. It examines the advantages and disadvantages of using primary and secondary data, qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as whether or not sociology can truly be objective.

It also makes mention of Marxists, ethnomethodologists, functionalists and phenomenologists critical perspectives in relation to sociological methods.

It references case studies and examines how contemporary perspectives can shape the sociologists’ research.

Topics discussed:
- Positivism versus Interpretivism
- Approaches to Sociological Methodology
- Positivist Approach
- Interpretivist Approach
- Structured Interviews
- Unstructured Interviews
- Participant Observation
- Non-Participant Observation
- Longitudinal Studies
- Online Questionnaires and Surveys
- Sampling
- Non-Sampling
- Triangulation
- Secondary Data
- Historical Documents
- Personal Documents
- Official Statistics
- Media Content