![]() They also rely on a theoretical foundation that provides an interpretive perspective through which they can make sense of scientific results. That is the purpose of sociological research-to investigate and provide insights into how human societies function.Īlthough claims and opinions are part of sociology, sociologists use empirical evidence (that is, evidence corroborated by direct experience and/or observation) combined with the scientific method or an interpretive framework to deliver sound sociological research. You have a new perspective on human behaviour and a list of questions that you want answered. But you are thinking of Justin Bieber and Disney World. Disney World is a place where families go to see what it would be like to live inside a cartoon.” You finish lunch, clear away your tray, and hurry to your next class. Beliebers join together claiming they want romance, except what they really want is a safe place to explore the confusion of teenage sexual feelings.” And this: “Mickey Mouse is a larger-than-life cartoon celebrity. If you contributed your expanding knowledge of sociological research to this conversation, you might make statements like these: “Justin Bieber’s fans long for an escape from the boredom of real teenage life. Students take sides, agreeing or disagreeing, as the conversation veers to topics such as crowd control, mob mentality, political protests, and group dynamics. Someone else compares Disney World to a cruise. Someone compares Beliebers to Beatles fans. Seeing people camp out outside his hotel just to get a glimpse of him it doesn’t make sense.” “Well, you’re not a teenage girl.” “Going to a theme park is way different than trying to see a teenage heart throb.” “But both are things people do for the same reason: they’re looking for a good time.” “If you call getting crushed by a crowd of strangers fun.”Īs your classmates at the lunch table discuss what they know or believe, the two topics converge. “I don’t see why anyone would want to go to Disney World and stand in those long lines.” “Are you kidding?! Going to Disney World is one of my favourite childhood memories.” “It’s the opposite for me with Justin Bieber. Perhaps the speakers had firsthand experience, talked to experts, conducted online research, or saw news segments on TV. One person says, “It’s weird how Justin Bieber has 48 million followers on Twitter.” Another says, “Disney World is packed year round.” Those two seemingly benign statements are claims, or opinions, based on everyday observation of human behaviour. In the university cafeteria, you set your lunch tray down at a table, grab a chair, join a group of your classmates, and hear the start of two discussions. ![]() Outline some of the issues of value neutrality in sociology.Demonstrate awareness of the Canadian Sociological Association’s Code of Ethics.Understand why different topics are better suited to different research approaches.Differentiate between four kinds of research methods: surveys, experiments, field research, and secondary data and textual analysis.Define what reliability and validity mean in a research study.Understand the difference between positivist and interpretive approaches to the scientific method in sociology. ![]()
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