28-01-2013, 12:40 PM
Sociological Research
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INTRODUCTION
Sociological research is investigating social life using sociological theories and methods where by research we mean a process of investigating something systematically. Some of the key criteria by which research studies and research methods can be evaluated are objectivity, standardisation, reliability, transparency and validity. The studies I will be using to elucidate the relationship will be Durkheim’s study on suicide rates and American soldier by Stouffer.
Theory is the explanation of the observation of the relationship among variables. Considering Durkheim’s example we can elucidate theory. In Durkheim’s study dependent variable (variable investigator wants to explain) was suicide rate, and independent variables (factors which affect the dependent variable) religious affiliation, marital status, civilian status and economic status. Relationships possible were positive relation i.e. increase in one variable leads to increase in other, spurious relation i.e. not based on actual connections, negative relation which means increase in one variable leads to decrease in other and vice versa and null hypothesis meant that no relation exist.
Durkheim’s theory showed that suicide rates were related to the links people had with social groups. Four common patterns in suicides were observed. Egoistic suicide, altruistic suicide, anomic suicide and fatalistic suicide. People with little commitment towards social groups committed egoistic suicide, people with too much commitment towards social groups committed altruistic suicide, ones who were not able to cope up with the changes in society like economic changes, change in tradition etc. committed anomic suicide and where society had too much control over people’s behaviour , there people committed fatalistic suicide. It was observed that suicide rate was high among Protestants than Catholics and lowest among Jews. Egoistic suicide pattern was observed among Protestants as they had looser social networks than Catholics and Jews. There was high rate of suicides among singles, soldiers, and volunteers than married, civilians and draftees. During economic depression or boom suicide rate was high as compared to stable economy, suicides in such kind of situation where people are not able to adapt the change are anomic suicides.
Research design is the way research is planned and organised. It is the way to design the collection, interpretation, and analysing the data. Durkheim used secondary analysis i.e. using the data collected by someone else. He took the data from the government which included details of all his variables. As he used secondary quantitative analysis his study was reliable as it provided accurate picture statistically.
To Durkheim, methodology was using assumptions and concepts to form theory. Inductive methodology was used in Durkheim’s study. By inductive approach we mean moving from specific observation to broader generalisations and theories. Data was first collected then observed, analysed, interpreted and finally Durkheim came up with a theory. Also comparative methodology was used in durkhiem's study. Comparative research is wider in scope as it covers large group of people. Durkhiem concluded that suicide's were the cause of socialistic patterns rather than just the individual problems. By the use of theory research design and methodology we can ensure that the study was reliable and valid
Now, I’ll take the example of American soldier by Stouffer to elucidate the relationship. American soldier describes the change in behaviour of soldiers before war and after war. Some assumptions were made before carrying out the research. Assumptions were soldiers from rural areas were more inspired to fight than the soldiers from urban areas, Educated soldiers tackled the situation better than the uneducated ones, Negroes were not inspired to go for the wars because of racial discrimination and during war time men wanted to return back to their homes. But later it was found that everything was just opposite of it uneducated men showed more maturity in handling situations than the educated men, Negroes were more eager for promotions than whites etc.The experiment was conducted to look out the main problem that army faced.
Soldiers were divided into three groups veterans, replacements and the greens. Veterans were the soldiers who saw the war before, replacements were the soldiers who were part of the war but never saw a war and greens were the soldiers who never had any exposure to the wars. It was also observed that men who wanted promotion were inspired to go on the wars. But very less no. of men were satisfied with their promotions. An experiment was done by stouffer in which he placed soldiers in different situations. Soldiers who had never been in wars were sent to battle in wars and it was seen that they became restless to get back to their homes compared to other soldiers. To see the effect of change on the behaviour of the soldiers when their primary group is changed, this research was carried out by the American government. Change in behaviour of all groups was seen as their primary group was changed. Survey was not helpful as it could have lead to bias sampling. Comparative, experimental and evaluative research methodologies were used for this research and they gave the detailed information, so the observation can be said to be accurate. It was concluded that primary groups play an important role in an individual’s life. Primary groups shape the thinking of an individual, gives them emotional support and the loss of contact with primary groups creates emotional disturbances in an individual’s life.
Durkhiem used sociological research to differentiate between sociology and psychology, whereas in American soldier, Stouffer used sociological research to show the effect of primary groups on individuals. Changes in attitude of people were seen as they were put up in different situations. Theory research design and methodology are important tool for sociological research. Theoretical preferences, nature of problem and external constraints influence the selection of research methods ina sociological research.