Methods of Sociological Research

Chapter 2: Sociology, Schaefer.  1995-2012

In 1971 Frances Heussenstamm was interested in discovering whether or not bias and prejudice impacted the way in which the police viewed and responded to everyday life events. Heussenstamm conducted a field experiment. After selecting 15 students with exemplary driving records, H. placed a Black Panther bumper sticker on each car. The students followed their normal driving patterns. After 17 days the 15 drivers had amassed 33 traffic citations. Frances K. Heussenstamm, "Bumper Stickers and Cops," 8 Trans-action: Social Science and Modern Society (#4) 32-33 (February 1971)

In order to interpret and discuss social reality we must first have a picture, some sort of pattern, or an image of the interrelationships amongst the many variables that circumscribe human interaction. The SCIENTIFIC METHOD or METHODOLOGY provides a systematic, organized series of steps that insures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem. It provides a shared basis for discussion and analysis, and helps to promote reliability and validity (consistency and accuracy). The information provided through this method, the patterns and interrelationships are then explained through Theoretical analysis. Theory directs research and research informs theory (Reflexivity).

Robert Merton: Research and Sociological Theory

Science:

Qualitative vs Quantitative Methods

Statisical measures

Problems in Doing Social Research:

ETHICS

    1. Harm: Zeller and autocide, criminal activity.
    2. Privacy: Garbology
    3. Informed consent: Reiss and police brutality
    4. Deception: Humphreys; Tearoom Trade (see also: 1)
    5. Application of Research: Project Camelot

ASA Code of Ethics (1971, 1989)

    1. Maintain objectivity and neutrality in research.
    2. Respect the subject's right to privacy and dignity.
    3. Protect subjects from personal harm.
    4. Acknowledge collaboration and assistance.
    5. Disclose all sources of financial support.

The Research Model

    (Sharon Collin's Study of corporate hiring practices and Black executive. Issue: Black Demands (control: Time-1965; pre--gov or private, post--70% private), BUT: "Administratively marginal" and "economically vulnerable"--racially linked jobs: Affirmative action, urban affairs, reduced likelihood of advancement and subject to 'downsizing'; yet highly visible.)

Observational/P.O.:

      1. Foote-Whyte: Street Corner Society-the slum as disorganized or differentially organized? "By mapping the intricate social worlds of street gangs and "corner boys," Whyte was among the first to demonstrate that a poor community need not be socially disorganized. His writing set a standard for vivid portrayals of real people in real situations. And his frank discussion of his methodology--participant observation--has served as an essential casebook in field research for generations of students and scholars." (University of Chicago Press book review, http://www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/S/bo3684722.html see also: Whyte. "Revisiting "Street Corner Society."" http://www.jstor.org/stable/684639
      2. Sudnow and Emergency Rooms-Double standard (group process)
      3. Goffman's work-Behavior in Public, Asylums
      4. Liebow: Talley's Corner
      5. Unobtrusive Observational Methods

Surveys: Interviews and Questionnaires

      1. Polls: General Social Survey, Monitoring the Future (drug use)
      2. Blumstein & Schwartz--American Couples (1975). Operationalize: Live together and sexual relationship. Snowballing. Q and I. Findings: Income and control, Infidelity: longer relationship, more infidelity, hetero married highest fidelity, lesbians high fidelity
      3. Kristen Luker: Pro-Anti Abortion. Findings: Birth Control and Social Costs.

Experiment:

Use of Existing Sources: Secondary analysis, Content analysis.

ISSUES: Value Neutrality (Weber vs Gouldner) and Government Funding.

Culture

URL: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/method.html
Owner: Robert O. Keel rok@umsl.edu
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Last Updated: Wednesday, January 4, 2017 11:26 AM