Social Science Research Methods

1
Social Science Research Methods

• HHG4M
• Ms. Prouty

2
Introduce yourself to Social Science Research

• Read What the experts say on pg.5. Change
  creates new research opportunities. Identify
  something from the article that could be a topic
  of social science research. 1
• Summarize the 8 social science research methods.
  2
• Define scientific method hypothesis
  quantitative research qualitative research. 1
• Make note of The Research Process on page 11. 2

3
Cont.

• 5. Explain the terms primary and secondary
  research 2
• 6. How can one identify opinion verses fact? 3
• 7. Take the Quick Quiz on page16 3
• 8. Summarize Organizing Your Research
  Presentation found on page 17 4
• 9. What is informed consent? Why is it important
  to your research? 3

4
The Process
5
Defining the Question

• Stage 1

6
Defining the Question

• Through brainstorming and preliminary research,
  identify a question that will focus your inquiry.
  
• Focusing means going from broad to more narrow.
• Research questions should be open-ended (you
  cannot answer with a simple yes or no).

7
Locating Information

• Stage 2

8

• You can gather data using primary and/or
  secondary research and/or sources.

  Primary Secondary
Research The researcher is the first person (primary) to view the research. The researcher performs the research. You will be conducting primary research when you conduct an interview or a survey. Researching data and information already collected by another researcher.
Source An original document or account that is not about another document or account. Interpretations of primary sources, such as journal articles or books about another book, topic, photograph, etc.
9

• One or more of the eight research methods could
  be used.
• Observation
• Participatory Observation
• Personal Interview
• Phenomenology
• Survey
• Historical Research
• Official Statistics
• Review of Literature

• Which methods are primary research methods and
  which are secondary research methods?

10
Selecting a Research Method

• Observation
• Participatory Observation
• Personal Interview
• Phenomenology
• Survey
• Historical Research
• Official Statistics
• Review of Literature

• Which is the best method to test your hypothesis?
• Does your research question lead you to a
  particular research method?

11
Where can I find resources?

• Your first step
• http//homer.ugdsb.on.ca/norwell/library.aspx
• What now?
• Use Google wisely, and with caution
• Read Wikipedia for a backgrounder, but then go to
  Wikipedia's sources

12
Evaluating Information

• Stage 3

13
Checking for Bias

• Bias is motivated by a lack of objectivity, or a
  prejudiced perspective on a topic.  Researchers
  may be pursuing a specific, desired outcome
  through biased research practices.  The
  researchers personal beliefs, attitudes,
  interests, and values can influence their
  research processes.  
• Bias can be evident in the use of language,
  especially in discussions that refer to

14
Types of Bias

• people with disabilities
• People with disabilities should be referred to
  with respect. 
• Avoid texts that refer to the individual with
  labels that imply that the person is entirely
  characterized by the disability, that the person
  is ill, or that exaggerate the limitations of the
  disability.  Rather, look for language that
  acknowledges the individual as a contributing
  member of society, rather than a dependent
  patient or client.

15
Types of Bias cont.

• racial/ethnic groups
• When racially and ethnically diverse people are
  identified, writers need to be as accurate as
  possible with culturally relative, current
  terminology that is acceptable to the group. 
  Researchers must also be aware of evaluating a
  group against their own culture, and creating an
  ethnocentric bias.

16
Types of Bias cont.

• gender
• The APA recommends non-sexist language, unless it
  is relevant to the discussion to refer
  specifically to minority or special-interest
  groups. 

17
Types of Bias cont.

• heterosexism.
• Acceptable terminology to avoid heterosexual bias
  includes sexual orientation to refer to the
  sexual relationships of lesbians, gay men, and
  bisexual people. 
• The terms lesbians and gay men are preferable
  to homosexual as it is more specific and avoids
  negative connotations that have become associated
  with the latter term.

18
How to Read an Academic Article

• SKIM Skim the text, noting the subheadings of
  sections.
• HIGHLIGHT Read through the resource or article,
  highlight important information and take brief
  notes.
• MAIN POINTS In your own words, write down the
  main points from each section of the resource or
  article.
• SUPPORT POINTS Write down the key supporting
  points for the main topics of the resource or
  article.