Social Research

Data that is based on experience (nonnumerical)

• qualitative

• quantitative

Data that is based on statistical measurement (numerical)

• qualitative

• quantitative

Questionnaires and interviews to collect data

• secondary analysis

• survey

• experiment

Carefully controlled artificial situation where an experimental group is exposed to independent variable

• evaluation research

• survey

• experiment

Examines data that has been collected by someone else (historical materials, personal documents, public records, etc.)

• secondary analysis

• survey

• content analysis

Evaluation of effectiveness of social programs; can use any data collection method

• secondary analysis

• evaluation research

• experiment

Systematically examining some form of communication (Analyzing speeches, songs, diaries, emails)

• survey

• evaluation research

• content analysis

Observing people in their natural surroundings; includes participant observation, case studies, etc.

• content analysis

• evaluation research

• field research

What ethical considerations need to be considered in data collection and studies?

• Do no harm

• Get the information needed

• Get informed consent

• Protect confidentiality

What 2 things are we seeking with social research

• reliability

• consistency

• truth

• knowledge