Research Methods, Data and Fieldwork in Sociology
Research methods, data and fieldwork
The paper tests how sociologists produce evidence. Methodology is the logic of inquiry; method is a technique. Positivism seeks causal, quantitative explanation; interpretivism seeks meaning and context. Quantitative methods include surveys and structured questionnaires; qualitative methods include interviews, observation, case studies and ethnography. Data are primary when collected firsthand and secondary when already available. Sampling may be probability (random, stratified) or non-probability (purposive, snowball). Validity concerns measuring the right thing; reliability concerns consistency.
Fieldwork and ethics
Fieldwork involves entering a setting, building rapport, taking notes and interpreting meanings. Malinowski’s ethnography, Whyte’s street-corner study and Srinivas’s village studies show immersion and reflexivity. Ethics require informed consent, confidentiality, no harm and honesty. Correlation does not prove causation; representativeness affects generalization.
Worked example
Question: How would you study dropout among girls in a village? A strong design chooses interviews with parents, teachers and girls, school records, and observation, explains sampling and consent, and triangulates sources. Reasoning links method to the research question rather than listing techniques.
Traps
Do not confuse method with methodology. Do not call a small purposive sample representative. Do not infer causation from correlation.