SUMMARY

In this section, you saw the ways that empirical research differs from what we call “common sense” ideas. Being founded on scientific data, we can get a much more accurate vision of how people actually live and what they really do.

You learned how sociologists use the scientific method to test hypotheses and gather data.

1.    First, we ask a question.
2.    Then we review existing studies to see if someone has already studied this particular issue.
3.    Next, we set up a method by which to study the hypothesis and gather our data.
4.    After conducting our study, we look at the answers we have found and draw a conclusion.
5.    Finally, our findings must be reported so that those who come after us will have the benefit of our studies.

You saw that there are a number of strategies sociologists might use in order to conduct their studies, including the strengths and weaknesses of these methods. Depending on the question being asked, a sociologist might use one of these approaches:

1.    Surveys
2.    Field Research
3.    Participant Observation
4.    Ethnography
5.    Case Study
6.    Experiments
7.    Secondary Data Analysis

You also studied the ethical concerns that guide sociologists while they conduct research. Issues of safety and confidentiality are very important when we are studying human beings!

Sociologists want to find the answers to their questions while, at the same time, protecting their human subjects from any harm.