APU SOCI331 Week 5 Forum Latest March 2019 Question # 00599256 Subject: Education Due on: 03/11/2019 Posted On: 03/11/2019 08:43 AM Tutorials: 1 Rating: 4.6/5

SOCI331 Research
Methods for Sociology

Week 5 Forum

Qualitative Field Research and Ethics

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Forum Question: Select from one of the two sets of questions
(Paradigms and the Belmont Report)

Class-

Paradigms are large systems of thought that are accepted by
most people, especially within a certain time or place. So, you could say that
paradigms of scientific thought (how we explain things in the physical
environment) in western history have included belief in magic, belief in gods,
belief in herbs/witchcraft, and belief in the scientific method. The era we are
in adheres to the scientific method paradigm, as that is what we use to explain
physical phenomena. Some people argue that the next paradigm we will be in will
be the postmodern one. But currently most people believe in the scientific
method, i.e. we believe that modern science produces valid knowledge. Note also
that some writers may use the term “paradigm” for any number of
subsets of thought, for example some call qualitative and quantitative research
separate paradigms, and some consider different theories to be different
paradigms – for example conflict, feminist, functionalist, etc. however the
foremost writer on the subject of scientific paradigms, Thomas Kuhn, considers
scientific paradigms to be comprised of much larger systems and eras of thought
as I have described here. See Kuhn, T.
S. (1962). The structure of scientific revolutions. Chicago: University of
Chicago Press. for more information if interested.

Within the scientific method today, are qualitative and
quantitative approaches. These are both still scientific, but they have
different underlying philosophies, or epistemologies you could say.

Qualitative researchers like to use
“interpretivist” approaches meaning that they don’t begin with a
theory or a hypothesis. Rather, they first make observations and then look at
the data to see what main hypotheses might arise. Qualitative researchers often
use methods such as ethnography or nonparticipant observation. Qualitative
researchers are interested in “quality” of interactions, or the
meanings of interactions to the people involved.

Quantitative researchers like to use “positivist”
approaches meaning that they do begin with a theory or hypothesis, and seek to
prove or disprove it. They normally begin their research then with a set of
questions, or with an experimental design that is aimed at answering their
hypothesis. They often use methods such as surveys or experiments. Quantitative
researchers are interested in “quantity” – that is, when one variable
(x) increases , how much does another variable (y) increase/decrease /stay the
same?

Note that the words “methods” and
“methodology” both simply refer to what type of method you are

using in your research, for example a survey, an interview,
focus groups, observation, etc. There are many types of qualitative and
quantitative methods.

Please view this video for a clear overview of quantitative
versus qualitative research.

Next, answer these questions (both sections A and B):

(A) Identify a sociological topic of interest to you.

(1) Discuss how three (3) of the specific qualitative
research methods could be used to study this topic.

(2) Are some qualitative methods better suited for certain
topics? Why?

(3) Which qualitative method raises the biggest ethical
concerns, and why?

B) Belmont Report – Access the Belmont link in the course
material

(1) Explain what led to the creation of the Belmont Report?

(2) What are some main ethical considerations in research?

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per
week. This post must demonstrate
comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in
the real world. Learners will engage
with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week. To motivate engaged discussion, posts are
expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level
writing skills. To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face
classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used
sparingly. If you quote a source quotation
marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.