The document outlines the key steps of the scientific method for conducting research, including selecting a topic, formulating a hypothesis, choosing a research method, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. It discusses various research methods like experiments, surveys, ethnography, and existing sources. It also covers important concepts in research like variables, hypotheses, correlation versus causation, reliability, validity, and ethics.

1. Research Methods
CHAPTER TWO

2. Scientific Method
Systematic, organized series
of steps that ensures
maximum objectivity and
consistency in researching a
problem

3. The Scientific Method

4. Scientific Method
 Selecting a topic
 Defining the problem
 Reviewing the literature
 Formulating a hypothesis
 Choosing a research method
 Collecting and analyzing the data
 Develop conclusions

5. Formulating a Hypothesis
 Hypothesis
 Variable
IndependentVariable
Dependent Variable
 Example
 Correlation

6. Example of a Research Hypotheses

7. Correlation and Causation
Ice Cream Death by
Sales Increase Drowning Increase
Temperature

8. Choosing a Research Method
 Qualitative
Experiments
Surveys
 Quantitative
Ethnography
 Existing Sources

9. Experiments
Experimental Group
Control Group
Hawthorne Effect
Advantages
Disadvantages

10. Surveys
 Study, generally in the form of an interview or
questionnaire, that provides researchers with
information about how people think and act
 Samples
 Random
 Stratified Random
 Non-probability samples are widely used
 – Convenience
 – Snowball
 Advantages/Disadvantages

11. Ethnography
 Ethnography
 Studyof entire social setting through
extended systematic observation
Participant
Non-Participant
 Advantages
 Disadvantages

12. Existing Sources
 Can be quantitative or qualitative
 ž Analysis of Existing Data
 ž Content Analysis
 ž Visual Analysis

13. Collect and Analyze the Data
 Issues of Measurement
 ž Reliability
 ž Validity
 Analysis of the Data
 ž Statistical Analysis
 ž Content Analysis
 ž Correlation and Causation
 ž Spurious Relationships

14. ASA Code of Ethics
 Maintain objectivity and integrity in research
 Respect subject’s right to privacy and dignity
 Protect subjects from personal harm
 Preserve confidentiality
 Seek informed consent
 Acknowledge research collaboration and assistance
 Disclose all sources of financial support

15. Value Free Sociology
 Weber
 The view of Max Weber that
sociologists must not allow their
personal biases to affect the
conduct of their scientific research.
 Is it Possible?