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3: Studying Marriages and Families

  • Page ID
    308798
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    Learning Objectives

    At the end of this chapter you will be able to do the following.

    • Explain the steps in the research process.
    • Define and identify dependent and independent variables.
    • Explain sampling.
    • Calculate the mean, median, and mode of data.
    • Identify levels of measurement of variables.
    • Analyze ethical concerns in research.

    One of the most remarkable traits that August Comte mandated for Sociology was a core of scientific rigor. He proposed the concept of positivism which is scientifically-based sociological research that uses scientific tools such as survey, sampling, objective measurement, and cultural and historical analysis to study and understand society. Although the current definition of positivism expands far beyond Comte's original vision, sociological scientific methodology is used by government and industry researchers and across higher education and the private sector. Comte was originally interested in why societies remain the same (social statics) and why societies change (social dynamics). Most sociological research today falls within these broad categories. Sociologists strive for objectivity which is the ability to study and observe without distortion or bias, especially personal bias. Bias-free research is an ideal that, if not present, will open the door to extreme misinterpretation of research findings.

    Sociology is both different from and similar to other scientific principles. It differs from chemistry, biology, and physics in that sociology does not manipulate the physical environment using established natural science theories and principles. It's similar to chemistry, biology, and physics in that statistical principles guide the discovery and confirmation of data findings. Yet sociology has no universally social laws that resemble gravity or the speed of light. This is because chemistry, biology, and physics have the luxury of studying phenomenon which are acted upon by laws of nature. Sociologists study people, groups, communities, and societies which are comprised of agents (people who use their agency to make choices based on their varied motivations). \({ }^1\)

    • 3.1: The Research Process
      This page explains the early steps of the research process, focusing on problem recognition, research design, and data handling. It covers generating research questions, literature reviews, types of studies (descriptive and causal), and sampling techniques (probability vs. nonprobability). It highlights data collection methods, both quantitative and qualitative, and stresses the significance of structured reporting to ensure validity and reliability in research findings.
    • 3.2: Sociologists Perform Survey Research
      This page highlights the importance of survey research in sociology for understanding human behavior and perceptions. It details how surveys collect data on various topics, such as political opinions and demographics, to help sociologists describe and predict behaviors. It contrasts polls with general surveys, emphasizes the role of response rates for generalizability, and discusses the necessity for valid and reliable survey instruments to accurately measure attitudes and reduce biases.
    • 3.3: Surveys
      This page covers various survey question types and levels of measurement relevant to data collection, including open-ended, closed-ended, and Likert scale questions. It defines independent and dependent variables, highlighting the distinction between causal relationships and correlations.
    • 3.4: Ethics of Research
      This page discusses the ethics of scientific research, emphasizing standards shaped by cultural, religious, and sociopolitical influences. It highlights four main ethical issues: voluntary participation and informed consent, prohibition of harm, confidentiality, and avoidance of deception. Informed consent forms are essential for ensuring participants understand the study's purpose and risks, although exceptions to the guidelines may be examined in research methods courses.
    • 3.5: Family Research
      This page examines key social surveys from the U.S. and other nations, emphasizing their role in understanding family dynamics. Notable surveys such as the General Social Survey, Family Resource Survey in Great Britain, and National Health and Nutrition Survey in China are discussed.


    Footnotes

    1. Google Anthony Giddens-human agency, January 18, 1938 British Sociologist.


    3: Studying Marriages and Families is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.