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Research methods used by sociology scientist
Surveys
Scientists in various disciplines use the survey method in their research of any subject of interest. Survey in sociology involves the questioning of a population or its sample to portray a unique fact about itself (Tischler, 2007, p. 36). Sociologists employ this method to discover the distribution and interrelationship of some variables in large numbers of individuals.
Governments carry out surveys after a specific period. The findings of the survey may be useful in various purposes. The federal government of the U.S. uses census survey to determine the appointment of associates to the House of Representative (Tischler, 2007, p. 36). Philosophically, in any case, a representative of all families and all single adults answers a range of questions regarding his or her situations. These situations usually reflect an underlying social problem.
Therefore, such answers allow surveyors to develop a view of social and economic characteristics of citizens of a nation at a specified time. Such a model of study is cross-sectional because it cuts across a population at a particular time. This is characteristic of most surveys. A periodic comparison of cross-sectional study of the same target population can depict a change in variables over time. Thus, researchers use surveys to study the characteristics of populations at a certain time.
Participant observation
Different people engage in unique economic or social activities. In participant observation, researchers enter into a group’s social or economic activities where they observe the members. Tischler (2007) claims that unlike survey studies, researchers in participant observation do not struggle to ensure they are analyzing a carefully selected sample (p. 37). Instead, they endeavor to know each member of the group to whatever extent possible.
Researchers employ participant observation for study of relatively minute groups throughout an extended time. The aim of the study is to acquire a detailed picture of the group’s daily activities, to interview chosen informants as well as viewing individual and group characteristics. Sociologists use this method to identify the roles of all members of a society.
Research methods used in cultural anthropology
Taking surveys
Researchers in both sociology and anthropology use survey method during a research process. However, as opposed to the rest of the social scientists, anthropologists do not often carry with them prefigured surveys in the form of questionnaires into the field. The philosophical justification for not carrying prefigured surveys or questionnaires is that there are numerous facts that they can discover solely by being open-minded while thoughtfully observing, listening, engaging, and posing questions.
Haviland, Walrath, and McBridge assert that anthropologists sort their observations and impressions into a consequential whole during the course of the fieldwork (2008, p. 337). In order to attain the meaning of their observation as well as the impression, they sometimes formulate and test low-level or limited hypothesis or by using imagination or intuition and following up on premonitions. Anthropologists then examine the results for accuracy and uniformity because the failure of the parts to piece together indicates that a mistake has been made, necessitating a further inquiry.
Some anthropologists carry out surveys as a component of a much larger research strategy that encompasses substantial amount of quantitative and qualitative data. In addition, surveys in ethnographic fieldwork are often conducted after researchers have spent sufficient time on the site to acquire the community’s confidence appreciating how to formulate a questionnaire with groups that are culturally appropriate (Haviland, Walrath, & McBridge, 2008, p. 338). Survey in anthropology concerns a fabulous deal of interaction with the target community, including even learning their language.
Photographing and filming
Many anthropologists employ cameras for fieldwork, besides notepads, computers, or sound recordings equipments to record observations. Haviland, Walrath, and McBridge (2008) observed that new technological sophistication was increasingly proving that visual media could perform a broad range of cross-cultural research goals (p. 340). Photographing and filming play a highly significant role in anthropological researches.
As Haviland, Walrath, and McBridge (2008, p. 338) confirm “Anthropologist employed photography in elicitation techniques and community surveys, while filming served to record and research traditional outline of nonverbal communication including body languages and social freedom use.” In addition, cameras help anthropologists to document the vanishing world of traditional farmers, herders, and foragers striving in remote locations.
Sociological versus anthropological approaches to research
Surveys
The survey approach used by an anthropology researcher is more reliable than that used by sociology researchers. Sociology scientists embed this difference in their surveys using questionnaires. Haviland, Walrath, and McBridge (2008) argue that, relying on questionnaire surveys is risky regardless of the person who uses it. This is so because questionnaires easily embody the concept and an assortment of the researcher [outsider], as opposed to those of the people targeted for study. On the other hand, anthropologist spends much time, a year or more, with the people intended for study before composing questionnaires based on the acquired knowledge of the people.
Further, the authors claim that questionnaire surveys alone are not enough for identifying causal relationships. Questionnaire surveys tend to focus on the measurable, answerable, and satisfactory questions, instead of probing the less explicit and more intricate qualitative perspective of culture or society.
Participant observation
Anthropology researchers’ structure participant observation to create a form of writing called ethnography. A major principle of this method in this field is that the researcher may not just observe unlike sociologist scientists who study all members. Here the researchers must identify a function inside the group examined from which to partake to some degree, even though outside observers. Thus, overt participant-observation is restricted to contexts where target community understands and accepts it (Douglas, 1976, p. 71). Nevertheless, overt participant observation is limited to public fronts determined by the actors.
Reference List
Douglas, D. (1976). Investigative social research. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.
Haviland, W., Walrath, D., & McBridge, B. (2008). Anthropology: The human challenge. Belmont, CA: Thomson Learning.
Tischler, L. (2007). Introduction to sociology (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Learning.
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