Research Methods Applied in Sociology - Essay Example

The major aim of this type of research method is to create and use numerical models, hypotheses and theories, and theories related to phenomena. The aspect of measurement is key to this kind of research since it offers the basic relationship between the numerical aspect of quantitative relationships and empirical observation. In other words, the research involves asking a particular question and collecting numerical information from the respondents to provide a solution to the question. It also involves analysis of the collected data or information with the assistance of statistical tools. It is hoped that the figures will provide results that are not biased and that can be extrapolated to a bigger population (Denzin, 2005). Quantitative research is broadly applied in the fields of social sciences like economics, psychology, political science, and sociology. It is also applied though less often in history and anthropology.

The other research method applied in sociology is qualitative research. This is a technique of research that is applied in different fields of study including market research. The main objective of this research is to collect a deep understanding of human conduct as well as gather an understanding of the grounds that rule such conduct. The qualitative research method examines the reason (why) and in what way (how) of making a decision, and not only where, what, and when (Denzin, 2005). Thus, smaller but centered samples are usually required than large ones. Qualitative methods provide information on just the studied cases, and any other decisions are just proposals. This method involves the use of varying approaches in the collection of information like narratology, storytelling, shadowing, or grounded theory. The kind of data gathered may include group discussions and interviews, reflection field notes pictures among others. This research method usually classifies data into patterns as the fundamental basis of forming and making reports on results.

Qualitative research is of immense significance to institutions (Roshan, 2009). Many advantages exist as to why qualitative research should be used. These include the fact that qualitative research offers a more naturalistic worldly experience to a researcher which he or she may not have experienced in the mathematical data and analysis using statistics like the one used in quantitative research. It offers a flexible way of gathering, examining, and rendition of information and data. Another advantage of qualitative research is that the use of basic and unstructured information renders it a descriptive ability (Roshan, 2009).

Cultural anthropology is a field of anthropology that is involved with the study of the living human culture. It also involves gathering data concerning the effect of universal financial and political aspects on local realities of culture. It uses several qualitative and quantitative methods, to research on what is meant by being human, including observation and participant observation.

The observational method is the least invasive in anthropology. It permits the researcher to acquire vital information concerning the group that is being studied without getting into their privacy. The investigator looks at the group, makes a record of their results, contemplates the results, and participates with the group openly. This method used to be hugely popular during the early 20th century before the introduction of other invasive methods. It employs an etic perspective to view the aspects of cultures. Participant Observation is a technique for gathering research. It needs the anthropologist to get involved in the culture that is being researched and observe it. The collected information is then taken down and reflected to get a new insight into the culture of study. Observation by the participant permits a further plunge into the culture of study leading to a better understanding. It also lets the researcher learn about the culture by speaking to the group. This makes them open up thus permitting the researcher to view and understand more as a stranger.

Participant observation has several advantages, which justify its use, as a research method. Firstly it is flexible since an investigator does not judge the issue beforehand by making an advance decision about what is or is not of importance while doing the study on social conduct. They can respond to issues and engage in research avenues, which had not appeared to them before this involvement. (Research Methods Sociology, 2003)The depth and quality of data enable the researcher to generate a source of highly elaborate information concerning the people's conduct. The researcher also gets the chance to understand many aspects of the group being studied including social pressures, and the norms of the group among others.

Anthropology is a social science that studies the human culture and the physical as well as social traits that make the culture. It compares one culture to another or humans with animals. On the other hand, sociology is a social science concerned with the study of how human society functions in the aspects of originality, organization, and development. It also studies these aspects within organizations. The two disciplines apply both qualitative and quantitative research. methods in their studies. However, anthropology uses more participatory methods that involve direct contact between the researcher and the respondents contrary to sociology which mainly uses statistical tools.