Methods of sociology

The method is defined in the scientific literature as a systematic way to achieve the theoretical and practical result, problem solution or new information. Sociological research is a system of logically consistent methodological, methodical and organizational-technical procedures} SV’s all connected by a single purpose— to obtain reliable data about the phenomenon or the process, on trends and contradictions of development, these data could be used in the management of various spheres of public life.

In sociology is used, first, General methods (analysis, synthesis and t. etc.), secondly, the actual methods of sociological research.

Methods of sociological research are divided into methods of data collection (the method of document analysis, method of observation, survey method, method of the experiment) and analysis techniques of material (the use of statistical grouping, skalowania, identify quantitative relationships and t. D.).

 The method of document analysis

The specified method allows to obtain event data, the incident, the observation of which is impossible. The study documents often allows to reveal tendencies and their dynamics and development.

The document in sociology is called a man-made object, designed to hold a, transmission and storage of information.

Depending on the author's papers are divided into official (created by legal or official) and documents of the private origin.

The content of the documents are divided into normative, administrative, organizational, reference. The source of sociological information usually, there are text messages, available in the reports, protocols, resolutions, solution, publications. A special role is played by social statistical information.

There are two types of methods document analysis — traditional and content analysis, which is widely applied in studies of media, being independent, formalized method of grouping texts. It is also used a biographical method, in the center of which the study of individual life path.

Method of observation

Sociological observation is a purposeful and systematic perception of some phenomenon, features, the quality and characteristics of which are recorded by the observer. The forms and means of fixation may be different: form or diary observation, photos, body- or the camera and other technical facilities.

Characteristics of scientific observation, unlike ordinary, is systematic, regularity, dedication.

Observation can be: included, newcluster; field, laboratory, random (unplanned).

The main feature of the method of observation is, what is SV’’object, also one of the features of this method is the inability to repeat observations.

In practice especially sociological and social-psychological research includes such methods, as sociometric survey, testing and other. The simplest tests consist of “battery” statements, with which the Respondent can agree or disagree. The use of tests in sociological research is becoming more relevant in SV’in connection with the increasing role of human factor in management.

Survey method

Danin method takes 90% all methods of data collection.

A survey is a method of collecting social information about’object is in direct (interview’Yu) or indirect (the survey) socio-psychological communication sociologist (interview’were) and, who poll (Respondent) through the recording of Respondent answers.

Survey methods are divided into the interview’Yu and questionnaire survey.

Interview’s—this conversation, that is according to a certain plan and involves direct contact interview’were with the Respondent. As to the form it can be direct, mediated (for example, on the phone).

The peculiarity of the questionnaire survey is to use questionnaires, that is filled in by the Respondent (he reads the questionnaire and records the answers).

The questionnaire may be full, how the interview’yer distributes the questionnaire and was present while filling, and correspondence, which in turn can be post (questionnaires are sent by mail and after some time returned to the researchers), press (the questionnaire is published on the pages of Newspapers or magazines) and phone (the survey comes on the phone).

A special kind of survey is expert, the survey, in the course of which Respondent is the expert (a specialist in a particular field).

Method of the experiment

Experiment (from lat. Experimentum—sample, experience)—General method for obtaining the control and the controlled conditions of new knowledge, primarily about causal relationships between phenomena and processes.

Social experiment — method of obtaining information about social’the object as a result of exposure to certain factors. The experiment envisages the direct involvement of the researcher in the actual course of events. It is important to remember’bookmark, during the experiment particular attention is paid to the study of “behavior” those factors, that offer’object new features and quality.

Identify the following types of experiment: economic, legal, pedagogical, socio-psychological, and t. d. Preparation and carrying out of any experiment — it is quite time-consuming and requires special knowledge and methodical skills.

An experiment in sociology

Among the most peculiar and complicated methods of gathering sociological information is an experiment. An experiment in sociology - this method of obtaining information about quantitative and qualitative changes in activity and behavior social’of the object under the influence of certain factors. (Social’object - people, group, the team). To get answers to many questions, which can not be obtained on the basis of many techniques, can only help the experiment, which is capable by virtue of its “can I” specific situation and provide you with valuable information. The main objective of the event is the verification of certain hypotheses, the results of which have access to the practice, for different management decisions. The peculiarity of the experiment as a method of obtaining social information is, that its implementation requires the development and hypothesize about the causal connection’communication.

On the specifics of the task distinguish between scientific research and practical experiments. In the course of a research experiment tested the hypothesis, containing new information of a scientific nature. But in the practical - receive data is checked with a view to submitting practical recommendations in a particular industry.

The General logic of the experiment is, to by selecting some of the experimental group, for which create an unusual experimental situation (under the influence of certain factors), to follow the direction, the magnitude of the resistance change characteristics, the researcher is interested in. The characteristics of the group or of conditions are divided according to the nature of their action on: neutral (which “do not participate” in the experiment), factor (which are entered or changed by the researcher), control (which verify the magnitude and features of changes). On the same principle and distinguish between groups, participating in the experiment: control (are not subject to the impact of changes, and are considered the benchmark when comparing) and experimental (subject to the impact of changes). Moreover, the control and experimental groups in all social settings should be the same.

The nature of the experimental situation experiments are divided into: field and laboratory. In a field experiment,’object (group) is in natural conditions of its functioning (student, student group). In a laboratory experiment the experimental situation (and also the experimental group) formed artificially. How to field, and in a laboratory experiment as an auxiliary data collection methods also use survey and observation.

There are linear experiments, parallel and serial.

Linear experiment is characterized by the fact, the analysis is the same group, which is simultaneously the control (its original condition), and experimental (her condition after changing one or more characteristics). That is, before the start of the experiment are clearly visible all control, factor and neutral features o’object. After this change of the factor (experimental) the characteristics of the group or the conditions of its functioning, and after a certain period of time again samrats position’of an object by its control characteristics.

One of the simplest and most common is the so-called parallel experiment. It also involved two groups of: the control and experimental. As noted, their composition should be identical in all characteristics. Characteristics of the control group remain constant during the entire period of the experiment, and experimental - change. The hypotheses testing in this experiment is based on comparing the state of two objects’s observation at the same time. The results of the experiment are the control characteristics of the two groups are compared and a conclusion is drawn about the causes and magnitude of changes, which took place during the experiment.

For a successful experiment is of great importance is the proper selection of participants. In sociological practice, as a rule, there are the following methods of selection of experimental groups:

■ the method of random selection (random, probable sampling);

■ method of paired selection (selection of two with the same group characteristics; as a rule, used in a parallel experiment);

■ a method for the structural or quota sampling (the selected group represents a microcosm of the General population; as a rule, used in the linear experiment).

Preparation and conduction of the experiment leads to sequential solution of a number of issues:

■ defining the purpose of the experiment;

■ choice’object (group) for the experiment, and the selection of the subject of the experiment (the most significant areas of concern);

■ determination of experimental conditions and the creation of experimental situations;

■ setting objectives and formulation of hypotheses;

■ the choice of indicators and method of controlling the flow of the experiment;

■ fixation of the results and the efficiency of the experiment.

The logic of the experiment has always defined the causes and nature of changes in social phenomenon or process.