SOCI 2003B: Sociological Methods

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SOCI 2003BSociological Methods
Experiments, Survey Research Community-Based
Research
November 2, 2006
MODES OF OBSERVATION

• Colleen Anne Dell, Ph.D.
• Carleton University, Department of Sociology
  Anthropology
• Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
  

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OVERVIEW

• 1. Experiments
• Classic experiment
• 3 Components of the classic experiment
• Variations in the Classic Experimental design
• Natural Experiments
• Ethics
• 2. Surveys
• Questionnaires - Closed-ended, open-ended,
  combined
• Constructing questions
• Modes of Administration
• 3. Community-Based Research

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• WORKSHOP
• Designing a survey

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1. Experiments

• a process of observation, to be carried out in a
  situation expressly brought about for that
  purpose
• the act of finding the truth

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A. Classic Experiment

• A systematic attempt to test a causal hypothesis
  about the effect of variations in one factor (the
  independent variable) on another (the dependent
  variable)The defining feature of an experiment
  lies in the control of the independent variable
  by the experimenter

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B. 3 Components of the Classic Experiment

• Independent and dependent variables
• Pre-test and post-test
• Experimental control groups

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Variations in the Classic Experimental Design

• Internal invalidity
• External invalidity

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D. Natural Experiments
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E. Ethics
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2. SURVEYS

• Inventories that describe and measure
  information about people, their social
  characteristics, and their opinions about
  things.
• A defining feature of the survey method is that
  research concepts are operationalized by asking
  people questions.

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Questionnaires Closed-ended, Open-ended,
Combined
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CLOSED-ENDED

• Consists of items that have a finite list of
  alternative responses1. My age is (check
  one) ___ Below 18 ___ 18-21 ___ 22-25
  ___ 26-29 ___ 30

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• 2. My American political affiliation is (check
  one) ___ Republican ___ Democrat ___
  Independent ___ Other Scale
• 1. How would you characterize the way members of
  your project work group get along? ___ We get
  along BETTER than most groups ___ We get along
  about the SAME as most groups ___ We get along
  WORSE than most groups

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OPEN-ENDED

•  What are the primary responsibilities in your
  occupational position?___________________________
  __________________________________________________
  __________________________________________________
  _____
•  
• What are your recommendations for a stress-free
  work setting?___________________________________
  __________________________________________________
  _______________________________________________

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COMBINED

• My religious affiliation is (check one or
  designate your faith in the space provided) ___
  Catholic ___ Protestant ___ Jewish ___
  Other Please specify ____________