Active learning ideas
This topic covers the practical 'how-to' of sociological inquiry. Students learn about the entire research journey, from selecting a topic and reviewing existing literature to formulating a hypothesis and operationalising concepts. They also examine the crucial 'PET' factors, Practical, Ethical, and Theoretical considerations, that influence every stage of research design.
Activity 01
Groups are given a research brief (e.g., 'Investigate illegal drug use among teens'). They must create a table identifying the Practical (cost/time), Ethical (consent/harm), and Theoretical (positivist/interpretivist) hurdles they would face.
What factors influence a sociologist's choice of research topic?
Activity 02
Students are given abstract concepts like 'poverty', 'social class', or 'deviancy'. They must work in pairs to create a list of concrete, measurable indicators they would use to 'count' or 'observe' these concepts in a real study.
How do researchers ensure their sample is representative?
Activity 03
Students brainstorm three reasons why a sociologist might choose to study 'homelessness' over 'corporate tax evasion'. They share their ideas, focusing on funding, personal interest, and 'gatekeeper' access.
What is the difference between reliability and validity?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Sociologists can study whatever they want.
In reality, research is often dictated by who is providing the funding (e.g., the government or a charity). A 'funding pitch' activity can show students how researchers must align their interests with the priorities of those holding the purse strings.
A hypothesis is just a 'guess'.
In sociology, a hypothesis is a testable statement based on existing theory or initial observations. Using a 'theory-to-test' mapping activity helps students see the logical link between sociological perspectives and the questions researchers ask.
Methods used in this brief