Social Science Research Methods

1. Social Science Research Methods

2. Methods In The Social Sciences • Field Experiment • Survey • Interview • Case Study • Participant Observation

3. 1)Observation/ Question For example, you notice that men seem to hit each other more than women do. THE SCIENTIFIC METHODThe Field Experiment

4. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 1) Observation/ Question (cont’d)‏ • "Why are men more aggressive than women?” • Eg. The Bar Experiment

5. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 2. Hypothesis (an educated guess)‏ • Based on the information you have gathered, predict the answer to your question and specific outcome to the test you've planned.

6. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 3. Methodology/ Test Your Hypothesis • Identify specific measurable behaviours to record • Create a step by step testing plan on your approach.

7. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 4. Data Collection • Create recording sheet • Communicate your results in an observable chart form. • Conduct observations • Observation chart and interpretation and analysis of chart should be completed (charts, graphs etc) • Informed consent?

8. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 5. CONCLUSIONS • EVALUATE YOUR RESULTS: In your experiment, maybe you found that men were more likely to be violent/ aggressive after the bar than women.

9. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 5.CONCLUSIONS EVALUATE YOUR HYPOTHESIS. - How does your hypothesis measure up against your empirical findings? • All you can say is whether the test supports or fails to support your original hypothesis.  Based on one test, you will almost never be able to say you have proven or disproved the hypothesis.

10. Ethics In Social Science Research ASA Code of Ethics • Maintain objectivity and neutrality in research. • Respect the subject's right to privacy and dignity. • Protect subjects from personal harm. • Acknowledge collaboration and assistance. • Disclose all sources of financial support.