SOCI 2003B:Sociological Methods

Colleen Anne Dell, Ph.D.

Carleton University, Department of Sociology & Anthropology

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

November 2, 2006Experiments, Survey

Research & Community-Based

ResearchMODES OF OBSERVATION

OVERVIEW

1. Experiments

A. Classic experiment

B. 3 Components of the classic experiment

C. Variations in the Classic Experimental design

D. Natural Experiments

E. Ethics

2. Surveys

A. Questionnaires - Closed-ended, open-ended, combined

B. Constructing questions

C. Modes of Administration

3. Community-Based Research

WORKSHOP:

Designing a survey

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”

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”

B. 3 Components of the Classic Experiment

(a) Independent and dependent variables

(b) Pre-test and post-test

(b) Experimental & control groups

C. Variations in the Classic Experimental Design

Internal invalidity External invalidity

D. Natural Experiments

E. Ethics

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”.

A. Questionnaires – Closed-ended, Open-ended, Combined

CLOSED-ENDED

“Consists of items that have a finite list of alternative responses”

1. My age is: (check one) ___ Below 18 ___ 18-21 ___ 22-25 ___ 26-29 ___ 30+

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

OPEN-ENDED

 What are the primary responsibilities in your occupational position?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  What are your recommendations for a stress-free work

setting?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

COMBINED