Introduction to Sociology / Sociology methods / Nakyung Lee

1. Summary

 This document explains various methods of sociological investigation. There is scientific method or process of sociological investigation that is the characterization, hypothesis development, prediction, testing, evaluation and iteration.
 In the scientific investigation, correlation and causation are often confused. Correlation refers to a relationship between many variables which is change together. And causation refers to a relationship between many variables in which one variable causes the other.
 There is quantitative method and qualitative method of sociological investigation. Quantitative method approaches social phenomena from the perspective that can be measured. And qualitative method approach phenomena from Verstehen perspective. Sociologists see quantitative and qualitative approaches as complementary.
 Finally, sociologists have to consider ethical considerations and they have professional ethical principles.

2. What was interesting / What did you learn

 I didn't know that there is lots of methods of sociological investigation. I'm surprised that sociological investigation method are so many. Some methods have heard before, some methods have never heard of that. And it was interested that the sociologists have to consider ethical considerations and they have professional ethical principles.

3. Discussion point

I'm very satisfied that I can learn about many sociological investigation methods. But I wonder that this method can apply to all social circumstances. And I want to know there is any limitation in this methods.