Imagine you have a huge pile of documents in front of you, all with various types of information contained within them. How would you go about collecting relevant data and then analysing it?
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Sign up for freeSecondary data is pre-existing data. True or false?
What is a popular secondary research method used in sociology?
What kind of data is quantitative data?
What kind of data is qualitative data?
What is the correct order of the first half of the research process?
Which kind of data is collected by unstructured interviews?
What is the correct order of the second half of the research process?
Primary data is pre-existing data. True or false?
How many types of interviews are there?
Secondary data is pre-existing data. True or false?
What is a popular secondary research method used in sociology?
What kind of data is quantitative data?
What kind of data is qualitative data?
What is the correct order of the first half of the research process?
Which kind of data is collected by unstructured interviews?
What is the correct order of the second half of the research process?
Primary data is pre-existing data. True or false?
How many types of interviews are there?
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Team Data Analysis Sociology Teachers
This is something that researchers, including sociologists, must consider when they carry out a study or research project. It is important for sociologists to ensure that they collect and analyse data in a way which helps them meet their research aims without compromising the validity of the data.
In this topic:
Let's start with the definition of data analysis.
What do we actually mean by data analysis? Let's consider a simple definition.
Data analysis refers to the collection and analysis of data, whereby findings from the data are interpreted and summarised.
Data analysis does not have to be complex or difficult – it is the process of simplifying data to create a summary of its findings. We can consider a basic example below.
A teacher wants to show the classroom a film on the last day of term. However, they are not sure which type of film to pick They present the class with three options:
First, the teacher collects the data. They do this by conducting a poll where students vote for their film choice.
After the poll is over, the teacher analyses the data by calculating how many votes were given for each option. Once this is done, the teacher makes their decision by telling the class which option was the most popular, and therefore which film the class will be watching.
It may also help to look at the stage in which data analysis happens in the research process. This is illustrated in the following diagram:
The highlighted box shows which stage of the research process we are looking at. StudySmarter Originals, Shikha Shah
When the researchers get to the data analysis stage, they begin fieldwork. Fieldwork involves gathering raw data that will be used as evidence in the research.
Gathering and collecting data can be done using multiple methods. Researchers may choose from either primary or secondary research methods, depending on the nature of their research aims.
Let's now consider primary and secondary methods of data collection.
Primary data is data that is collected first-hand. It is 'original' research gathered by the researcher that can be collected using several research methods. Let's briefly consider some of these.
Social surveys are a popular research method in sociology, market research, and government departments.
Surveys consist of pre-set questionnaires in standardised orders so that each respondent answers the same questions. They can be used to gather data on a range of topics and can include different types of questions, including 'yes or no' and multiple choice questions.
Questionnaires are often postal, which means that they are sent to individual households through the post. Respondents fill out the questionnaire and post it to the designated address.
Questionnaires can sometimes include incentives to fill them out, such as gift vouchers or an entry into a prize draw. The incentives are given to encourage a higher response rate.
There are four types of interviews:
Structured
Unstructured
Semi-structured
Group
All types of interviews have their advantages and disadvantages. They are good for collecting primary data as the researcher is directly interacting with the participant.
Longitudinal studies are long-term research projects that study a person or group over time to track for changes. They can involve a range of primary research methods, such as interviews, observations, and surveys.
Don't worry if this seems brief – we have separate articles on 'Primary Research' and on each of the research methods outlined above, right here at StudySmarter.
Other types of primary research methods include participant and non-participant observation.
Secondary data is data that has already been collected by someone else; it is pre-existing. A popular secondary research method used in sociology is official statistics.
These are statistics collected by government departments and/or agencies. In the UK, statistics are frequently published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), but any government department or agency can publish them. Another example is the NHS.
Sociologists use secondary data to inform their research.
Alternative methods of conducting secondary research include:
other sociological research studies
non-official statistics
media, e.g. newspapers
personal documents, e.g. diaries and letters
Let's move on to consider quantitative and qualitative data.
Quantitative data is numerical (based on numbers) in nature. It is commonly presented through:
statistics
bar charts
pie charts
correlation charts
Quantitative data can be collected using both primary and secondary research methods.
Quantitative and qualitative data generate different types of information.
Such data can be collected using a questionnaire that consists of closed questions. In this way, researchers will be able to visualise the data in numbers; for example, how many respondents answered 'yes' to a particular question.
Such data can be collected using official statistics, such as statistical data on crime rates or health conditions.
Qualitative data is usually in verbal or visual form. It is non-numerical and can be presented through:
quotes
statements
descriptions
photos or videos
Qualitative data can also be collected using both primary and secondary research methods.
This type of data can be collected using unstructured interviews, which provide in-depth answers from the participants. Observations are another way to gain primary qualitative data.
Secondary qualitative data can be collected using newspaper articles or an individual's diary entries.
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Why is data analysis important in sociology?
Data analysis is important in sociology as it helps researchers to summarise their research and findings.
What is data analysis in sociological research?
Data analysis in sociological research refers to the collection and analysis of data, whereby findings from the data are interpreted and summarised.
What is the goal of data analysis in sociology?
The goal of data analysis in sociology is to interpret and summarise findings. From this, researchers can see whether their data supports or refutes the research aims.
What data analysis methods are used in sociology?
Data analysis methods used in sociology include the analysis of either quantitative (numerical) data or qualitative (verbal or visual) data.
What is an example of data analysis in sociology?
An example of data analysis in sociology is the UK Census. The Census is a large-scale questionnaire conducted every 10 years by the government, which collects a wide variety of data on the population. This data is used to form statistics that are published by government departments.
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