Exploring Primary Data in Sociological Research

Exploring Primary Data in Sociological Research

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the concept of primary data and its importance in sociological research.

What do you already know about data used in sociological research?

What is Primary Data?

Primary data is the research information that sociologists collect themselves for their research reports.

Research Methods for Primary Data

Sociologists use a variety of research methods to collect primary data, including quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Methods

Quantitative methods involve numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative methods focus on descriptive and non-numerical data.

Common Feature of Primary Data Collection

All methods for primary data collection involve the researcher directly collecting the data themselves.

Using Experiments in Sociological Research

Sociologists sometimes use experiments to study the effects of societal changes or interventions.

Copying Features of Experiments

While sociologists cannot put humans in test tubes, they can replicate certain aspects of experiments to study social phenomena.

Example of Sociological Experiment

For instance, a sociologist could test whether providing students with textbooks improves their exam results in school.

Conclusion

Although sociologists do not frequently use experiments, they are one of the methods for collecting primary data in sociological research.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.