Saturday 4 September 2010

Society and Culture – Social and Cultural Research

In SAC, Social and cultural research plays an important role in the understanding of people across cultures and throughout society. SAC research can be used to find answers to questions of interest, to find possible solutions to problems of society and to help gain an understanding to why things are the way they are in society. The SAC syllabus outlines the social and cultural research process as follows:

  • Clearly defining a question, a problem or topic of specific interest
  • Planning the research by breaking the question, problem or topic into manageable sections
  • Conducting a literature search by finding and reviewing appropriate secondary material about the research topic.
  • Choosing appropriate methodologies (methodologies detailed in next post) for the research topic or question.
  • Collecting facts pertinent to the problem, question or topic
  • Organizing and interpreting collected data
  • Evaluating methodologies, instruments and their applicability to the research topic
  • Presenting findings using a variety of forms of communication

The SAC syllabus also states several techniques and methodologies of social and cultural research. These techniques are all useful and all have differing limitations so it is important to have an understanding of the different methodologies and their drawbacks in order to understand how to best use them in order to successfully perform social and cultural research.

Before outlining the methodologies, there are some important terms which must be understood:

Hypothesis – Social and cultural research is all about testing a hypothesis. A hypothesis is vital to Social and Cultural research. It is a statement of an idea that you have, that you are going to test via your research to find it true or false.

Quantitative research - This involves measurable, quantifiable data. Quantitative methodologies result in facts, figures, numerical data, graphs and diagrams. This data can be generalized beyond the immediate research and can be compared with other similar studies. Examples include: statistical analysis and closed ended questionnaires.

Qualitative research - This involves analysis not based upon precise measurement and quantitative data. Qualitative research is more based on opinion, subjectivity and detailed responses. It cannot be compared with other studies as easily or usefully as quantitative research, however it does allow for more detailed and personalized responses from the participants. Examples include: ethnographic studies, focus groups, interviews and participant observation.

Validity – The correlation between what research aims to measure and what it measures. A valid research measures exactly what it is supposed to measure.

Ethical considerations – As a researcher researching on people, it is important to follow a list of ethical guidelines as to ensure that you aren't taking advantage of or harming the participants of your studies. Some of these guidelines include:

  • The welfare of your research subjects. (always takes precedence over your aims)
  • Intellectual integrity and objectivity
  • Respect of privacy and dignity
  • Prevention of harm
  • Confidentiality
  • Acknowledgement of sources (plagiarism)
  • Consent of subjects. It is unacceptable to pressure people to become involved in your research.
  • Deception
  • The application of research and social responsibility. For example, people who help you with your research should have the opportunity to view your results and conclusions.