notion of “scientific method” is usually referring to a process of generating scientific knowledge, which generally includes making observations, collecting and analysing data, as well as conjecturing and testing hypothesis and theories2. But induction is just a first step in understanding the social world. AS Sociology For AQA Sociological Methods Positivism means “scientific” and positivist methodologies argue it’s possible and desirable to study social behaviour in ways similar to those used by natural scientists to study behaviour in the natural world. It would be inaccurate to say sociologists never sit around (even sometimes in comfy armchairs) trying to figure out how the world works. were raised. Using sociological methods and systematic research within the framework of the scientific method and a scholarly interpretive perspective, sociologists have discovered workplace patterns that have transformed industries, family patterns that have enlightened family members, and education patterns that have aided structural changes in classrooms. works,[5] armchair sociology is an attempt to understand how the social world works without employing scientific methods. • discuss basic research concepts, including variables and correlations. Using sociological methods and systematic research within the framework of the scientific method and a scholarly interpretive perspective, sociologists have discovered workplace patterns that have transformed industries, family patterns that have enlightened parents, and education patterns that have aided structural changes in classrooms. • list the standards for proving cause-and-effect relationships.


One of the reasons for the recognition of case study as a research method is that researchers were becoming … Charles A. Ellwood; Scientific Method in Sociology, Social Forces, Volume 10, Issue 1, 1 October 1931, Pages 15–21, https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/10.1.15 Though scientific knowledge is not the only path to enlightenment in social research, the logic of the scientific method is the most widely accepted way to integrate new forms of knowledge into acceptance in the academic world. Research Methods topic-image_research_methods.jpg Sociologists employ a variety of research methods that may follow the scientific method to evaluate formal hypotheses, or be more humanistic and focus on ways people themselves understand and describe their social worlds.
of case study method in research becomes more prominent when issues with regard to education (Gulsecen & Kubat, 2006), sociology (Grassel & Schirmer, 2006) and community-based problems (Johnson, 2006), such as poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, illiteracy, etc. Study of the causes of behaviour (social structures) rather than their effects (the different choices people make). To avoid confusion, it would be referred as the 5-steps model.

Chapter Sociological Research Methods Learning Objectives After reading this chapter, you will be able to • describe the basic quantita-tive and qualitative research methods used by sociologists.