There are many epistemological approaches one could take to understanding the world. Epistemology is the study of how we know what we know is what we know. We can use common sense, tradition, religion, appeals to authority, or personal experience, for example, to understand what is going on around us.… Read More “What is Science?”
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Finding a Research Question
Deciding what to research can often be the hardest challenge for students. Often they know generally what they want to do but struggle to figure out exactly what their question is. For example, they might know that they want to do something on gender inequality in family but find that every question they can think of has already been answered.… Read More “Finding a Research Question”
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Why Do We Need Theory?
There are some students who love theory and are uninterested in methods and others who love methods and struggle with theory. I would say that most students, even those who love both theory and methods, struggle to figure out how to integrate theory and method into their research projects.… Read More “Why Do We Need Theory?”
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Methodology vs. Methods
Methodology refers to systems of techniques for how one should or could carry out research. Methods are the specific tools or techniques used to carry out research. These terms are often used synonymously, but they are slightly distinct. Methodology is a broader concept within which many methods fall.… Read More “Methodology vs. Methods”
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Qualitative vs (?) Quantitative
Because of how the research is carried out, qualitative and quantitative research often get separated as though they are two competing research methodologies. I prefer to see them as complementary, where they each serve an important role in the greater goal of uncovering new knowledge about social life.… Read More “Qualitative vs (?) Quantitative”
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Sampling Decision Flowchart
Sampling refers to who (or what) is going to be included in your analysis. We may have an fascinating research question and innovative design but none of that matters without a sample of cases (e.g. the people, institutions, content, etc.) to analyze.… Read More “Sampling Decision Flowchart”
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