All sociological research needs evaluating at the time of its conception and at a time of its use as a secondary source. The principal bases of evaluation are theoretical, practical and ethical. Theoretical is the driver: what is the research methodology that gets the desired nature of data and therefore what theoretical line does it take (quantitative for reliability, qualitative for validity); then the question is whether the research can be done, from the viewpoint of practicality (funding, timescale, location) and then what should be done in terms of ethics (for example disclosure of the research in qualitative approaches, invasion of privacy, maintaining confidentiality). The following introductions to sentences are a mixture that relate to evaluative approaches. |
|
Evaluating sociology should be done with regard to theoretical, practical and ethical standards of performance. Haralambos, M., Langley P. (eds.), Sociology in Focus for AQA AS Level, at 166 looks at theoretical considerations in terms of positivism and interpretivism (ask: where does a study find itself in terms of these binary opposites of positivism and interpretivism?); 142 extends this to the related reliability and validity (evaluate: how much does a study meet either criteria - how good is it at being either reliable or valid?); and 146 looks at ethical issues (analyse in terms of consent, deception, privacy and confidentiality). These are where arguments and analysis about a study can be made. |
Consider one or more sociological studies and apply some of the phrases above to it and on the basis of the tripartite evaluation.
Last updated on April 16, 2006