Research Methodologies

Understanding Sociological Research Methods

In this course, Dr Rosie Nelson (University of Bristol) explores research methods comprehension in sociology. In the first lecture, we think about what a research method is, differentiating it from a methodology. In the second lecture, we think about the differences between quantitative and qualitative research. In the third lecture, we think about different sources of data when gathering from participants. Next, we think about the use of materials like documents and other forms of media in qualitative research. In the fifth and final lecture, we think about primary and secondary data and methods.

Research Methodologies

In this lecture, we think about what a research method is, focusing in particular on: (i) the importance of trustworthiness of methods and results in research; (ii) differentiating between a research method and a research methodology, with the former being the literal method used and the latter being the philosophical approach to generating research findings; (iii) an example of research into media presentations of masculinity, with the methodology and method contextualised in the investigation process.