Theoretical Issues

Theoretical issues

• Reliability: a reliable method is one that, when repeated by another researcher, the same results will be obtained.
• Validity: (Truthfulness) A valid method is one that produces a true, full picture of what is being studied. It is not Repeatable as different results could occur every time the method is implemented.
• Representativeness: whether or not the participants are a good cross-section of the group the researcher is interested in. If the participant 'Sample' is a good cross-section then the information obtained from them can be 'Generalised' to the bigger group.

• Methodological perspective: there are 2 main groups of sociologists who have conflicting views on how society works. These are known as positivists and interpretivists. What may influence the choice of topic?
• Theoretical perspective: a sociologist's choice of topic depends largely on what theoretical perspective they are affiliated with/ interested in e.g. Feminists might study the Domestic Division of Labour or Wage differences between males & females.
• Societies values: the social, political & economic climate of society might influence which topics get studied e.g. Global Warming has/ is recently a hot topic of research.
• Funding bodies: as research is often expensive it needs funding. This funding comes from Universities, Charities, Government Bodies, Businesses etc. As such these organisations often get to dictate which topics should studied and which 'aren't worth' studying & therefore not worth their funding.