What method of sociological research. Sociological research

It answers two basic questions: "What to do?" and more "How to do it?".

First of all, the situation and the problems arising in its framework that require analysis are clarified. Research opportunities are being explored. Based on this, a research concept is developed, which is formalized in the form programs.

Program- this is the main document of sociological research, so we will reveal it content.

theoretical-methodological and methodical-organizational (procedural).

The first reveals what will be explored,

the second is how the study will be carried out.

Theoretical and methodological section of the program includes:

1. Analysis of the situation, formulation and justification of the problem .

In life, many problems often arise. For acceptance right decision in connection with these problems, they need to be studied. For this purpose, concrete sociological research is being carried out.

For example, the phenomenon is known, and the causes of its occurrence, its essential characteristics- No. There was a contradiction between knowledge of the phenomenon and ignorance of its essence. To solve a problem means to resolve this contradiction, to obtain the missing knowledge and, on its basis, to formulate recommendations for interested persons or bodies.

At formulation and justification of the problem must be guided by the following:

- firstly, the problem should reflect the current situation, the real contradiction that gives rise to it;

- secondly, it should be relevant, "flashy", requiring an early solution;

– thirdly, the problem should not be “small”, that is, insignificant, as well as global, which cannot be solved at this level of research;

- fourthly, in form it should be concise and clear. Its content should be reflected in the formulation of the research topic.

The correct formulation of the problem largely determines the quality of the entire program and the final results of the study.

2. Definition of the purpose, object and subject of research .

The scope and volume of the proposed work, terms, labor and material costs, the content of the output products depend on the formulation of the research objectives.

The object of sociological research is most often collectives, their activities, living conditions and everyday life.

3. Logic Analysis basic concepts .

This stage is the most difficult in the work of a military sociologist on the program.

It lies in the fact that

the main concepts, with the help of which the problem posed is investigated,

they reveal the object of study and are arranged in such a way that they reflect its aspects, properties, relationships, that is through their analysis, one can imagine how the social process actually proceeds.

He based,

firstly, on the fact that any phenomena or processes can be described using concepts;

secondly, on the fact that concepts have a different degree of generality. Therefore, it is possible to dismember not the object of study itself, but concepts that reflect both the object of study as a whole and its individual aspects.

Thus, it is possible to construct a verbal model of the studied social phenomenon or process.

The logical analysis of the basic concepts is implemented through two procedures:

interpretations and operationalization.

Definitions of concepts can be found in reference books, textbooks, or formulated independently, based on the logic of the study and your experience.

Based on selected initial concepts they are being operationalized.

For example, it is necessary to carry out the operationalization of the concept of “prestige of the profession”. This can be achieved by examining the following indicators: value orientations personalities, attitudes, motives, interests, needs, etc.

All these indicators have their own empirical indicators. Therefore, after the operationalization of concepts, indicators are built that allow one to judge the content of the concept based on certain facts of social reality. Of course full translation concept under study (any level - both theoretical and operationalized) into indicators is impossible, since it is impossible to translate a broader concept into a narrower one with the help of a finite number of facts of social reality. Nevertheless, one should strive to use the most characteristic indicators in the study, by which one can more accurately judge the content of the concept under study.

4. Finding indicators and choosing a measurement scale .

The indicators are facts that can be quantified, but they can also be assessments, attitudes, judgments of people expressing their attitude to various phenomena in the life of collectives.

They are answers to questions.

When choosing indicators should be guided as follows:

- the choice of indicators is predetermined by operational concepts, they outline the range of facts that can be used as indicators;

– there are operational concepts that themselves serve as indicators:

age, nationality, rank, etc. AT this case the answer to the question is strictly determined by these concepts;

– there are operational concepts that require the use of not one, but several indicators;

- in each case, the choice of a set of indicators depends on the nature of the object of sociological research, the conditions in which it is located.

In sociological research, the following are used for measurement: scale types:

nominal (names),

rank (orders),

interval (metric).

For example,

gender: 1) male, 2) female;

nationality: 1) Russian, 2) Ukrainian, 3) Belarusian, etc.

About the severity given property or sign nothing is said, only the fact of its presence is recorded.

With the help of a nominal scale, people's interests, their opinions, occupation, marital status, etc. are measured.

For example, within this scale, answers to the question: “To what extent are you able to manage your emotions?” are located as follows:

1) Most of the time I am able to manage myself.

2) Sometimes I can't control myself.

3) I often feel that I am not able to control myself.

The response numbers represent the ranks.

These are signs that can be expressed in numbers. This is age, length of service, income, time spent on certain types of activities, etc.

It is important to bear in mind that the choice of a scale in which social values are supposed to be measured should be made based on the requirements for it:

its validity, completeness and sensitivity.

It is determined by the number of positions in the answers to the questions.

Usually scales with three, five and seven positions are used. The more positions, the higher the sensitivity of the scale.

For example, you can offer five positions to answer the question: “To what extent are you satisfied with your financial position?»:

1) completely satisfied;

2) mostly satisfied;

3) not completely satisfied;

4) satisfied to a small extent;

5) is not satisfied at all.

5. Putting forward hypotheses and setting research objectives .

At the same time, the initial prerequisites for their advancement are the lack of knowledge that allows giving explanations and assumptions about the causes of phenomena, processes, that is, as already noted, the phenomenon is known, but the reasons that give rise to it are not.

Based on the known, an assumption is made about the causes this phenomenon, and then during the study data are collected that confirm or refute the hypothesis.

AT the dynamics of the researcher's work in the design of the research program, this happens as follows.

Having put forward and clearly defined the problem, the researcher first of all tries to understand it on the basis of his knowledge and previous experience. In other words, he tries to explain with old knowledge and experience that which is not yet fully known.

In this case, on the basis of existing knowledge, he carries out a preliminary interpretation of the problem:

makes assumptions that, in his opinion, fully cover and explain the phenomenon under study, that is, the researcher formulates a hypothesis or a series of hypotheses.

When hypothesizing the following requirements must be followed:

- hypotheses should not be trivial, that is, those whose proof or refutation does not give anything sociological science. They must go beyond the ordinary consciousness;

- hypotheses must be clearly formulated, otherwise they cannot be tested;

- they should be available for verification in the process of this sociological research;

- they should not contradict known and verified facts, as well as each other.

It should be remembered that the focus and results of the study largely depend on the correct formulation of hypotheses.

Hypotheses are descriptive and explanatory

basic and additional.

Descriptive hypotheses explain the structural functional relationships of the object under study, and explanatory- causal relationships.

Main hypotheses refer to central issue research, and additional- to indirect.

Therefore, in the course of the study, not one, but several hypotheses are often put forward.

Main goals involves looking for an answer to main question:

what are the ways and means of solving the problem under study.

Additional provide a solution to the main issue.

In addition, additional tasks are posed in the interests of testing auxiliary hypotheses.

Thus, we have considered the content of the theoretical and methodological section of the research program.

Methodological and organizational section of the program includes:

1. Study population definition .

If the object under study (collective or social group) is small, then the study can cover all 100% of its size. But if the object is numerous, and this happens in most cases, then one hundred percent coverage is practically impossible.

In this case, it applies sampling method .

It lies in the fact that from the set of units of observation is selected limited quantity for further detailed study.

This method is based

firstly, on the relationship and interdependence of the qualitative characteristics of social objects;

secondly, on the legitimacy of conclusions about the whole based on the study of its part, provided that in its structure the part is a model of the whole.

How is it carried out sample?

To answer this question, first of all, we define the concepts that we will operate with when forming the sample.

These include:

general population;

sampling frame;

selection unit;

unit of analysis;

sampling frame;

representativeness.

For example, the moral and psychological state of the personnel of the organization is being studied. All this composition of the organization will be the population of this study.

In relation to the above example, these are specific divisions of the organization, employees (employees) who will be subject to research.

The conclusions obtained during the study of the problem are extrapolated to the entire personnel compounds, that is, for the entire population.

If the general population is a plant, then the units of selection will be departments, workshops, brigades, etc., that is, elements organizational structure, general population.

These are the people in the sample.

The representativeness is higher than large quantity units of analysis will represent the sample population and the more homogeneous the units of analysis will be.

Main requirements when forming the sample are the following:

1) provide all elements of the general population with the same chance of being included in the sample. This means that all categories of the organization's workforce must be represented in the sample. The sample population must be a model of the population;

2) since the sample is a model of the general population, it reproduces the latter with some error. The error must be minimal.

In the practice of sociological research, an error of 5–7% is allowed when minimum volume regional sample of 200 - 400 people.

Sampling can be

multistage and single stage,

purposeful and spontaneous.

Multi-stage formation is carried out in several stages. Associations are selected from the industry, organizations - from associations, departments in which the study will be carried out - from organizations, specific people from the department.

One-stage formation is carried out in one step: everyone from the unit is selected to participate in the study.

Selection from the general population to the sample is carried out by several methods. Among them:

a) mechanical selection. It is produced by bringing everyone into a single list, from which they are selected at regular intervals. For example: 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, etc.;

b) random selection. It is carried out as follows: surnames are entered on the cards, the cards are mixed and random ones are removed;

c) quota sampling. This is a sample by representation.

For example: engineers - so many; craftsmen - so many, workers - so many, etc.;

d) the main array method. It provides for the participation in the study of all those present in the team;

e) nested method. It lies in the fact that not individual employees are taken as selection units, but collectives, followed by a 100% survey of their composition.

In every case study the program not only indicates the quantitative composition of the sample and the methods of its formation, but also justifies why exactly such a number of units was taken and exactly this method selection.

2.Description of the methods used to collect information .

Allocate three main types of sources, which can be used to obtain empirical data, and each of them corresponds to the main method for obtaining the desired information.

Documentary sources empirical data, which exist in many varieties, require the sociologist to turn to the method of document analysis.

External manifestations social processes and patterns of their development in people's behavior, in the objective results of activity allow the sociologist to use the method of observation.

Finally, in cases where the source of the necessary information can be people - direct participants in the processes or phenomena being studied, the researcher resorts to the method of questioning members of various social communities: questionnaires, interviews, expert and sociometric surveys.

Each of these potential sources sociological information the subject of research is reflected in its various aspects, in various volumes, with varying degrees closeness to the essential properties of the studied phenomena.

From this follows several important findings .

A. None of the methods of data collection is universal in relation to the subject of research.

It is the specificity of the reflection of the scope of analysis in the sources of information that requires the sociologist to apply complex various methods for the development of the most diverse sources of information and, ultimately, for the most complete comprehension of the essential properties of the subject being studied.

B. The specifics of studying the problem under study in the sources of information gives rise to many of its technical varieties within the framework of each of the main methods.

At the same time, each technical version of the method takes into account its cognitive capabilities, has its pros and cons that affect the quality of information.

Thus, data collection methods are not just a set of methods that can be arbitrarily chosen by the researcher depending on organizational resources and personal preferences. The choice of data collection method is dictated by the objective nature of the studied sources of the information sought.

In the course of the study, it may be necessary to use some other methods of collecting primary information. In this case, the program is specified and supplemented.

3. Clarification of the logical structure of the tools used .

- the logical structure includes all the concepts and definitions of structural and factor operationalization available in the theoretical and methodological section of the program of sociological research;

- the logical structure of the toolkit defines indicators, that is, the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of operational concepts to be measured;

- the logical structure of the toolkit also shows how it is possible to measure the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of operational concepts, in other words, with the help of what “devices” should be measured, thereby substantiating the types of measurement scales;

- and, finally, with the help of the logical structure, the questions of the toolkit are lined up in a clear logical series in accordance with the researcher's intention in order to solve problems and test hypotheses defined by the program of sociological research.

Undoubtedly, the development of the logical structure of the toolkit requires a high-level researcher professional culture, clear, precise, logical thinking, the ability to cover the entire range of problems identified during the development of the program, and their solutions.

When developing the logical structure of the toolkit it is important to consider the following.

Firstly, in the column "Operational concept" if possible all definitions contained in the structural and factor analysis must be taken into account. Moreover, these concepts should be grouped into blocks of tools that qualitatively characterize the object of study. At the same time, it should be taken into account that it is not always possible to select a measurable indicator for an operational concept.

For example, consider such a concept as “information”. On the household level the question: whether this or that employee is informed about the events in the country and abroad can be decided. When measuring this indicator in a sociological study, problems arise, since the question: “Are you informed about events in the country and abroad?” - one can confidently answer “Yes”, while the second one will answer “No”, because he doubts his knowledge. Thus, the researcher will not find the truth.

In the above example, self-assessment of one's awareness was used as an indicator.

Secondly, the indicators chosen should measure (in other words, be sensitive or responsive) exactly the operational concept that needs to be measured.

From the foregoing follows an important methodological recommendation :

it is advisable to develop the logical structure of the toolkit simultaneously with the development of the toolkit itself. This allows you to choose the best indicators, correctly formulate questions, and preserve the logical structure of the toolkit itself.

It should be noted that a logical structure is made for all formalized documents for collecting information: questionnaires, interview forms, sheets (observation cards), etc.

4. Drafting logic diagram information processing .

This process consists in the logical construction of methods for processing and analyzing the information received.

The diagram indicates

how the received information is processed (manually or on a computer),

and how it is analyzed (using tables or graphs, mathematical calculations or complex).

Because the primary information collection documents contain dozens of questions, and each question has several possible answers, then manual processing information is difficult. In this case, a computer is used (a program for processing information is being developed specifically for this).

5. Drawing up a working plan for the study .

At the end of the program, a working plan for the study is presented.

He is researcher work algorithm, starting from receiving and formulating social order to conduct research and ending with the processing, analysis of the information received, and the issuance of specific recommendations.

The plan provides for financial costs, organizational and technical procedures for the study.

Typically, the plan contains four blocks of events.

First block combines activities related to the preparation of the study: the procedure for compiling and approving the program and research tools, forming and instructing groups for collecting information, conducting a pilot study, and multiplying the tools.

Second block contains all organizational and methodical works, providing the collection of sociological information: arrival at organizations and their units, report officials on the objectives and content of the study, clarification of the procedure for its conduct, direct collection of information.

Third block covers activities related to the preparation collected information to processing and processing.

Fourth block includes analysis of the received data, preparation of a report and development of recommendations.

The plan assigns a person responsible for each activity and sets a deadline for completion. In form, it is arbitrary and, as a rule, corresponds to generally accepted patterns.

As emphasized earlier, the research program provides for the development of sociological research tools: questionnaires, interview forms, observation cards, document analysis matrices, etc.

Most often used in research questionnaire. Its development is a complex process.

Questionnaire for sociological research- this is a system of questions united by a single research plan aimed at identifying the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the object and subject of analysis.

The questions used in the questionnaires can be classified as:

b) by form - into closed, semi-closed, open, direct, indirect;

c) by functions - into basic and non-basic (control).

Questions about the facts of human consciousness aimed at clarifying opinions, desires, expectations, plans for the future, etc.

Questions about facts of conduct record the actions, actions, results of the activities of military personnel.

Questions about the identity of the respondent(sometimes they are called a passport, or a socio-demographic block of the questionnaire) reveal his age, social origin, marital status, nationality, education, etc.

It should be noted that the questionnaires are widely used questions that require determining the level of knowledge of the respondent. These are the so-called examination questions.

Closed questions- these are those for which the questionnaire provides a full set of answers, from which the respondent must choose one, for example: “What is the composition of your family?”:

1) 2 people;

2) 3 people;

3) 4 people;

4) 5 people or more.

Closed questions can be alternative and non-alternative.

Alternative Questions are those whose answers are mutually exclusive. For example: “Do you know the conditions of social insurance?”:

Semi-closed questions- these are those when the list of positions of the expected answers contains the positions “Other” or “Something else”, that is, when answering these questions, the respondent is given the opportunity not only to choose an answer option, but also to state his position.

For example, to the question: “What prompted you to become a lawyer?” - the answer options may be:

1) family traditions;

2) legal advice;

3) read in books about legal activity and seen in movies;

4) something else.

When posing closed and semi-closed questions, you should be guided by the following:

- answer options should reveal some aspects of the problem under study;

– they should be clear and concise in form;

- their list should not be too long;

– there should be no “bad” and “good” options.

Open questions- these are those when the respondent is not offered answer options. They provide an opportunity to express your opinion about the question. For example, to the question: “What attracts you in your work?” - each respondent has the opportunity to express his opinion in detail. These questions are most often used in intelligence research.

direct questions are those that require direct information from the respondent. For example: "Are you satisfied with your activities?":

1) satisfied;

2) not satisfied.

However, there are situations when the respondent may not answer a direct question. For example, when it is necessary to negatively assess one's activities or the activities of colleagues, or some negative facts that take place in the organization.

In such cases, apply indirect questions. Their goal is to get the same information as when asking direct questions, but they are formulated in such a way that they dispose the respondent to a frank answer.

Let us give examples of direct and indirect questions of the same content.

direct question: “Are you satisfied with the conditions of work in the team? If not satisfied, then what?

1) working conditions;

2) relationships in the team;

3) relations with immediate superiors;

4) something else.

Indirect question: "If you are not satisfied with the conditions of activity in this team, where would you like to work?":

1) where they are better established living conditions;

2) where the relationship in the team will be more suitable for you;

3) where you, first of all, will be able to establish good relationships with superiors;

4) other.

One way to replace direct questions with indirect ones is to translate them from personal form into the impersonal. For example, instead of starting a question: "What do you think ..." is put "Some believe ..." or "It is customary to believe ...".

Main questions- these are those that are aimed at collecting direct information about the phenomenon under study.

Minor questions are intended to relieve tension from the respondent or, with their help, to clarify the content of the answer to the main question.

These questions are in the nature of controls. For example, after the main question: “Do you regularly read fiction? - follows the control: "Please name the works you read this month."

Understanding the classification of questions, their features allows you to most successfully build the composition of the questionnaire.

It must also be borne in mind that when compiling questionnaires sociological survey should not only know the classification of questions, but also be guided by the following:

- take into account the peculiarities of respondents' perception of the text of the questionnaire. When compiling the questionnaire, it is important to try to imagine the state of the respondents, to take into account their possible difficulties when working on it;

- take into account the specifics of the respondents: official position, terms of service, qualifications, level of education, culture, etc.;

- try to interest them in active and conscientious participation in the ongoing research;

- when posting questions, you must adhere to certain sequence:

1) simple questions that are of a private nature;

2) more complex, so-called event;

3) again simple;

4) the most complex, of a motivational nature;

5) simplified by the end of the questionnaire.

In conclusion, questions are posed that clarify the socio-demographic data of the respondents (the so-called passport);

Questions are usually grouped into semantic blocks. Their size should be approximately the same;

- The questionnaire should not be overloaded with questions. Answers to them should contain mainly necessary information;

- the time for filling out the questionnaire should not exceed 45 minutes, since in the future the attention of the respondents decreases and the effectiveness of the information received decreases;

- the form of the questionnaire should be simple and convenient for the work of not only respondents, but also researchers, especially when processing information.

Questionnaire layout could be the following:

introduction, wherein,

firstly, the topic, goals, tasks of the survey are stated, the organization conducting it is indicated, that is, it is explained: who and for what conducts the survey, how the data will be used, anonymity of information is guaranteed, a request is made to take an active part in the study;

secondly, instructions for filling out the questionnaire are given. It talks about how to answer questions. In particular, for closed and semi-closed questions, it is necessary to choose one of the proposed answers, underlining or rounding off its code, and for an open or semi-closed question, if none of the options placed is suitable, the respondent is invited to express his opinion freely.

The questions in the questionnaire are arranged, as already mentioned, in a certain sequence, preferably in blocks that combine questions in meaning and require answers that reveal the most important aspects of the problem under study.

Questions are numbered in order, and answer options for closed and semi-closed questions are indicated by a code that is located from the answer text to the left with an ordinal coding system or to the right with a positional system.

Leave open questions to answer. free place and some codes.

The semantic sections of the block must begin introductory words, which are highlighted by the font style. For example, when studying social and legal security, the questionnaire may contain a section that requires information on the implementation of the principle of social justice. It may start with: Now let's move on to questions that require information about the real

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Introduction

Methods of sociological research

Types of sociological research

Questionnaire

Question types

Survey types

Sample survey

Interview

Observation

Experiment

Methods used in marketing

Bibliography

Introduction

There are three interrelated levels in the structure of sociology: general sociological theory, special sociological theories, and sociological research. They are also called private, empirical, applied or specific sociological research. All three levels complement each other, which makes it possible to obtain scientifically substantiated results in the study of social phenomena and processes.

Sociological research - it is a system of logically consistent methodological, methodological and organizational-technical procedures, subordinated to a single goal: to obtain accurate objective data about the social phenomenon under study.

The study begins with its preparation: thinking over the goals, program, plan, determining the means, timing, methods of processing, etc.

The second stage is the collection of primary sociological information (records of the researcher, extracts from documents).

The third stage is the preparation of the information collected in the course of a sociological study for processing, the compilation of a processing program and the processing itself.

The final, fourth stage is the analysis of the processed information, the preparation of a scientific report based on the results of the study, the formulation of conclusions and recommendations for the customer, the subject.

Sociology cannot exist without extracting empirical information of the most diverse nature - about the opinion of voters, schoolchildren's leisure, the president's rating, the family budget, the number of unemployed, the birth rate, and so on. First of all, the researcher uses official statistics published in journals, bulletins, and reports. He gets the missing information in a sociological survey, where the subjective opinions of people are clarified (in the survey they are called respondents). Answers are mathematically averaged, generalized data are presented in the form of statistical tables, patterns are displayed and explained. The end result is the construction of a scientific theory that allows predicting future phenomena and developing practical recommendations.

Methods of sociological research

When collecting sociological data, four main methods are used, each of which has two main varieties:

Survey (questionnaire and interviewing);

Analysis of documents (qualitative and quantitative);

Surveillance (not included and included);

Experiment (controlled and uncontrolled);

The art of questioning lies in the correct formulation and arrangement of questions. The first to think about the scientific formulation of questions was the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who walked the streets of Athens and baffled passers-by with ingenious paradoxes.

A sociologist who interviews many people is interested in public opinion. Individual deviations, subjective biases, prejudices, erroneous judgments, intentional distortions - if processed statistically - cancel each other out. As a result, the sociologist gets an average picture of reality. He interviewed 100 engineers and identified the average representative of this profession. That is why in the sociological questionnaire they are not required to indicate their last name, first name and patronymic, address. She is anonymous. So, a sociologist, receiving statistical information, reveals social personality types.

No one in the world has invented a more perfect way to combine the incompatible, fire and water, ice and fire. This small miracle of scientific knowledge is performed by mathematical statistics. True, she demands a high price for this - perfect mastery of the methods and techniques of sociological research, all the subtleties of which can only be known through long years continuous work.

Types of sociological research

The type of sociological research is determined by the nature of the goals and objectives set, the depth of analysis of the social process.

There are three main types of sociological research: intelligence (pilot), descriptive and analytical.

Intelligence(or pilot, probing) research is the simplest type of sociological analysis that allows solving limited problems. Methodical documents are being processed: questionnaires, interview form, questionnaire. The program of such research is simplified. The survey populations are small: from 20 to 100 people.

Intelligence research usually precedes deep study of the problem. In the course of it, goals, hypotheses, tasks, questions, their formulation are specified.

descriptive study - more complex view sociological analysis. With its help, empirical information is obtained that gives a relatively holistic view of the studied social phenomenon. In a descriptive study, one or more methods of collecting empirical data may be used. The combination of methods increases the reliability and completeness of information, allows you to draw deeper conclusions and sound recommendations.

The most serious type of sociological research is analytical study. It not only describes the elements of the studied phenomenon or process, but also allows you to find out the reasons underlying it. The main purpose of such a study is to search for cause-and-effect relationships.

Analytical research completes exploratory and descriptive research, during which information is collected that gives a preliminary idea about certain elements of the studied social phenomenon or process.

The preparation of a sociological study does not directly begin with the compilation of a questionnaire, but with the development of its program, consisting of the spirit of sections - methodological and methodological.

AT methodological section programs include:

a) formulation and justification of the object and subject social problem;

b) definition of the object and subject of sociological research;

c) definition of the researcher's tasks and formulation of hypotheses.

The methodological section of the program involves the definition of the population under study, the characteristics of the methods for collecting primary sociological information, the sequence of using the tools for its collection, the logical scheme for processing the collected data.

An essential part of the program of any research is, first of all, a deep and comprehensive substantiation of methodological approaches and methodological techniques for studying a social problem, which should be understood as a "social contradiction", perceived by the subjects as a significant discrepancy for them between the existing and official, between the goals and results of activities arising from - for the lack or insufficiency of means to achieve goals, obstacles on this path, the struggle around goals between various subjects of activity, which leads to dissatisfaction of social needs.

It is important to distinguish between the object and the subject of research. The choice of the object and subject of research to a certain extent is already embedded in the social problem itself.

object research can be any social process, sphere of social life, labor collective, any social relations, documents. The main thing is that all of them contain a social contradiction and give rise to a problem situation.

Subject research - certain ideas, properties, characteristics inherent in a given team, the most significant from a practical or theoretical point of view, i.e. that is subject to direct study. Other properties, features of the object remain outside the field of view of the sociologist.

The analysis of any problem can be carried out in theoretical and applied directions, depending on the purpose of the study. The purpose of the study can be formulated as theoretical. Then, when preparing the program, the main attention is paid to theoretical and methodological issues. The object of research is determined only after the preliminary theoretical work has been completed.

Questionnaire

This is the most common research method in sociology. Questionnaire - a document reproduced on a typewriter, computer or in a typographical way, containing an average of 30 to 40 questions addressed to a selected set of respondents. They are considered as an object of study.

The questionnaire cannot be called any list of questions. A questionnaire is only what is addressed to a multitude of people who are interviewed in a standard way. That is why the apparatus of statistics is applicable to the questionnaires. In addition, the respondent is obliged to independently fill out the questionnaire according to the rules set forth in the instructions attached to it.

The logic of constructing questions in the questionnaire corresponds to the objectives of the study and serves to obtain only such information that tests hypotheses.

The advantage of questioning is the speed of obtaining certain objects.

The survey can be:

postal;

press;

group.

Any employee can do the survey. But surveying is enough difficult process organization of the questionnaire. Questions in the questionnaire are formulated as specifically and accurately as possible. There should be no ambiguity or ambiguity.

The questionnaire consists of:

introductory part (the purpose of the study, methods of filling out the questionnaire, gratitude for participating in the survey).

questionnaire (closed questions, open questions, semi-open questions).

passport (status and position of the participant).

Question types

All questions are divided into two main types - open and closed. In the questions opened after the text, the sociologist leaves a space and asks the respondent to formulate his own opinion. For example:

In closed questions after the text, the sociologist offers a list of closures or alternatives. Example:

What is the income per person in your family?

Up to 100,000 rubles.

From 100,001 to 500,000 rubles.

From 500,001 to 1,000,000 rubles.

Over 1,000,000 rubles.

The same question can be made open and closed. Closures are easier to process on a computer, but they require sociologists to have a thorough knowledge of the subject. The discovery is used where this knowledge is limited and the study is carried out for reconnaissance purposes.

Survey types

In sociology, two types of questionnaires are distinguished - continuous and selective.

A kind of continuous survey is a census, in which the entire population of the country is surveyed.

FROM early XIX century in European countries censuses are periodically conducted, and today they are used everywhere. They provide invaluable information, but are insanely expensive. Even rich countries can afford such a luxury only once every 10 years. A continuous coverage survey exhausts the entire population of respondents belonging to some community or group. The country's population is the largest of these communities. But there are also smaller ones, for example: the personnel of the enterprise, all participants in the Afghan war, all war veterans, all residents of a small city. If the survey is carried out at such facilities, it is also called continuous. This variety is used in practice more often than censuses. It is to her that the name of a continuous survey is usually applied, and the census is distinguished into an independent form.

Sample survey

It is a more economical and no less reliable method, although it requires more sophisticated methods and techniques. Its basis is a sampling set. What is she like? It is a reduced copy of the general population.

The general population is considered to be the entire population or that part of it that the sociologist intends to study. A sample population is a set of people whom a sociologist interviews.

In a continuous survey they coincide, in a selective survey they diverge. The Gallup Institute in the United States regularly polls 1.5 - 2 thousand people, and receives reliable information about the entire population. The error does not exceed a few percent. Our domestic sociologists behave in the same way. The most reputable sociological firms in Russia are VTsIOM and Voc populis.

Whom to refer to the general population is determined by the objectives of the study, and who to include in the sample population is decided by mathematical methods.

If the sociologist intends to look at afghan war through the eyes of its participants, the general population will include all Afghan wars, but he will have to interrogate a small part - a sample population. In order for the sample to accurately reflect the general population, the sociologist adheres to the rule that any Afghan warrior, regardless of place of residence, place of work, state of health, and other circumstances that may make it difficult to find them, must have the same probability of being included in the sample.

The sociologist does not have the right to interview specially selected, the first comers or the most accessible respondents. Law has a probable selection mechanism, special mathematical procedures that ensure the greatest objectivity. It is believed that the random method - the best way select typical representatives of the general population.

(2)Abstract >> Sociology

... Methods sociological research: general review This book covers the main methods sociological research- experiment, method participant observation, biographical method ...

Sociological research as a means of cognition of social reality.

Toolkit: "Organization and conduct of sociological research" (Mg., 2009) - p.3-12

Methods of collection and analysis of sociological information.

Methodological guide: "Sociological research: methodology, program, methods" (Mg., 2008).

Selective method.

Methodological guide: "Organization and conduct of sociological research" (Mg., 2009); Methodological guide: "Sociological research: methodology, program, methods" (Mg., 2008).

The program of sociological research and its structure.

Methodological guide: "Organization and conduct of sociological research" (Mg., 2009).

Methodology of sociological research

Sociology for its research uses general scientific methods, such as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, systems approach and etc.

In addition, sociology has developed its own specific methods research:

observation; study of documentary sources; interview; testing; sociometry; social experiment.

Methodology sociological research answers the question how to do research by what methods. Compliance with the requirements of the methodology ensures scientific level research. The first thing a sociologist starts with is programming. The program sets out substantiation of the problem research, formulated goals, tasks and working hypotheses research, determined object of study, sample and methods of conducting research. It also contains work plan research and processing program received information. Working hypotheses are scientists' assumptions about possible patterns phenomena being studied. Hypotheses are of two types: essential and factorial. Essential hypotheses reveal the content of the studied phenomena. Factorial hypotheses are assumptions about the causes of the phenomena under study, about the factors affecting the dynamics of the processes under study.

Exist survey methods observation, document analysis, statistics, social experiment, social modeling. Object of study is something community, which, according to the goals, interests the sociologist. If studied public opinion population of the republic on any issue, then the object will be the adult population. In a sociological study, as a rule, not the entire population is polled, but only a part of it, which is called sampling. So, sample is the part of the general population, which consists of specific units of observation in this study. The sample size is determined using probability theory. The statistical minimum of the sample is 30 people. When studying the public opinion of the republic, it is enough to interview 1200 - 2000 people. For the scale of the city, it is enough to interview about 500 - 800 people. To study individual labor collectives, sometimes the sample is determined in the number 10% from general composition workers. More precisely, the sample is calculated according to special formulas. It is important not only to determine size, but also the composition of the sample. There are several ways to determine composition of respondents. All these ways must ensure the representativeness of the sample. Representativeness or representativeness sampling is the correspondence of the social and demographic structure of the sample to the structure of the general population. For example, if in the general population there are 40% of pensioners, 20% of young people, 50% of women, 30% of workers, then the sample structure should also contain these social groups in the same proportions. Polling random passers-by on the street is considered unreliable. In some cases, if necessary, the program may contain a package software computer information processing. Research methods are selected in accordance with the nature of the problem under study. Poll method. The most common is questionnaire with the help of a questionnaire. The next poll is interview, which can be carried out without a pre-prepared questionnaire, but according to a special plan. The sociologist talks with the respondent, asking questions during this conversation. In marketing sociological research, a survey method is often used, such as focus group. When discussing the desired consumer qualities of a future product in a group of 30 potential buyers.

social statistics . Analyzing statistical data, comparing them by years, regions and other indicators, a sociologist can draw important conclusions. Document Analysis . A document in sociology means any recorded information: newspapers, magazines, letters, television and radio messages, etc. Quantitative and qualitative processing of documents is called in sociology content analysis . In the text of the document words, phrases, fragments of a certain topic are highlighted. Then the sociologist calculates the frequency of these text fragments and, based on this, a conclusion is made about public attention to one problem or another. Observation method . He can be included when the sociologist is involved in the activities of the community and observes the processes of interest to him as if from the inside, taking part in them himself. Not included observation presupposes the sociologist's distancing from the phenomenon under study on the basis of a view, so to speak, "from outside". Method social experiment . There are two communities. One of them is control, the other is experimental. A sociologist, changing any parameters in the experimental group, investigates the effect of such an impact. Method social modeling . Some social phenomena are described in a mathematical, quantitative form, and then, with the help of a computer, changes in these phenomena are simulated, including one or another parameter. Questionnaire and questionnaire. The questionnaire is a questionnaire that has a certain structure. The questionnaire has a title and an introduction. The introduction contains information about the objectives of the study, who conducts the study, brief instructions on how to fill it out, an indication that the questionnaire is anonymous and a brief polite formula is desirable. The source of questions is the objectives of the study, working hypotheses (both essential and factorial), the wishes of the customer, questions from questionnaires, previously conducted similar studies. At the end of the questionnaire there are questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondent (passport), such as gender, age, education, occupation, etc. Types of questions. Open question does not contain ready-made options response. A closed question contains pre-prepared answers. The respondent must select one or more options. 2. Alternative or extended questions. Alternative question requires a yes or no answer. An extended question, such as "menu", contains several answers. A scale question allows you to measure the intensity, strength, degree of importance of one or another answer option. The scale may look like sentences, such as: "In to a large extent”, “medium degree”, “small degree”.

One of milestones sociological research is actually the collection of sociological information. It is at this stage that new knowledge is acquired, the subsequent generalization of which allows a deeper understanding and explanation real world and predict future developments. For this purpose, sociology uses different kinds and collection methods social information, the application of which directly depends on the goals, objectives of the study, conditions, time and place of its conduct.

The methodology of sociological research is a system of operations, procedures and techniques for establishing social factors, their systematization and analysis tools. To methodological tools include methods (methods) for collecting primary data, rules for the implementation of sample studies, methods for constructing social indicators and other procedures.

One of the types of research is a pilot study, i.e. exploratory or pilot study. This is the simplest type of sociological research, since it solves tasks that are limited in their content and covers small surveyed populations. The purpose of the pilot study can be, firstly, a preliminary collection of information to obtain additional knowledge about the subject and object of the study, to clarify and correct hypotheses and tasks, and secondly, the procedure for checking the instrumentation for collecting primary information for its correctness prior to the mass study.

Descriptive sociological research is a more complex type of sociological research that allows one to form a relatively holistic view of the phenomenon under study, its structural elements. Descriptive research is used in cases where the object of research is a relatively large community of people characterized by different characteristics.

Analytical sociological research is the most in-depth study that allows not only to describe the phenomenon, but also to give a causal explanation of its functioning. If during descriptive research it is established whether there is a connection between the characteristics of the phenomenon under study, then in the course of analytical research whether the relationship found is causal.

A point (or one-time) study provides information about the state and quantitative characteristics any phenomenon or process at the time of its study.

Point studies, repeated at certain intervals, are called repeated. special kind repeated research is a panel, which provides for repeated, regular research of the same objects.

The most common method of collecting sociological information is a survey, which allows you to collect the necessary, high-quality, diverse information over a large area in a short time. A survey is a method of collecting data in which a sociologist directly or indirectly asks questions to certain population people (respondents). The survey method is used in a number of cases: 1) when the problem under study is not sufficiently provided with documentary sources of information, or when such sources are not available at all; 2) when the subject of research or its individual characteristics are not available for observation; 3) when the subject of study is the elements of public or individual consciousness: needs, interests, motivations, moods, values, beliefs of people, etc.; 4) as a control (additional) method for expanding the possibilities of describing and analyzing the studied characteristics and for rechecking data obtained by other methods.

According to the forms and conditions of communication between a sociologist and a respondent, written surveys (questionnaires) and oral surveys (interviews) are distinguished, which are carried out at the place of residence, at the place of work, in target audiences. The survey can be face-to-face (personal) and remote (handling the questionnaire through a newspaper, television, mail, telephone), as well as group and individual.

Most common in practice applied sociology type of survey is a survey. This technique allows you to collect information about social facts and social activities with virtually no restrictions, due to the fact that the survey is anonymous, and the interviewer communicates with the respondent through an intermediary - a questionnaire. That is, the respondent himself fills out the questionnaire (questionnaire), and can do this both in the presence of the questionnaire, and without him.

The results of the survey largely depend on how competently the questionnaire is drawn up (see Appendix 1 for an approximate sample of the questionnaire). Being the main tool for collecting information, the questionnaire should consist of three parts: introductory, main and final. In the introductory part of the questionnaire, it is necessary to reflect the following information: who conducts the study, what are its goals, what is the methodology for filling out the questionnaire, as well as an indication of the anonymity of the survey.

The main part of the questionnaire contains the questions themselves. All questions used in the questionnaires can be classified according to content and form. The first group (by content) includes questions about the facts of consciousness, the facts of behavior. Questions about the facts of consciousness reveal the opinions, wishes, expectations, and plans of the respondents. Questions about the facts of behavior are aimed at identifying the motivation for actions, actions of large social groups of people. In terms of form, the questions of the questionnaire can be open (that is, not containing prompts for answers), closed (containing a full set of answer options) and semi-closed (containing a set of answer options, as well as the possibility of a free answer), direct and indirect.

The final section of the questionnaire should contain questions about the identity of the respondent, which form a kind of "passport" of the questionnaire, i.e. reveal social signs respondent (sex, age, nationality, occupation, education, etc.).

A fairly common method of sociological research is the interview. When interviewing, the contact between the interviewer and the respondent is carried out directly, "eye to eye". At the same time, the interviewer himself asks questions, directs the conversation with each individual respondent, and records the answers received. This is a more time-consuming, compared with a survey, survey method, which, in addition, has whole line problems. In particular, the limitation of the scope due to the impossibility of maintaining anonymity, the possibility of the interviewer's influence on the quality and content of the answers (the "interviewer effect"). Interviewing is used, as a rule, for the purposes of a trial (pilot) study, to study public opinion on any issue, to interview experts. The interview can be conducted at the place of work, at the place of residence, as well as by telephone.

Depending on the methodology and technique of conducting, there are standardized, non-standardized and focused interviews. A standardized (formalized) interview is a technique in which communication between the interviewer and the respondent is strictly regulated by pre-designed questionnaires and instructions. The interviewer must adhere to the wording of the questions and their sequence. The focused interview is intended to collect opinions, assessments about specific situation phenomenon, its causes and consequences. Specificity this interview It consists in the fact that the respondent gets acquainted with the subject of the conversation in advance, prepares for it by studying the literature recommended to him. The interviewer, on the other hand, prepares in advance a list of questions that he can ask in a free sequence, but he must receive an answer for each question. A non-standardized (free) interview is a technique in which only the topic of the conversation is determined in advance, around which a free conversation is held between the interviewer and the respondent. The direction, logical structure and sequence of the conversation depends solely on the one who conducts the survey, on his ideas about the subject of discussion.

Quite often, sociologists resort to such a research method as observation. Observation - a method of collecting information in which direct registration of ongoing events is made.

Observation as a method borrowed from natural sciences and is a way of knowing the world. As a scientific method, it differs from simple worldly observations. First, the observation is carried out with quite purpose, focused on collecting the information necessary for a sociologist, i.e. Before the observation, the question “What to observe?” is always solved. Secondly, observation is always carried out according to a certain plan, i.e. The question is how to observe? Third, the observational data must be recorded in a specific order. That is, sociological observation is a directed, systematic, direct auditory and visual perception and registration of social processes, phenomena, situations, facts that are significant from the point of view of the goals and objectives of the study.

Depending on the nature of the observation process, the following types are distinguished: formalized and non-formalized, controlled and uncontrolled, included and not included, field and laboratory, random and systematic, structured and unstructured, etc. The choice of the type of observation is determined by the objectives of the study.

A special type of observation is self-observation, in which the individual (the object of observation) fixes certain moments of his behavior according to the program proposed by the researcher (for example, through keeping a diary).

The main advantage of this method - the direct personal contact of the sociologist with the phenomenon (object) under study - is to a certain extent a problem of the method, its weak point. First, it's hard to grasp a large number of phenomena, therefore, local events and facts are observed, which may result in errors in the interpretation of people's actions, the motives of their behavior. Secondly, errors in interpretation can be caused by the subjective assessment of the observed processes and phenomena by the observer himself. Therefore, the collection of primary information by observation should be accompanied by the use of various ways control, including: monitoring monitoring, reobservation etc. An observation is considered reliable if a similar result is obtained by repeating the observation with the same object and under the same conditions.

A huge number of tasks facing sociology are associated with the study of processes occurring in small groups. To analyze intragroup (interpersonal) relations in small groups, a method such as sociometry is used. This technique was proposed in the 30s of the twentieth century by J. Moreno. This study uses a specific type of survey that is closest to psychological testing(often referred to as the sociometric test). Respondents are asked to answer which of the members of the group they would like to see as their partners in this or that situation, and whom, on the contrary, they reject. Then, using special methods, they analyze the number of positive and negative choices for each member of the group in different situations. With the help of a sociometric procedure, it is possible, firstly, to identify the degree of cohesion - disunity in a group; secondly, to determine the position of each member of the group in terms of sympathy-antipathy, while identifying the "leader" and "outsider"; and, finally, to identify within the group a separate cohesion, subgroups with their informal leader.

The specificity of a sociometric survey is that it cannot be conducted anonymously, i.e. sociometric questionnaires are nominal in nature, which means that the study affects the vital interests of each member of the group. That's why this technique requires compliance with a number of ethical requirements, including non-disclosure of the results of the study to group members, participation in the study of all potential respondents.

An experiment is used as a kind of in-depth, analytical sociological research and a method of collecting information about the factors affecting the change in the state of certain social phenomena and processes, as well as the degree and results of this impact. This method came to sociology from the natural sciences and is aimed at testing hypotheses regarding causation between social events. General logic experiment is that by choosing some experimental group and placing it in an unusual situation (under the influence of a certain factor) to trace the direction, magnitude, stability of changes in the characteristics of interest to the researcher.

According to the nature of the experimental situation, experiments are divided into field and laboratory. In a field experiment, the object of study is in the natural conditions of its functioning. In a laboratory experiment, the situation, and often the experimental groups, are artificially formed.

According to the logical structure of proving hypotheses, a distinction is made between a linear and a parallel experiment. In a linear experiment, one group is analyzed, which is both control and experimental. Two groups participate simultaneously in a parallel experiment. The characteristics of the first, control, group remain constant throughout the entire period of the experiment, and the second, experimental, group - change. Based on the results of the experiment, the characteristics of the groups are compared, and a conclusion is made about the magnitude and causes of the changes that have occurred.

According to the nature of the object of study, real and thought experiments. A real experiment is characterized by purposeful intervention in reality, testing of explanatory hypotheses by systematically changing the conditions of social activity. In a thought experiment, hypotheses are tested real phenomena and information about them. Both real and mental experiments are carried out, as a rule, not on the general population, but on a model, i.e. on a representative sample.

According to the specifics of the task, scientific and applied experiments are distinguished. Scientific experiments are aimed at obtaining new knowledge about the given social phenomena, and applied - to receive bottom line(social, economic, etc.).

Experiment is one of the most sophisticated methods of collecting social information. To determine the effectiveness of the experiment, it is necessary to conduct it multiple times, during which the main options for solving a social problem are checked, as well as the purity of the experiment. When conducting an experiment as additional methods information gathering can be used survey and observation.

One of important methods collection of social information is the analysis of documents used to extract sociological information from documentary sources necessary to solve research problems. This method allows you to get information about past events that are no longer monitored. A documentary source of information - a document - for a sociologist is everything that captures information in some "visible" way. Documents include various written sources(archives, press, reference books, literary works, personal documents), statistical data, audio and video materials.

There are two main methods of document analysis: non-formalized (traditional) and formalized (content analysis). Traditional analysis is based on the perception, understanding, understanding and interpretation of the content of documents in accordance with the purpose of the study. For example, whether the document is an original or a copy, if a copy, then how reliable it is, who is the author of the document, for what purposes it was created. Formalized document analysis (content analysis) is designed to obtain information from large arrays of documents that are not available to traditional intuitive analysis. The essence of this method lies in the fact that the document highlights such features (phrases, words) that can be counted and which essentially reflect the content of the document. For example, stable thematic sections of a newspaper recurring for quite a long time (frequency of their occurrence), the size of the newspaper space allotted to them (frequency of lines) reflect the interest of the readership, as well as the information policy of this newspaper.

The final stage of empirical sociological research involves the processing, analysis and interpretation of data, obtaining empirically substantiated generalizations, conclusions and recommendations. The results of scientific analysis are usually summarized in a scientific report, which contains information about the solution of the tasks set in the study. The report outlines the sequence of implementation of the research program, analysis of the empirical data obtained, substantiates the conclusions and provides practical recommendations. In addition, appendices are given to the report, which provide numerical and graphical indicators, as well as all teaching materials(questionnaires, observation diaries, etc.).

Key concepts of the topic: respondent, pilot study, sociological survey, questioning, interviewing, included observation, non-involved observation, sociometry, experiment, content analysis.

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