SOCIOL 2Z03 Lecture Notes - Ethnomethodology, Community Organizing, Demand Characteristics
11 Nov 2011
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Document Summary
Theory: naturalism: assumes that social reality is out there and can be communicated by research subjects. For example, whyte"s street corner society: ethnomethodology: questions people"s reports about their lives. Subjects tell socially constructed stories about themselves, so researchers make sense out of subject"s views of the world. Researchers identify the social meaning people attach to social interactions, allowing society to function in an orderly, taken-for-granted way (what makes our daily lives possible; shared meaning). With this type of research we cannot assume that subjects are giving us accurate answers; researchers need to be serious and do some exploring. It is important that with this method, we research in a more interactive way, which you do not start with a theory, collect information and let the theoretical process unfold as well as leave openings for changes. It is also important that once you decide your theory that you make sure it is right.
