Sociology 1027A/B Lecture 2: Sociology 1027A/B Lecture 1: Sept 24: Introduction

• School: Western University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: Sociology 1027A/B
• Professor: Wolfgang Lehmann

Document Summary

Functionalism: inequality can be useful: complex diversity of labour=diverse needs for skills; inequality is functional if it is the outcome of a meritocratic and fair process. => quantitative methods: survey, large smalesstatisitcal analysis, large-scale comparisons and predictions. => qualitative methods: interviews, focus groups, observations, small sample . Sampling method: who and how many people should be in a study: super important. Quantitative studies: large samples (many people), representatilities, random. Participants are people with feelings and needs, concerns and a right to be safe and treated properly: should not change these basic human rights. Fundamentally: research is unethical if it puts participants at risks or misleads them. Some research we now considered important pioneers but actually unethical. Worthwhile and should not make unreasonable demands on participants. Participation should be voluntary and free from coercion of pressure. Risks should be known and adverse/negative consequences avoided. Confidentiality and anonymity of participants should be respected.