SOC 201 MIDTERM No. 2 MARCH 9 th Chapter 6 OBSERVATIONAL METHODS Quantitative Method: Requires variables. Outcomes must be countable. Tests hypotheses Typically uses large samples Data are numerical Results are expressed as comparisons of numbers Less depth and nuance Often previous experience or research is required Easier to provide objective results Methods are welldefined and reproducible Qualitative Methods: Observe and report. Describes people, their behavior, their environment. Typically uses smaller samples Data are nonnumerical Results are expressed as verbal descriptions and narratives More depth and nuance A good place to start More difficult to remain objective Ones own biases Biases of the observed Methods may be impossible to reproduce Naturalistic observations: Field Work Researchers make observations in a natural setting over a period of time Used to describe and understand how people in a social or cultural setting live, work, and experience the setting Process Describes setting, events, and the person Analyze the categories that emerge Researches must interpret what occurred Generate hypothesis that helps explain what was observed Write a final report of results Problem Researcher participation can affect what is to be observed Research concealment poses ethical quandaries