The specific type of sociological research is determined by the nature of the goal set in it and the tasks put forward. It is in accordance with them, that is, depending on the depth of the required analysis of the subject of research, the scale and complexity of the tasks solved during it, that the main types of sociological research are distinguished: exploratory, descriptive and analytical.
Intelligence research(pilot or sounding) is the simplest type of concrete sociological analysis, since it solves problems that are very limited in content. It covers, as a rule, small survey populations and is based on a simplified program and methodological tools that are compressed in scope. This study can be used as a preliminary stage of deep and large-scale research, or by collecting very “rough” information about the object of study for general orientation. The need for this arises, especially in cases where the subject of sociological research is one of the problems that has been little or not studied at all. In particular, this type of research can be successfully used to obtain additional information about the subject and object, clarify and adjust hypotheses and tasks, tools and boundaries of the population being surveyed in an in-depth, large-scale study, as well as to identify difficulties that may be encountered during its implementation. By performing these auxiliary tasks, intelligence research serves as a supplier of operational sociological data. In this case, we can talk about such a type of intelligence research as an express survey.
Operational surveys (express surveys) are aimed at people’s attitudes towards current events and facts (the so-called sounding of public opinion), as well as at identifying the degree of effectiveness of the events just carried out. For example, express surveys are used to determine the degree of audience satisfaction with the quality of the lecture listened to, to find out students’ opinions about the content and form of the lesson. Such surveys are often used to assess the progress and results of various socio-political campaigns.
Typically, intelligence research uses one of the most accessible methods of collecting primary sociological information (for example, a questionnaire or interview), which allows it to be carried out in a short time. At the same time, if we are talking about clarifying the subject or object of large-scale research, a targeted analysis of specialized literature can be carried out, as well as a survey of specialists (experts) who are competent in the issues under study or who are well aware of the characteristic features and characteristics of the research object. For the same purpose, an intensive group interview, most often called the “focus group” method, can be conducted.
Descriptive research– a more complex type of sociological analysis. According to its goals and objectives, it involves obtaining empirical information that gives a relatively holistic idea of the phenomenon being studied and its structural elements. Descriptive research is carried out according to a complete, sufficiently detailed program and on the basis of methodically tested tools. Its reliable methodological equipment makes it possible to group and classify the elements of the object under study according to those characteristics that are identified as significant in connection with the problem being studied. Descriptive research is usually used when the object of analysis is a relatively large community of people with diverse characteristics.
Analytical research- the most in-depth type of sociological analysis, which aims not only to describe the structural elements of the phenomenon being studied, but also to elucidate the reasons that underlie it and determine the nature, prevalence, stability or variability and other features characteristic of it. Preparing an analytical study requires considerable time, a carefully developed program and tools. To do this, often, with the help of reconnaissance or descriptive research, information is collected that gives a preliminary idea of the individual aspects of the object and subject under study and allows one to choose the optimal ways for their further in-depth analysis. According to the methods used for collecting sociological information, the analytical research is comprehensive.
An independent type of analytical research is social experiment. Its implementation involves the creation of an experimental situation by changing, to one degree or another, the usual operating conditions of the object of interest. During the experiment, special attention is paid to the study of the “behavior” of those factors included in the experimental situation that give a given object new features and properties.
Along with the main criterion for distinguishing between types of sociological research, other criteria related to the form and nature of the research can be used. For example, depending on whether the subject of interest to the researcher is studied statically or dynamically, two types of sociological research are distinguished - spot (one-time) and repeated.
Spot study provides information about the state of the object of analysis, about the quantitative characteristics of any phenomenon or process at the time of its study. Such information, in a certain sense, can be called static, since it reflects, as it were, an instantaneous “snapshot” of the characteristics of an object and does not answer the question about trends in its change over time, i.e. A one-time collection of information about a phenomenon allows one to characterize the phenomenon in static terms, but is unsuitable for describing changes in these phenomena.
Repeated study- this is a study of the same or different contingents, carried out several times, at certain intervals, in the same or different social conditions. Repeated studies are divided into:
1) trend research;
2) panel studies;
3) longitudinal studies.
Trend Research are carried out on similar samples or within a single general population with a time interval in order to analyze changes at the level of a certain group or population. There are cohort trends and historical trends. The object of cohort trend studies is a certain age group (cohort), which remains constant during repeated surveys. The sample at different stages of the study does not have to consist of the same individuals, it is only important that the respondents are representatives of the cohort being studied. The object of historical trend research is a certain age group, which is surveyed at certain intervals. In this case, the age group remains constant, but the cohorts and timing of the survey change. Data are obtained by examining populations under the same conditions.
But neither historical nor cohort trends make it possible to analyze the individual paths of human life. For this purpose, panel and longitudinal studies are carried out.
When conducting panel study The same people are examined at the same time intervals. The frequency of repetition as well as the total duration of a panel study may vary, and the time intervals between surveys are arbitrary. Research is carried out using the same methodology. Maintaining uniformity when conducting a panel study is the most important condition for the correctness of its results. When conducting panel studies, information is obtained specifically about individual changes in the population being surveyed. The main disadvantage of panel studies is the difficulty of maintaining the sample from one study to the next. In addition, there is the possibility that over time, sample members will become atypical for the general population, and the data about them will not be reliable for it. Therefore, for panel studies, it is advisable to maintain such intervals that allow maximally maintaining the stability of the population under study in terms of its size and composition. In a panel study, the moments of the secondary and subsequent survey are established according to factors external to the population being studied (after a certain number of years, when carrying out certain social activities).
If the moments of repeated examination are selected taking into account the genesis of the population under study itself, as the population being examined reaches a certain stage of its development, then such a study is called longitudinal. If in panel studies the object of observation can be any age group, then in longitudinal studies, as a rule, only young people are studied as the most dynamically developing age group.
The advantages of longitudinal research compared to other types of repeated sociological research are the ability to effectively study the development processes of the objects being studied; identify specific variants of this development for the groups included in the population being studied; analyze development trends of individuals belonging to various social groups; establish changes in the connections between the studied characteristics and identify the determinants of development processes.
When conducting repeated studies of all types: cohort and historical trends, panel and, especially, longitudinal studies, it is advisable to use a new form of organizing social information - social monitoring.
In system social monitoring It is necessary to distinguish two subsystems: sociological and statistical monitoring. Sociological monitoring is a kind of holistic system for tracking changes occurring in society based on research and analysis of mass perceptions about them. Its main task is to obtain new, necessary and systematized sociological information, not all at once, but systematically, over short periods of time.
In the monitoring form of research, as a rule, mandatory monthly and quarterly express surveys are conducted on the most pressing issues.
Statistical monitoring is a system for obtaining quantitative characteristics, namely: statistical indicators and coefficients about various aspects of social life.
The main goal of statistical monitoring is the collection and transmission of a certain set of indicators of social and economic statistics necessary for the effective analysis of phenomena in political, economic, social and other spheres.
Social monitoring is an extensive system of obtaining, processing and storing sociological and statistical information on the most pressing problems in society.
The most important task of implementing the functions of a social monitoring system is the organization of complex processing of statistical and sociological information.
The specific type of sociological research is determined by the nature of the goals and objectives set in it. It is in accordance with them that three main types of sociological research are distinguished: exploratory, descriptive and analytical.
Intelligence (research) solves problems that are very limited in content. It covers, as a rule, small survey populations and is based on a simplified program and a compressed scope (toolkit).
Exploratory research is used to conduct a preliminary investigation of a particular process or phenomenon. The need for such a preliminary stage, as a rule, arises when the problem is either little or not studied at all. In particular, it is successfully used to obtain additional information about a subject and object, to clarify and adjust hypotheses and tasks, tools and boundaries of the population being surveyed in an in-depth, large-scale study, as well as to identify difficulties that may be encountered in the future.
In its auxiliary tasks, intelligence research serves as a provider of intelligence. In this sense, we can talk about such a variety as an express survey, the purpose of which is to obtain individual information that is of particular interest to the researcher at the moment.
Typically, intelligence research uses one of the most accessible methods of collecting primary sociological information, which makes it possible to do this in a short time. In addition, if we are talking about clarifying the subject and object of a large-scale study, an analysis of specialized literature can be carried out, as well as a survey of competent specialists (experts) or people who are well aware of the characteristic features and characteristics of the research object.
Descriptive research is a more complex type of sociological analysis, which allows one to form a relatively holistic picture of the phenomenon being studied and its structural elements. In addition, understanding and taking into account such comprehensive information helps to better understand the situation and more deeply justify the choice of means, forms and methods of managing social processes.
Descriptive research is carried out according to a detailed program and on the basis of methodically tested tools. Its methodological and methodological equipment makes it possible to group and classify elements according to those characteristics that are identified as significant in connection with the problem being studied.
Descriptive research is usually used when the subject is a relatively large community of people with diverse characteristics. This could be a team of a large enterprise, where people of different professions and age categories work, having different work experience, level of education, marital status, etc., or the population of a city, district, region, region.
The choice of methods for collecting information in a descriptive study is determined by its objectives and focus. Their combination increases the representativeness, objectivity, and completeness of sociological information, and therefore allows for more informed conclusions and recommendations.
Analytical sociological research aims to in-depth study of a phenomenon, when it is necessary not only to describe the structure, but also to find out what determines its main quantitative and qualitative parameters.
Due to this purpose, analytical research has especially great scientific and practical value.
If in the course of a descriptive study it is established whether there is a connection between the characteristics of the phenomenon being studied, then in the course of an analytical study it is determined whether the discovered connection is causal in nature. For example, if in the first case there is a connection between satisfaction with the content of the work performed and its effectiveness, then in the second case it is considered whether satisfaction with the content of work is the main or minor reason, i.e. factor influencing the level of its effectiveness.
Since the reality is such that it is almost impossible to name in “pure form” any one factor that determines the features and characteristics of any social process or phenomenon, almost every analytical study examines a combination of factors. From it, factors are identified: basic and non-basic, temporary and permanent, controllable and uncontrollable, inherent in a given social institution or organization, etc.
Preparing an analytical study requires significant time, carefully developed programs and tools. According to the methods used for collecting sociological information, the analytical research is comprehensive. In it, complementing each other, various forms of questioning, document analysis, and observation can be used. Naturally, this requires the ability to interrelate, “join” information received through different channels, and adhere to certain criteria for its interpretation. Thus, analytical research differs significantly not only in the content of its preparatory stage and the stage of collecting primary information, but also in the approach to analysis, generalization and explanation of the results obtained.
A social experiment can be considered a type of analytical research.
Depending on whether the subject is considered statically or dynamically, two more types of sociological research can be distinguished - targeted and repeated.
A point study (also called a one-time study) provides information about the state and quantitative characteristics of a phenomenon or process at the time of its study. This information, in a certain sense, can be called static, since it reflects, as it were, an instant “slice” of an object, but does not answer the question about trends in its change over time.
Comparative data can only be obtained as a result of several studies conducted sequentially at certain intervals. Such studies, based on a single program and tools, are called repeated studies. In fact, they represent a means of comparative sociological analysis, which is aimed at identifying the dynamics of the development of an object.
Depending on the goals put forward, repeated collection of information can take place in two, three or more stages. The duration of the time interval between the initial and repeated stages of research is very different, because social processes have unequal dynamics and cyclicity. Often it is the properties of the object that suggest the time intervals for repeated studies. For example, if trends in the implementation of life plans of high school graduates are being studied and they were surveyed for the first time before final exams, then it is obvious that the earliest date for repeat research is after completion of admission to universities or entry into work.
A special type of repeat research is a panel study. Let's say that during a repeated study the degree of effectiveness of education is determined. It is usually determined regardless of how the object has changed during the period between the initial and repeated stages of the study. A panel study involves repeatedly studying the same individuals at specified intervals. Therefore, for panel studies, it is advisable to maintain such intervals that allow maximally maintaining the stability of the population under study in terms of its size and composition. These studies provide a good opportunity to update and enrich information reflecting the dynamics and direction of development. In addition to those mentioned in sociology, special types of sociological research are used, although much less frequently.
Main types of sociological research
Sociological research is a system of logically consistent methodological, methodological, organizational and technical procedures interconnected by a single goal: to obtain reliable information about the phenomenon or process being studied. The reliability and value of the information obtained as a result of sociological research is directly proportional to the efforts made to prepare it.
Sociological studies are divided depending on the goal, the frequency of their conduct, the scale of the information analyzed, and the complexity of the study.
Depending on the goal, sociological research can be theoretical and empirical (specific) Sociology needs both. The first are focused on developing theories, identifying social trends in the development of the system (analysis of general contradictions that arise in it and require detection and resolution). The second concerns the study of specific social problems, often associated with solving practical problems, regulating intergroup and intragroup relations and social processes. Often, research can be of a mixed nature and act as theoretical-empirical.
Depending on the frequency of sociological research, we note that one-time and repeated- depending on the need to obtain information about static or dynamic social phenomena and processes. A one-time study makes it possible to gain knowledge about their condition at the current moment, while a repeated study provides an opportunity to gain knowledge about their condition at the current moment, while a repeated study provides an opportunity to gain knowledge about the dynamics and changes in development.
Repeated studies, in turn, may be panel, cohort, trend. The first involves studying the same social problem over a certain period of time using a single program and methodology. For example, the life plans of young people, their value orientations, interests and needs are studied at intervals of 5 years. Panel research means repeatedly studying the same population of people over a number of years on the same or similar problems. A good example of such research is the study of the life paths of the generation born in 1965-1967.
A cohort study means that the same generation of people is studied at regular intervals. These are not necessarily the same people, they are people of the same generation.
Trend studies study the same social group, for example, youth, people of retirement age. As a result, data is obtained on changes in attitudes and values of one social group but at different historical stages of the development of society. These may be the value orientations of young people of the 60s and 90s. In this case, different people are interviewed.
Depending on the specific objectives, research can act as exploratory, descriptive and analytical.
An reconnaissance, pilot, or “pilot” study has the goal of obtaining operational sociological information; it uses a tool that is condensed in scope, and a small group of respondents is studied. In addition, such a study is used to check the quality of the developed tools. For example, a decision was made to conduct a survey on a large and complex population, and for this purpose a voluminous and content-rich questionnaire was created. In this case, it is always necessary to conduct a preliminary survey of a small number of respondents (several dozen people) in order to find out how well the questionnaire “works”, whether the respondents correctly understand all the questions, whether they want to answer them, etc. After such a “pilot” study, corrections are made to the tool, the wording of answer options is clarified, and some questions are corrected. Only after such work can a survey of a large population be conducted.
Descriptive Research pursues the goal of obtaining holistic information about the phenomenon (process) being studied. The result of such a study is a general picture of the state of its object. Here the task is to perceive the problem holistically, but without showing deep insight into the essence of the matter.
Concerning analytical research, then during its implementation it is necessary to identify the causes, contradictions, nature and method of resolving problems. In an analytical study, a connection is established between the characteristics of the phenomenon (process) being studied and the factors influencing it from the inside and outside are determined. In other words, here the research goes into depth.
The same problem can be addressed in different ways depending on the type of research. Let's take, for example, the problem of students' free time (based on materials from a university). Intelligence research here will come down to identifying the quality of sociological tools and analyzing several issues (say, about the amount of free time of students at a given university, satisfaction with its implementation, the frequency of certain leisure activities).
A descriptive study will give a general and holistic picture of how students use their free time. During it, it is possible to identify differences in the use of free time by students of different courses and faculties, boys and girls living in a dormitory or with their parents, high and low achievers, etc. A descriptive study will make it possible to characterize the budget of students’ free time and its structure, to say how many hours and minutes are spent on certain types of activities, and to answer the question of the proportions between them. It will be possible to say which ways of spending leisure time will be the most common and widespread, and which are less common. From a descriptive study it will become clear what forms of use of free time students prefer - collective or individual, public or home, organized or not.
An analytical study of students’ free time includes the descriptive only as an integral part, as a fan-shaped “top layer”. Analytical research goes “in depth”, trying to answer questions primarily of a cause-and-effect nature: why do students prefer to spend their free time this way and not otherwise, is this related to the development of needs, interests, value orientations of students and, if so, how exactly? This study should answer the question why some students do not have enough free time, while others do not know how to “kill” it, what their leisure hours are occupied with, what determines the amount of free time of students, whether studying affects the quantitative and substantive aspects of free time and, if yes, then like others.
It is obvious that conducting analytical sociological research requires very serious theoretical knowledge and skills in analyzing complex social problems. What matters here is the ability to see the object and subject of sociological analysis systematically, in all its external and internal relationships and interdependencies.
Another criterion for identifying types of sociological research is their scale. Here you can call international, national, regional, industry, local research. Often such studies are conducted to compare social processes in different areas. Therefore, these studies can be classified as comparative. Comparative studies are popular in recent years in gender studies. These are studies of various social processes depending on the gender of the respondents. For example, the peculiarities of participation in entrepreneurial activities of men and women.
The type of sociological research is predetermined by the nature of the goals and objectives set, as well as the depth of the analysis of sociological processes.
There are three main types of sociological investigations:
1. Exploration – allows such research to solve limited problems. In such a study, from twenty to one hundred people are interviewed. This study involves an in-depth study of the problem. During it, goals, hypotheses, tasks, questions, and their formulations are clarified. The purpose of this study is to obtain operational sociological information.
2. Descriptive research - with its help, empirical information is obtained, which gives a relatively holistic picture of the social phenomenon being studied. The object of analysis is relatively large populations with different characteristics. One or more methods may be used. This allows you to obtain reliable, complete information and make deeper conclusions and informed recommendations.
3. Analytical research - in this type of sociological research, the reason underlying the phenomenon or process being studied is determined. Such research must have an instrumental program. This study is not comprehensive.
According to the nature of the research, sociological research is divided into:
1. Fundamental;
2.Applied (consideration of individual problems);
3.Comprehensive.
According to the type of logical problem, sociological research is divided into:
1.Search (determination of a problem situation);
2. Aerobatics;
3.Descriptive;
4.Project-prognostic.
In relation to the object of study:
1. Monographic research - the object is studied as a representative of the class of extracted objects;
2. Comparative – different objects or the same object at different times are compared;
3. Panel, comparative studies - during which the sample population consists of the same persons;
4. Repeated – this is a repeated study on the same object after a certain period of time;
5. Point (one-time) - provides information about the nature of the phenomenon or process at the time of its study.
By type of research objects:
1. Research of social communities;
2. Study of the collective behavior of public opinion of people in any area of public life.
By type of research customer:
1. State budget orders (State bodies);
2. Economic contracts (Legal entities, individuals).
Methods of sociological research
When collecting primary data, four main methods are used, each of which has two main varieties.
1.Poll: a) Questionnaire; b) Interviewing.
2.Document analysis: a) Qualitative; b) Quantitative (content - analysis).
3.Observation: a) Not included; b) Included.
4. Experiment: a) Controlled; b) Uncontrolled.
The art of questioning lies in the correct formulation and placement of questions. It's not just sociologists who ask 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. Today, in addition to sociologists, the survey method is also used by journalists, doctors, investigators, teachers, and so on.
How then does a sociological survey differ from them?
The first distinguishing feature is the number of respondents. The specialists mentioned above usually deal with one person. A sociologist interviews hundreds and thousands of people and only then, summarizing the information received, draws conclusions. Why does he do this? When one person is interviewed, they get a personal opinion. For a journalist interviewing a pop star; a doctor who makes a diagnosis based on the patient’s words; An investigator looking for the causes of a person’s death doesn’t need more. They need the personal opinion of the interviewee.
On the contrary, a sociologist, interviewing many people, is interested in public opinion. Individual deviations, subjective prejudices, prejudices, erroneous judgments, intentional distortions, if processed statistically, cancel each other out. As a result, the sociologist receives an average picture of reality. He interviewed 100 engineers, but identified an average representative of this profession. That is why the sociological questionnaire does not require you to indicate your last name, first name, patronymic, or address. She's anonymous. So, a sociologist, receiving statistical information, identifies social personality types.
The second distinctive feature is reliability and objectivity. It is closely related to the first: by interviewing hundreds and thousands of people, the sociologist gets the opportunity to process the data mathematically. He averages out diverse opinions and as a result receives much more reliable information than a journalist. It can even be called objective if all scientific and methodological requirements are strictly observed. Although it was obtained on the basis of subjective opinions.
No one in the world has invented a more perfect way to combine the incompatible - fire and water, ice and flame. This small miracle of scientific knowledge is performed by mathematical statistics. True, it demands a high price for this - perfect mastery of the methodology and technology of sociological research, all the subtleties of which can only be learned through many years of continuous work.
The third distinguishing feature is the purpose of the survey. A doctor, journalist or investigator does not strive for the truth at all, seeking the truth from the interviewee: the investigator to a greater extent, the journalist who was ordered sensational material, to a lesser extent. But none of them is aimed at expanding scientific knowledge, enriching science, or clarifying the truth.
The data obtained by sociologists on the patterns of connection between the work of engineers and the ratio to work and form of leisure will free his colleagues from the need to conduct the survey again. If it is confirmed that varied work (an engineer) entails varied leisure, and monotonous work (a worker on an assembly line) is associated with monotonous, meaningless pastime (drinking, sleeping, watching TV), and such a connection is theoretically proven, then we will receive a scientific fact. It is universal and universal.
Sociological survey and its variety.
A survey is a method of collecting primary information in sociological research, which involves an oral or written address to the population of people under study with questions the content of which represents the research problem at the empirical level, as well as statistical processing of the responses received. Specifics of the social survey:
1) information is provided directly by the bearer of the problem being studied or by a participant in the events being studied;
2) the survey is aimed at identifying those aspects of the problem that are not always reflected in documentary sources and are not always accessible to direct observation;
3) a survey is a type of social psychologist. communication between the questionnaire and the respondent;
4) the survey can be used to study a variety of spheres of society;
5) a survey allows you to survey large groups of people in a short time.
Main stages of preparing and conducting a survey
1) setting the definition of the goal, object, subject matter;
2) justification for sampling;
3) justification for the questionnaire.
Types of survey:
1)by contact forms:
a) personal or indirect;
b) individual. or group;
c) free or formalized or focused;
d) oral or written;
e) continuous or selective;
2) in general:
a) questionnaire b) interview.
Questionnaire - there is a special prepared questionnaire, filled out by the respondent independently.
The questionnaire consists of:
1) title page (introductory part). The purpose of the survey, brief instructions for filling out the questionnaire, deadlines for returning the questionnaire;
2) the main content. Contains contact questions and main questions and closing questions;
3) socio-demographic (passport) about the objective position and status of the respondent;
4) conclusion (gratitude is expressed for participation in the study).
Types of surveys:
1) handout (the most reliable type of survey, when the respondent receives the questionnaire from the hands of the surveyor);
2) postal survey (sent by mail);
3) press survey (the questionnaire is published in the press).
Interview – a type of survey, based on direct socio-psychological interaction between the researcher and the respondent in accordance with the stated goal.
Depending on the type of communication between the respondent and the interviewer, there are:
1) free interview (without a conversation plan);
2) formalized (communication goes according to plan);
3) focused (collection of information about a specific situation);
4) telephone interview (advantages: efficiency, low cost).
The validity and reliability of the data obtained will depend on the personality of the interviewer. Questionnaire or interview question: this is an appeal to the respondent in order to obtain information from him on the research topic.
Classification of questions:
2) by form (direct, indirect, open, closed, semi-closed). Methodological requirements for writing questions:
1) questions should not contain explicit or implicit clues;
2) the meaning of the question must be clear for all respondents and interviewers;
3) questions should not contain terms and concepts that are unclear to the respondent;
4) all questions must correspond to the problem being studied;
5) if the question is complex, then instructions are required after its formulation;
6) control and testing operations.
The questionnaire includes three stages: a) logical control - over the compliance of the questionnaire questions with quality criteria; b) calculating the compliance of the questionnaire with methodological requirements; c) testing the questionnaire.
Social research is a system of theoretical and empirical procedures that contribute to obtaining new knowledge about the object under study in order to solve specific theoretical and social problems.
Types: Depending on the depth, scale and complexity of the analysis, reconnaissance (aerobatic), descriptive and analytical studies are distinguished:
1. Pilot (reconnaissance) - the simplest type of research, limited in time and sample size, allows you to get a general idea of the object, often used as an auxiliary study before a larger-scale study. Social scientists often use it to test instruments. It can act as an independent one. When a researcher is limited in his resources and solves a small range of problems in small studies.
2. Descriptive - a more complex and large-scale method of collecting, processing and analyzing social information, gives a relatively holistic picture of the object being studied, its structural elements; a detailed program is developed for this study, tools are developed, which are preliminarily tested in a pilot study. The object is quite large groups. In an object, homogeneous groups are identified, which are given characteristics. A comparison of groups is made according to some characteristics. The most common type of research.
3. Analytical - the most in-depth type of sociological analysis. It provides not only a description of the structural elements. the phenomena being studied, but the reasons that underlie the identified differences between the groups will also be clarified. Here, a connection is established between the individual parameters of the phenomena being studied. As a rule, a complex of methods is used. Its preparation requires a lot of time. It requires a lot of labor and is used less frequently for making management decisions.
Types by time difference:
1. Point - one-time, allows you to obtain the characteristics of the phenomenon being studied at a certain point in time and does not answer the question about the variability of this phenomenon and existing trends.
2. Repeated - involves conducting several studies using similar programs and using similar tools (divided into:
a) trend - carried out within a single general population at a certain time interval to identify and analyze changes occurring in a certain social group. They are divided into cohort (when a certain age group is studied - a cohort, the composition of the group can change (people of the same year of birth)) and historical (the cohort is examined at certain intervals. (Youth 25 years old with a period of 3-4 years - the age range remains unchanged).
b) panel - survey of the same individuals at certain time intervals. The sample population remains unchanged. The main difficulty is maintaining the sample from one study to another. Since it cannot be saved, a slight change in the panel is allowed. To do this, a sample 20% larger than the calculated one is polled. Information is received about individual changes.
c) longitudinal - a long periodic study of the same individuals is conducted as the population under study reaches a specific stage of its development. Youth development - age-related changes. Longer, systematic, associated with direct changes in age.
d) monitoring - periodic study of a certain social phenomenon or social group over a fairly long period of time).
Types depending on the method of collecting sociological information:
1. Survey method - asking the respondent questions, recording their answers, followed by statistical processing. It is divided into questioning - during questioning, the respondent fills out the questionnaire himself. (by method of delivery of questionnaires: handout, postal, press, electronic; depending on the number: individual, group, mass) and interview, the questionnaire is filled out by the interviewer himself (by degree of formalization: standardized, semi-standardized, free, narrative (life event); by the number of respondents: individual, group (open group interview and focus group)).
2. Method of observation - according to the degree of formalization: standardized (definitions of human behavior)/non-standardized (in general human behavior); by observer position: open/hidden; according to the degree of observer involvement: included/not included.
3. Method of document analysis - any material carrier of information that is socially significant. (photos, documents, videos, souvenirs, etc.) There are formalized (content analysis) - strictly defined elements and informal (traditional) ones.
Social experiment - certain conditions are set and their influence on the phenomenon being studied is studied.
Psychological methods are also used: sociometric survey (studying relationships in a team) and test techniques (identifying the psychological characteristics of respondents).
There are quantitative and qualitative social research strategies:
1. Quantitative - a traditional approach in sociology, theoretically based on positive sociology coming from Comte, Durkheim, aimed at studying mass phenomena. (large groups are studied). Statistical methods of processing, identifying patterns, and generalized characteristics for the social groups being studied are used. Formalized methods of collecting social information are used.
2. Qualitative - aimed at studying social phenomena and processes from a perspective. individual as the beginning of any social reality, is theoretically based on the theories of Weber, Schutz, Simmel, etc. A sociologist studies the personal meanings of people (motives, goals of activity), but it is believed that it is not the individual that is being studied, but the typical, because Each person is a bearer of the meaning of a certain social group.
4. Sociological research program. Structure and content
Methodological and procedural sections of the program and their content.
Execution of any social The research includes a number of mandatory stages:
1. Development of a social research program.
2. Collection of primary social information.
3. Primary data processing and entering it into the computer.
4. Data analysis.
5. Preparation of reports and analytical reports.
A program refers to a type of strategic document of scientific research, the purpose of which is to present a general scheme or plan for a future event, to outline the concept of the entire study. It contains a theoretical justification for methodological approaches and methodological techniques for studying a specific phenomenon or process.
1. Theoretical and applied research, the purpose of which is to contribute to the solution of social problems by developing new approaches to their study, interpretation and explanation, deeper and more comprehensive than before.
2. Applied sociological research aimed at the practical solution of fairly clearly defined social problems in order to propose specific methods of action within a certain time frame. These are studies sometimes called social engineering. Theoretical approaches, already developed in sociology, are implemented here in a specific application to a given area of social life and in these types of activities of people and organizations, and their immediate result should be the development social project, systems of measures for implementation in practice.
The research program is built depending on the stated goals. But whatever the specific purpose of the research, its general direction ultimately meets practical interests.
A carefully designed program is a guarantee of the success of the entire study. Ideally, a theoretical and applied research program includes the following elements.
Basic requirements for the program:
1. Necessity (why we chose these methods, etc.).
2. Explicitness (clarity, precision of the program).
3.Flexibility (the ability to correct errors in the process of conducting social research).
4.Logical sequence of structure.
The structure of the program includes two sections:
1. Methodological
Description of the problem field, formulation of problems;
Definition of the object, subject of research;
Defining the purpose and setting research objectives;
Clarification and interpretation of basic concepts (empirical and theoretical interpretation of basic concepts);
System analysis of the research object;
Research formulation.
2. Procedural (procedural-methodical)
Principal research plan (strategic);
Design and justification of the sample population;
Selection and justification of methods and basic procedures for data collection and analysis;
Construction of sociological tools.
The development of the program takes from 30 to 70% of labor costs.
The social research program helps the sociologist to conduct a detailed analysis of the research, to understand for himself what and how to study. The program is a statement of the essence of the social network under study. problems, goals and objectives of the main premises and hypotheses of the study, indicating the procedures and logical sequence for testing these hypotheses.
The main functions of the program in sociological research: methodological, methodological, forecasting, organizational and technological.
The methodological function of the program allows you to clearly define the problem under study, formulate the goals and objectives of the study, determine and conduct a preliminary analysis of the object and subject of the study, and establish the relationship of this study to previously carried out or parallel studies on this topic.
The methodological function of the program allows you to develop a general logical research plan, on the basis of which the research cycle is carried out: theory - facts - theory.
The organizational function ensures the development of a clear system of division of responsibilities between members of the research team and allows for effective dynamics of the research process.
Predictive function. The relationship between the problem and the problem situation depends on the type of research, on the scale and depth of the sociology of the study of the object. In a real-life object, a property is identified, defined as its side, which is determined by the nature of the problem, thereby denoting the subject of research. By scale, problems are divided into local, or micro-social; regional, covering individual regions; national, having a nationwide scope and affecting the national security of the country. According to their severity, problems are classified into imminent ones that will appear in the future, but now require prevention; relevant, i.e. already ripe, and acute, requiring immediate resolution. According to the type of trends in social change, problems are classified as destructive and degradative, which determine negative destructive processes in society; transformational, recording the transformation of society, its transition from one
qualities to another; innovative, related to various aspects of social innovation. According to the speed of development, problems are divided into passive, that is, developing slowly; active, characterized by dynamism, and superactive, growing extremely quickly.