SYBA Sociology – Research Methodology (Unit 1 & 2): quick revision, 35 bites

Social Research: Science Applied to Society

Society can be studied scientifically.

Takeaway. Social research turns everyday questions about society into structured, evidence-based inquiry.

7 Aims of Social Research

Why do researchers study society?

Takeaway. The core aim is to build systematic knowledge that helps understand and improve society.

Motives Behind Social Research

Curiosity is a research tool.

Takeaway. Motives range from personal curiosity to large-scale social improvement.

8 Principles Every Researcher Must Follow

No principles, no credibility.

Takeaway. These principles make social research trustworthy and useful.

Basic vs Applied Research

Knowledge for its own sake vs solving problems.

Takeaway. Both are valid — the choice depends on whether you want to understand or to solve.

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research

Words or numbers? Pick your lens.

Takeaway. Qualitative explores 'why', quantitative measures 'how much'.

Interview: Direct Conversation for Data

Ask, listen, record — that's an interview.

Takeaway. Interviews give depth and flexibility that written methods often cannot.

Questionnaire: A Structured Question List

One form, many respondents.

Takeaway. Questionnaires are efficient for collecting data from large groups in an organised way.

Observation: Watching Behaviour Systematically

See what people actually do.

Takeaway. Observation captures real behaviour, not just what people say they do.

Structured vs Unstructured Questionnaire

Fixed options or free answers?

Takeaway. Structured gives comparability; unstructured gives depth.

Open-ended vs Closed-ended Questions

Own words or tick a box?

Takeaway. Open-ended explores; closed-ended measures.

Structured vs Unstructured Interview

Same questions or free-flowing talk?

Takeaway. Semi-structured interviews combine both — some prepared questions plus flexibility.

Participant vs Non-participant Observation

Join the group or watch from outside?

Takeaway. Participant observation gives insider insight; non-participant keeps distance and objectivity.

9 Steps to Conduct an Interview

Plan, rapport, record, analyse.

Takeaway. A systematic interview process yields accurate, relevant and detailed information.

9 Steps to Build a Questionnaire

From objective to final form.

Takeaway. Pilot testing is the step most students forget — it separates a good questionnaire from a bad one.

8 Ethics Rules in Social Research

Protect people, protect your credibility.

Takeaway. Each ethics principle can be asked as a short note — learn them individually.

The 12-Step Research Process

From topic to report — the full journey.

Takeaway. Remember the flow: Topic → Problem → Literature → Objectives/Hypothesis → Design → Sampling → Data → Analysis → Interpretation → Conclusion → Report.

Research Problem: The Starting Point

No problem, no research.

Takeaway. A well-defined research problem gives direction to the entire study.

Hypothesis: A Testable Prediction

An educated guess you can test.

Takeaway. A hypothesis gives direction and helps the researcher test relationships between variables.

Research Design: The Road Map

Your plan before you begin.

Takeaway. Research design is the road map — it makes research systematic, organised and efficient.

Sampling: Studying a Part of the Whole

200 students represent 2,000.

Takeaway. Sampling lets you study a representative part instead of every member of a population.

Concept vs Variable

Idea vs measurable form.

Takeaway. Concept = idea; Variable = measurable/changeable form of an idea.

7 Functions of a Hypothesis

A hypothesis does more than predict.

Takeaway. A hypothesis is the compass that keeps research from drifting.

7 Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

Clear, specific, testable — or it's useless.

Takeaway. If a hypothesis cannot be tested, it is not a hypothesis — it is an opinion.

7 Sources of a Research Problem

Where do research questions come from?

Takeaway. Research problems emerge from both academic sources and real-life social situations.

8 Factors in Formulating a Research Problem

Not every problem is researchable.

Takeaway. A research problem must be clear, practical, researchable and socially relevant.

7 Reasons a Research Problem Matters

A bad problem ruins the whole study.

Takeaway. A clear research problem is the foundation of successful research.

Confusing Concept with Variable

Don't mix ideas with measurements.

Takeaway. Concept = idea; Variable = measurable form. Always convert before measuring.

Exam Tip: Ethics Points Are Short Notes

Each ethics principle can be a 4-mark question.

Your question bank specifically states that **any single point of research ethics** can be asked as a short note.

Takeaway. Don't just memorise the list — prepare each ethics principle as a standalone short note.

Memory Trick: The Research Process Flow

One arrow chain to remember it all.

Remember the research process as a single arrow chain:

Takeaway. If you can recite this chain, you can reconstruct the full 12-step research process in the exam.

Exam Tip: Research Process Is a 10/15-Mark Question

High-weightage — prepare it fully.

Takeaway. The research process is one of the highest-weightage answers in Unit 1 — don't skip it.

Real World: Studying AI Use Among Students

From topic to questionnaire in one study.

Takeaway. The best way to remember research methods is to imagine applying them to a topic you care about.

6 Types of Interviews at a Glance

Six ways to ask questions.

Takeaway. Choose the interview type based on how much structure and flexibility your research needs.

6 Types of Observation at a Glance

Six ways to watch behaviour.

Takeaway. The type of observation depends on the research problem and objectives.

6 Types of Questionnaires at a Glance

Six formats, one goal.

Takeaway. A good questionnaire contains clear, simple and relevant questions — regardless of type.