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Choosing a Methodology: How Will I Answer My Question?
After choosing your research question, you should think about how to answer it! Many
different methods are used in sociology, and choosing the right one depends on what you
want to say.
Think back to SOC 128—what methods did you learn? Generally, methods in sociology
are discussed as being either qualitative—interviews, ethnography, or participant observation—or
quantitative—statistical analyses of survey or other sorts of numeric data. In addition,
sociologists also use content analysis, historical, or archival methods, which can straddle
the boundary between qualitative and quantitative work depending on one’s approach. In
some cases, sociologists will use experimental approaches such as scenario methodology or
group / team based research that comprises a control and an experimental group.
List of Sociological Methodologies
These are discussed in Sociology 128. Ask your adviser for more information if you are not sure of a particular
method or how it might be useful you.
In-depth Interviews: An interview typically lasting 1-2 hours with each subject; can
be both open-ended (without specific questions) or more structured
Ethnography: Observations of a social space; data collection through taking notes
on what you observe
Participant Observation: Typically coupled with interviewing or ethnographic
observation—you participate in the group or organization that you wish to study to
gain more insight into the processes of that organization
Experiments: Experiments involve comparing the outcomes of a treatment group
and control group. You might have participants read a statement and respond to it,
randomly varying a key word in the prompt.
Survey Analysis: Surveys contain close-ended questions where respondents typically
select their response from a list of options
Content Analysis: The researcher looks for key words, phrases, or subject matter in
written or video media and assesses how they vary on key dimensions
Historical /Archival: The researcher uses primary source documents (bills, laws,
newspapers, letters, etc.) and interviews with key social actors to piece together how
a historical event occurred.
Generally, methods in
sociology are discussed as
being either qualitative—
interviews, ethnography, or
participant observation—or
quantitative—statistical
analyses of survey or other
sorts of numeric data.
A Guide to Writing a Senior Thesis in Sociology | page 13