Research methodology in sociology

Any science is based on its methodology - the system of certain rules and principles of acquisition and processing of scientific data.Survey Methodology - it is certain criteria that there is a selection of the facts of the world and formed the scientific knowledge.Moreover, many discoveries in science have been done only through new methods of investigation that are allowed to look at the usual things in another unusual perspective, with a new perspective.We can say that the methodology of the study is a certain view of the world or a phenomenon which, in turn, amenable to rational knowledge, otherwise any methods are unnecessary and useless.What else is important to highlight the issue of methodological foundations of science?This ability to correctly researchers present the findings, as well as ethical conduct in obtaining the results, it is especially important in the sciences related to the study of man and society.

Now let's talk about the specifics of sociological research.Sociology - the science, where the methodology is defined and approved by hard enough, though it does not have any special, peculiar only to her methods.But the fact that the methods of data collection and analysis in the sociology of a large number, and choose the right one that would fit for the specific tasks assigned to the scientists, it is difficult.Bad is the sociologist who, ignoring, perhaps, a little routine cabinet work immediately "runs" into the field to collect empirical data, little imagining the end result of scientific work.Activities sociologist begins in the office, where he prostraivaet clear plan of action, defines the objectives and goals of the forthcoming study, choose the method best suited to it, and only then conducts a sociological survey.

Actually, the methodology of sociological research involves sequencing the following main objectives: 1) preparation of a conceptual framework;2) determination of the object of study, its units, objectives and targets;3) formulation of hypotheses;4) development of a plan of work and the scheme for the collection and analysis of empirical data;5) preparation of a competent report on the results obtained.

characterize in more detail the meaning and content of each of the tasks of the sociologist, in determining the methodology of his research.

Comparison conceptual framework involves interpretation of theoretical knowledge and regulations in accordance with the empirical data in order to create a correct understanding of the object of study, which in any case should be formulated using basic concepts.It helps to determine the direction in which must pass the collection "field" data.This process is, above all, by analyzing the relevant literature on the subject of interest.

research methodology involves the definition of its goals and objectives.The goal - the end result of the scientific work, and it is achieved through two phases: theoretical and practical.In the first - selected for this study important conceptual tool, and at the second stage, the processing and interpretation of information in the course of the experiment, as well as the development of necessary recommendations.

As for the objectives of the study, they concretize the goal, breaking the work into stages in her academic achievement.

research methodology necessarily contains such an important element, as a hypothesis.Without any preliminary hypothesis of scientific research is incomplete and unfocused.After all, the end results should always match the pre-formulated the hypothesis of the study.Only then will they be convincing and credible.In formulating hypotheses constructed conditionally definitive statement "If ...., Then ...", where the first part of the design - this condition, and the second - this is a consequence of this condition.The final results can confirm or not to confirm the result, in this case, the hypothesis is confirmed or not confirmed.However, confirmation of the hypothesis does not mean its logical certainty but only points to its probability.

Work Plan reflects the basic tasks and methods of the proposed research in a logical sequence, he will organize the whole process and distribute responsibilities among the performers.

Finally, the methodology of the study includes the drafting of a competent and detailed report on the results of the work done.It consists of an explanatory note, which shows the sequence of execution of the program and its annexes, which presents a variety of graphics, documents and questionnaires, tests, forms, etc.

We have tried to describe the most common components of the research methodology, which determines its conduct and outcome.