To Sum it Up – Research Methods associated with Theoretical Perspective

“The theoretical perspective that your hypothesis reflects also suggests the methods of gathering information”
(Holloway, G. 2003)

Theory Quantitative Research Methods Qualitative Research Methods

Functionalism Survey Methods
e.g. Stats Canada Applies functionalism using
census every 5 years to produce demographics
and publish reports on trends in Canadian
behaviour
Family Systems Observation Interviews
Observe interactions among family members Observe interactions – how individuals
adapting to internal/external stimuli collaborate to carry out a plan or goal

Symbolic Interview data/personal observation data – view Interview – to ask individuals to explain
Interactionism real behaviour (including behaviour people not their behaviour as it makes sense to
aware of, unable to explain) them

Social Exchange Survey the values and priorities of people

Theory Experiments to determine factors that affect
people’s choices

Developmental Questionnaires/interviews to gather life histories
Theories from many people
Experiments determine cause/effect relationships
Conflict Theories Argue that objective methods that only describe
behaviour further supports social inequalities
Content Analysis for historical research
Sample group should: be of various
ages, repeated later to determine
whether patterns apply to different
generations and reliable for predicting
behaviour
Therefore, they gather data using only
qualitative methods and content
analysis to determine behaviour –
analysis designed to point out
inequities
To Sum it Up – Research Methods associated with Theoretical Perspective

“The theoretical perspective that your hypothesis reflects also suggests the methods of gathering information”
(Holloway, G. 2003)