The history of sociology has ancient roots. The first system explaining the nature, world and place of the people in it was mythology. Sociological research in world science began to play a role since the 18th century. It was then that in some countries began to regularly conduct a census. So, in the USA, such events have become permanent since 1790. The data obtained as a result of their implementation allow the government to see the emerging picture of the demographic structure of society, the dynamics of its development, etc.
Interestingly, the census is regarded as the progenitor of modern sociological research. In the 19th century similar events have been expanded. Sociological studies began to include surveys that reveal the standard of living of the population. At this time, this direction began to turn into an independent field of scientific knowledge.
And today, sociological research continues to remain relevant. When applied, they receive a wide variety of information. When applying a whole system of logically consistent organizational, technical, methodological and methodological procedures, researchers are able to obtain reliable data regarding the process or phenomenon being studied, as well as telling about contradictions and trends in their development. All this information is subsequently used in practice in managing public life.
Types of Research
The main reason for turning to sociology is the need to obtain relevant and meaningful information that reflects the most important issues related to the life of a person, groups and collectives, as well as various sectors of society. Carrying out such research contributes to the addition of statistical data. Sociology fills them with knowledge about the interests of people, opinions and requests, moods and the degree of satisfaction with leisure, life, work organization, etc.
The goal of any research in this direction is to analyze the problems that take place in life and are important for the development and functioning of society as a whole. That is why the object selected for such events should be relevant and relevant.
Sociological studies are of various kinds. The choice of a specific one is determined by the nature of the tasks and goals. All sociological studies are grouped into three main types. Among them are reconnaissance (aerobatic, sounding), descriptive, as well as analytical. There are some additional types of research. Let's consider them in more detail.
Intelligence research
Activities of this kind are the simplest kind of sociological analysis. Moreover, the tasks facing them have a specific framework. During pilot studies, a kind of running-in of all the necessary tools is carried out, including questionnaires and interview forms, questionnaires, a variety of observation cards, etc.
The program of sociological research of the intelligence type is simplified as much as possible. It provides for the examination of small populations consisting of 20-100 people.
All stages of conducting a sociological study are usually the threshold of a deep study of the problem. During such events, hypotheses and goals, tasks and questions are clarified, as well as their wording.
Such studies are advisable in case of insufficiently studied or first posed problem. The need for them is caused by the receipt of operational information.
Descriptive Study
This type of sociological analysis is more complex. It allows you to get information that gives a holistic picture of the object of study. A descriptive study is carried out in cases where the required data relate to a large population, characterized by various characteristics. This may be, in particular, a team of employees of a large enterprise, because it will certainly be made up of people of different ages and sexes, professions, work experience, etc.
Comparison of characteristics of interest is carried out when isolating homogeneous groups from the structure of the object (by specialty, level of education, etc.).
When passing through the stages of conducting a sociological study of a descriptive type, one or several methods are used at once to collect the necessary data. All this helps to increase the reliability of information by making informed conclusions and giving the necessary recommendations.
Analytical study
This type of sociological analysis is the most serious. Its implementation is aimed at describing an element of the studied process or phenomenon. This allows us to identify the reasons that lie at its core, which is the main purpose of such an event.
When passing through the stages of a sociological study of an analytical form, we study the totality of various factors that determine a particular phenomenon. Carrying out such events is impossible without the use of polished tools and a program developed in detail.
An analytical study, as a rule, completes the intelligence and descriptive. It is comprehensive and allows to draw wider and more diverse conclusions.
Additional types of research
Sociological analysis can be:
- Single or spot. Such a study provides information on the quantitative parameters and state of a process or phenomenon at the moment when it is studied.
- Re. During these events, data is obtained on the basis of which it is possible to judge the existing dynamics in the development of the object. In turn, repeated studies can be panel (considering only one social problem) and longitudinal (repeated study of a population of people over a number of years).
- Monographic. Such a study contributes to a comprehensive, global study of the object as one of the representatives of similar phenomena or processes.
- Cohort. Such a study is designed to study people for some time (for example, a year) who simultaneously experienced the same events (admission to college, marriage, etc.).
- Cross-cultural, international. Such studies serve to compare the processes and phenomena that occur in different countries. They represent measures that are complex in their methodology, the choice of strategy and interpretation of the results is complicated by the difference in national traditions, cultural experience, mentality, etc.
Research structure
Any sociological analysis includes certain stages, phases and procedures. Depending on the type of event held, they may be different. So, a classic sociological study includes the stages:
- Preparatory. At this stage of the activities, a program for their implementation is being developed, goals are set and a plan is drawn up.
- Collection of primary information. This is the next stage of sociological research. At this stage, the results of surveys, extracts from documents are collected, observations are made, etc.
- The final one. At this stage, the preparation of information collected in the second of the stages of applied sociological research is carried out for computer processing. After that, the processing itself is carried out with subsequent data analysis. Also, at the last stage of a sociological study, conclusions are drawn based on the data obtained. On their basis, projects of measures to eliminate the investigated problem are created.
Consider the stages and program of sociological research.
Preparatory
The beginning of any case study is preceded by the process of developing a program that can be considered on the basis of two aspects. On the one hand, it serves as the main document of the undertaken scientific research. On the other hand, it represents a certain methodological model, fixing the principles and objectives of the event, as well as ways to achieve the goals.
The program of the planned sociological research is a scientific document. It is intended to reflect the logical scheme of the transition of work from a theoretical understanding of the existing problem to a specific toolkit. When considering the stages of the report on the results of a sociological study, it becomes clear that the program is the main part of this final document.
Development stages
Consider the main sections of the program of sociological analysis. When compiling a report on the work done, all of them are included in the first chapter. Its study allows you to get acquainted with the methodological (theoretical) action plan.
At the first stage of the sociological research report, a description of the problem situation is made. It also formulates the problem that should be highlighted in the event.
The sequence of stages of the report of a sociological study, which are similar in content to the compiled program, is:
- Selecting an object to study. It is that which implicitly or explicitly contains a social contradiction, which creates the creation of a problem situation.
- Determination of the subject of ongoing activities. By such are meant the most significant from the theoretical and practical side properties and features of the object. These indicators are subject to study.
When studying the sequence of stages of the report on the results of a sociological study, we move on to the second section. It includes the formulation of the goals and objectives of the planned work. The goal of a case study is a model of the expected result. It determines the orientation of specialists in solving applied, methodological or theoretical problems. The tasks set, which are reflected both in the research program and in the compiled report, are a system of specific requirements that are presented to the solution and analysis of an already formulated problem.
The next stage of the report on the results of a sociological study contains a general concept of measures. This is a clarification and interpretation of the meaning of the applied concepts.
The next section of the report includes the hypothesis indicated in the research program. It is the main methodological tool that contributes to the organization of the whole process and obeys its logic. A hypothesis in a sociological study is reasonable assumptions regarding the structure of the objects of study, the nature of their connections and possible solutions to the problems that have arisen.
The next section of the report is a stage of work related to the creation of a methodology for the initial collection and subsequent analysis of data, as well as the development of tools. Based on this, the type of social research and the method of obtaining data can be determined.
Collection of information
This is the second of three stages of sociological research. It involves the use of pre-prepared tools in the process of certain procedures. The main goal of such events is to collect information about the studied object. In this case, methods such as interrogation and observation, experiment and analysis of documents can be applied.
The work of this stage of sociological research is reflected in the second chapter of the report. It describes those socio-demographic features that distinguish the object of study.
Results Analysis
What is the final stage of sociological research? Processing, interpretation, analysis of the results of actions and data, development of recommendations and assessment of the effectiveness of the method used, the construction of sound and empirically verified generalizations, recommendations, conclusions and projects - all these works are carried out in the analysis of the results. The main result of a sociological study is the creation of a scientific report, which highlights all its main stages.
To process the received information, its editing is carried out. This process is a verification of data, their unification and formalization. Further information is subject to coding. This is a transition to the language of analysis by creating variables. Coding is a link between quantitative and qualitative information, as well as data entered into the computer's memory.
The next stage of the work performed is a statistical analysis. With its help, certain patterns and dependencies are revealed, on the basis of which it will be possible to draw certain conclusions. After that, the information is subject to interpretation. This process is a correlation of the obtained data with the goals and objectives of the study.
The work done is considered completed only after the submission of its results in the form of a report. It can be not only written, but also oral, short or detailed, intended for the general public or a narrow circle of specialists. After drawing up the report, it is presented to the customer. The structure and stages of sociological research are determined by its type (theoretical or applied) and must correspond to the logic of the applied concepts.
The number of sections of the report corresponds to the number of hypotheses put forward. Their wording is indicated in the program. The report on the conducted sociological research includes answers to previously put forward hypotheses.
The final section provides practical recommendations. They are based on general conclusions. All methodological and methodological documents, statistical tables, graphs, charts, and tools are mandatory attached to the report. All these materials can subsequently be used in the process of developing a program for a new sociological study.