Form a research question and hypothesis, think about the relationship between specific social concepts (i.e. variables), indicators of those concepts, and various research methods used by sociological researchers.

Let's begin by defining the world HYPOTHESIS: 1) A reasonable prediction of what will happen according to the researcher. 2) An assumption made to test its logical or empirical consequences. 3) A statement about some characteristic of a variable or a collection of variables.

Example of a "bad" hypothesis: "People are more generous during the holiday season than any other time of year". Why is this a bad hypothesis? Simply put, if you are unable to measure something, then what's the point? Think about the word generous, for example. How are you going to measure that? If a poor person gives one dollar, and a rich person gives 1000 dollars, who is more generous? Thus, you must clarify what you mean with the word "generous". Remember, sociology is a science!

Another problem with the above hypothesis is "holiday season".  What in the world does that mean? If someone is thinking about Christmas and another person is thinking about Ramadan, are you answering the same question? Again, remember sociology is a science. Thus, your hypothesis must have C-L-A-R-I-T-Y and must be M-E-A-S-U-R-A-B-L-E. 

So, how about this as a hypothesis: "People give more money to charity during the Christmas season than any other time of year."  What's the question you should ask? Does that question have "clarity" and is it "measurable"? And the answer to both is yes. Thus, that is good starting to having a good hypothesis. 

Methods and Indicator Clarification: below asks about scientific "method". The two methods are Quantitative and Qualitative. You should simply choose one of those methods and explain why you chose that method. In the RW text, both of them are described in detail with strengths and weaknesses. There is also my "Need to Know Research Power Point" resource available in Module 2.12.  Next, Question 3 below asks about "indicators". Think of "indicators" as types of research. For example, a survey is an indicator that will measure your hypothesis. If you choose a quantitative method for your research, one indicator that is often used is a "survey" where the researcher can get quick results and develop numbers (i.e. quantity) to describe those results.  On the other hand, if you choose to do a "qualitative" method of research, you may want to do an interview. Remember, qualitative research is about getting deeper meaning than you would otherwise get in a qualitative method.  Now, your turn!

Choosing from among the following concepts: (1) religious affiliation, (b) happiness, (c) national politics, (d) view on economics (rich vs. poor) and (e) age.

1. Develop a hypothesis to connect any TWO of these concepts (make sure that your prediction has "clarity" and is "measurable".  
2. Decide on which research method you would select to conduct a test of your hypothesis and explain your reasoning (Quantitative or Qualitative)?
3. Decide on at least TWO indicators that might be used to measure the two concepts that are included in your hypothesis. (i.e. How are you going to "back up" your claim? How are you going to evaluate your hypothesis?) Remember, indicators are the "types" of research method (i.e. survey, interview, experiment, observation, ethnography, existing sources etc.). Consult your text for more information regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your choice of "indicators". 
4. Answer the following question: What does it mean that empirical research must be "generalizable" and "representative'?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Research Question How does religious affiliation affect an individuals view on national politics Hypothesis Individuals with different religious affiliations will have varying views on national politi... View the full answer