Explain with examples how the theoretical perspective of the researcher accepts choice of method

The choice of method utilise to collect data is used by the theory that the given sociologist accepts. Most sociological theories have certain types of data they tend to collect, and certain methods that they choose to adopt.The cardinal proficiencys used be quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative techniques be used to measure distribution and the extent of a friendly characteristic. This technique is also useful when comparing deuce fond variables such as social class and educational achievement. The technique provides a percent board or numerical feedback, allowing a statistical set out to sociological interrogation. This type of research relies heavily on second gearary data, i.e. research non collected by other parties, such as functionary statistics and social surveys, especially ones involving a formal interview.The Quantitative research technique is favoured highly by positivists who see measurement and statistics as a life-and-death element in making sociol ogy more scientific. This technique can substantially be duplicated, ingeminate and classified to achieve the same results, meaning the finis can be confirmed as fact. Positivists may also get their own primary material through creating questionnaires or structured interviews.The second research technique is Qualitative. Qualitative research is not based on measurements or statistics, and is useful if the researcher does not require a quantified participate or if the subject that is being studied cant be scarcely measured. This style works well with participant observation as the commentator may want to simply observe behaviour rather than cross-file it.Interpretivists prefer the Qualitative technique as they employ methods such as in depth interviews, non-participant and participant observation. These methods are not easily repeated and no two observations may be the same, but that are hush up very valid.Traditionally, those who followed positivism were the Structuralists, the Functionalists and to a certain degree the Marxists.The Structuralists believe that the dust of society took greater precedence than the elements within the transcription, so individuals are direct by society.Functionalists resembling Durkheim and Parsons believed that the actions of the individuals in society were controlled by the cultural system that they belonged to.Marx tried to apply more generalised historical social laws to his theories to resolve and predict societys future. However, some positivists have criticised him for not being scientific enough, and make that his ideas are merely theoretical.The main body of interpretivism is made up of Phenomenologists and ethnomethodoligists. Phenomenologists are concerned with understanding how domain understand their environment and the world close to them. The distinction between Phenomenology and positivism is often exaggerated. For role model, Durkheim, the founding father of Functionalism did not stick rigidly to his own methodology. He made mental sketches of what it was like to be a Roman Catholic or Protestant.Ethnomethodology looks at how humans categorise the world around them, how people give meaning to their social world. This approach is only concerned with the subjective approach.Some sociologists do not fit directly into a category, interpretivist or positive. Symbolic interactionists such as Becker are commonly described as interpretivists as they understand they must appreciate the point of view of the actor, nevertheless, they still try to maintain a casual relationships. Some develop hypotheses and assess these against further evidence. Another framework of a sociologist who crossed the boundaries was Cicourel, and ethnomethodoligist also used statistics to study juvenile justice.In modern times, theoretical commitment is not seen as important as structure and action and a mixed of methods is employed. For example Lea and boyish have both used in depth interviews and statis tics when analysing crime.Important points to pose into consideration are that some techniques are better at analysing phenomenon than others. For example you would have great difficulty using social survey or official statistics to study police brutality or new age travellers. Some methods may be rejected as unethical such as covert participant research. Practical considerations are also noted. Time, bullion and number of collaborators may be affected if research is funded by a particular body.In conclusion, tradition dictates that there are only two choices of research technique that are adopted by different social theories, but in reality however, many sociologists find that the best counseling to achieve reliable and valid results is by combining both qualitative and quantitative.