Methods of Gathering Data

Weber suggested that sociology needs several methods of investigation. The following material provides various benefits and problems associated with four methods of gathering data.

Case Studies (Field Studies)

Description: Case studies (or field studies) explore social life in its natural setting, observing and interviewing people where they live, work, and play (Kendall, 1998:25).

Advantages: Its advantages are that the researcher can study individuals in their natural setting (e.g., at home, at work, playing, etc.). Case studies provided volumes of information such that at the end of the study the researcher has a thorough understanding of the individuals involved in the study.

Disadvantages: Drawbacks to the case study include the fact that social scientists cannot usually investigate many cases because of time constraints. Another problem with the case study is that the results may not be generalisable to the population at large.

The Survey (Interviews)

Description: The researcher asks questions of the cases face to face or in a questionnaire.

Advantages: The advantages are that data collection is more systematic (you ask the same questions of every case). Because it is systematic and generally more condensed, the researcher can investigate more cases.  Survey research can, in fact, be applied to several thousand (or million) cases. Findings may be generalisable to larger populations.

Disadvantages: When relying on a survey questionnaire, much information is lost. Facial expressions are not recorded. Environmental considerations are missed. Furthermore, information can be lost because the interviewer failed to ask the right question.