Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Hello kids, it sure is nice to type to everyone today.  Our nanny got sick and called in last night so I am at home today with Luella.  I believe Mrs. Wood is your substitute today. She is awesome and deserves your utmost respect. I better not hear any thing negative! And always...be sociologically mindful.

Yesterday I introduced two terms that sociologists use when conducting research: qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative research is data that is collective in non-numerical form. It would be information gained through interviews, non-multiple choice questions, free-response questions and scientific observation.

Quantitative research is data that is acquired through specific question with multiple choice answers, polls, Likert scale and questionnaires.  The research is driven by statistical data and is easier to analyze than qualitative but as we read in Gang Leader for the Day can often dehumanize the research.  

Today you will be doing two activities that revolve around these two types of research.  For each activity you need to type up a one to two paragraph response to the activity and post it on your blog. Please title the blog "Quantitative vs. Qualitative".   This blog post must be posted today.

Activity One:

1) Please read that following sociological and psychological study that was just released by Chapman University in California.  

https://qz.com/898207/the-psychology-of-why-americans-are-more-scared-of-terrorism-than-guns-though-guns-are-3210-times-likelier-to-kill-them/

Here is a video that highlights the survey and research done by Chapman University on American Fears

http://www.chapman.edu/wilkinson/research-centers/babbie-center/survey-american-fears.aspx

2) Throughout the reading make note of when you notice the use of qualitative and quantitative data in the study. 

3) Discuss with your group where you noticed the two types of data being used.

4) Write one paragraph that explains where the study used both types of research.  Which type of research do you feel was the most convincing in proving their thesis?

5) Write a one paragraph reaction to the article. Were you surprised? Do you agree with their thesis? How do you feel about it? 

Activity Two:

1) With your group come up with a sociological question that revolves around Stevenson High School. For example: What are leading characteristics in determining who donates the most money to school sponsored charity fundraisers?    You can't use that one in your post!

2) Create a list of 5 quantitative questions you could ask your researchers to find out.

3) Create a list of 3 qualitative research strategies you could do to aid you in your study.

4) Write a one to two paragraph explanation of what your study would be about, how you would do the research and what your quantitative and qualitative research would be.

Again please have this typed up and finished by today.  And be super nice to Mrs. Wood. She is the best!!!!!

See you tomorrow!