Sociological research

Sociological research is a process that consists of successive methodological, methodological and organizational and technical actions that are connected by a single goal - obtaining accurate data on the phenomenon being studied, which can be used in the future for practical purposes.

Sociological research consists of three stages. This is the development of the program and the choice of research methods; Conducting empirical research; Data processing, analysis, drawing conclusions, writing a report.

Applied sociological research is usually empirical. It focuses on the practical solution of the problems of society, often limited to finding a way to solve a particular problem in specific conditions and on a specific social object. In the course of such research, previously obtained theoretical knowledge is used in a finished form when analyzing collected data, interpreting concepts, compiling a program, scientific research report, etc. The main role is played by quite specifically formed business recommendations, not theory.

Concrete sociological research is understood as the systematic use of scientific methods for studying a specific fragment of reality relating to the life of society. Such research is carried out at all levels of sociological science.

At the basic level of sociology, such studies are called specific. They have a clear practical focus. At the same time, they may well be subject to the goals of scientific study of the society.

There are three types of concrete research in sociology: intelligence, descriptive and analytical.

The first kind, reconnaissance - is the study of the most elementary level, which allows you to solve a fairly narrow range of tasks. During this type of research, tools (documents) are tested: questionnaires, questionnaires, cards, etc. As a rule, a group of individuals are examined, with no more than a hundred people. This sociological study usually precedes a more serious study of the problem. In his course, the hypotheses, goals, questions and tasks are clarified.

Descriptive is the study of a more complex level of analysis. In this way, empirical information is studied, which is capable of giving a more holistic view of the phenomenon of social life under study. The object of analysis is a large group of individuals of society (for example, a large workforce).

In this study, many methods of information collection are used, which significantly increases their reliability and completeness, allowing to draw deeper conclusions.

Analytical - sociological research of the highest and most serious level. It does not just describe the phenomena studied, but also explains the reasons that lie at their basis. In the course of such a study, a set of factors that justify a certain social phenomenon are studied . In most cases, investigations of this nature are completed by reconnaissance and descriptive stages.

Isolate in a separate group also this type of research as a re-comparative. It is conducted in order to determine the dynamics inherent in the course of social processes.

A special kind of research is monitoring. It must be comprehensive, systematic and periodic. So information is collected and systematized.

The results obtained after the survey are reflected in a special report. The structure of this report corresponds to the logic of the main stages of the study. The number of sections of the report is usually equal to the number of hypotheses specified in the research program. First of all, the report is given on the main hypothesis.