(no subject)
I spoke too soon - back to the sociology
Main Research Method and Reasons
The method I have chosen to investigate the demise of the nuclear family is to carry out a questionnaire, as it is a practical way to gather quantifiable data.
A pilot questionnaire with a sample size of ten participants will be carried out first in order to make apparent any problems that could arise during the actual investigation; they could then be prevented from occurring - questions relating to family must be phrased carefully as it is a sensitive topic. The sample size reduces the time spent carrying out the pilot study.
The questionnaire will be comprised of closed-ended questions where a yes/no answer or selecting one of a list of given possibilities is needed so collected data is quantitative and can be analysed easily using graphs and comparable statistics. Closed questions also limit how the interviewer can interpret an answer - open-ended questions based on such an emotive topic are not recommended as they can cause the participants stress.
In order to limit interviewer bias, the questionnaires will be printed on paper and given to the participant with minimum, but standardised instructions. Participants will also be told that the answers they give are confidential, anonymous and that they have the right to withdraw at any time. Included in the instructions is an explanation of my reasons for asking these questions and a contact number (for debriefing and to suppress any suspicions members of the public may have). Questionnaires will be completed at the time of distribution in an effort to increase the response rate.
A sample size of sixty participants will be asked to complete the questionnaire from around New College Durham and Durham city centre in order to receive enough representative data for analysis. The sample will be a quota sample to incorporate participants from all age and ethnic groups, religions and classes as I need to consider all variations as they may affect family structures - family types may be dependent on religious or cultural beliefs for example in China, families reside together in one household in an extended family; the results of this investigation could never apply globally as it is assumed that the nuclear family is traditional everywhere. Despite a large sample size, the investigation is limited as it’s based in one small area and so cannot be generalised nationally - the results only apply to the region it was carried out in (County Durham). Therefore family structures may be different in other parts of the country.
Main Research Method and Reasons
The method I have chosen to investigate the demise of the nuclear family is to carry out a questionnaire, as it is a practical way to gather quantifiable data.
A pilot questionnaire with a sample size of ten participants will be carried out first in order to make apparent any problems that could arise during the actual investigation; they could then be prevented from occurring - questions relating to family must be phrased carefully as it is a sensitive topic. The sample size reduces the time spent carrying out the pilot study.
The questionnaire will be comprised of closed-ended questions where a yes/no answer or selecting one of a list of given possibilities is needed so collected data is quantitative and can be analysed easily using graphs and comparable statistics. Closed questions also limit how the interviewer can interpret an answer - open-ended questions based on such an emotive topic are not recommended as they can cause the participants stress.
In order to limit interviewer bias, the questionnaires will be printed on paper and given to the participant with minimum, but standardised instructions. Participants will also be told that the answers they give are confidential, anonymous and that they have the right to withdraw at any time. Included in the instructions is an explanation of my reasons for asking these questions and a contact number (for debriefing and to suppress any suspicions members of the public may have). Questionnaires will be completed at the time of distribution in an effort to increase the response rate.
A sample size of sixty participants will be asked to complete the questionnaire from around New College Durham and Durham city centre in order to receive enough representative data for analysis. The sample will be a quota sample to incorporate participants from all age and ethnic groups, religions and classes as I need to consider all variations as they may affect family structures - family types may be dependent on religious or cultural beliefs for example in China, families reside together in one household in an extended family; the results of this investigation could never apply globally as it is assumed that the nuclear family is traditional everywhere. Despite a large sample size, the investigation is limited as it’s based in one small area and so cannot be generalised nationally - the results only apply to the region it was carried out in (County Durham). Therefore family structures may be different in other parts of the country.