The four sources of evidence

Abstract

This in-class activity is designed to introduce beginner-level students to the four major sources of evidence (ethnography; surveys; experiments; archival documents/texts) used in most sociological research. Although it could be performed as a stand-alone activity, I usually include it as part of a larger module on research methods within Introduction to...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

Completing the activity sheets will take approximately 40 minutes. Groups of 2 to 4 students typically take 15 to 20 minutes to complete all 5 questions on a single sheet. Discussion of these questions (from all four sheets) takes another 15 to 20 minutes. Going over the "sources of evidence chart" takes an additional 20 minutes.

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. [1] Students will learn basic methodological terminology such as obtrusive/unobtrusive, reactivity, inductive/deductive, quantitative/qualitative, and micro/macrosociology
2. [2] Students will learn strengths and limitations of the four sources of evidence
3. [3] Students will learn the importance of using multiple methods to achieve triangulation and, therefore, more reliable results

Goal Assessment(s):

1. [1] Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic methodological terminology by answering the questions on the four activity sheets (especially questions number 2 and 3) and oral discussion at both the group- and class-level
2. [2] Students will demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the four sources of evidence by answering the questions on the four activity sheets (especially question 4 and 5) and oral discussion at both the group- and class-level
3. [3] Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of using multiple methods by answering the questions on the four activity sheets (especially question #5) and oral discussion at both the group- and class-level