Research methods

I begin this chapter with an overview of research methodology as an essential part of investigating and creating knowledge about social problems. I argue that research methods emerge from and support different theoretical traditions in social problems. Quantitative and qualitative methods are then introduced and compared in the context of their shared emphasis on empirical research. I then describe three major data collection methods used in the social sciences: survey interviews, in-depth interviews, and ethnography. Each method is discussed in terms of its conceptual framework and its approach to data collection and analysis.