Discussion Chapter 2: Essay Question
Instructions: Please post directly into Discussion board. Please remember to proofread for grammar and spelling errors, and answer question in essay format (no numbering, bullets, outline, half-sentences). Please refer to the syllabus for assignment requirements and the discussion rubric for additional support.
Alternatively, students can choose to write a 400 word count essay for each question part (400 words for Part a and 400 words for Part b), which means 2 separate essays; instead of combining the question parts into one 400 word essay as discussed above. Most of time, one essay can be used to answermultiple questions because the concepts relate. This is a choice each student will have to make when the questions have multiple parts. Some students may want to present the topics in separate essays when they do not cover similar concepts from the text (2 totally different topics) and the questions are vastly different. I highly recommend using 2 essay replies when the topics differ.
Lastly, please do not forget to address each question in the assignment. Students often answer only 1 or 2 questions in each part thinking this is sufficient. I am reading and grading for answers to each question I have included; when a part is left out points are lost. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Essay Questions
2a. What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research? Give an example of each from the chapter. In what kinds of cases might one choose one or the other research method in order to effectively address an issue of interest? Which research method appeals most to you and why?
2b. Sociologists often use interviews and surveys as methods for collecting data. What are potential problems with these methods of which researchers need to be aware? What steps can researchers take to ensure that the data they are collecting are of good quality?