The Six Main Research Methods in Social Science

The Six Main Research Methods in Social Science Research:

Experiments
Questionnaires/Surveys
Qualitative Interviews
Existing Statistics / Secondary Data
Observations
Content Analysis

DIRECTIONS: Below is six scenarios: answer all six scenarios with the most appropriate method (do not use duplicate methods—each scenario has one best method from the six main types). Once you’ve chosen the appropriate method you need to write 2-3 sentences explaining why this method is preferred.

Scenarios:

1) You want to determine the amount of explicitly violent language in songs currently in the Top 40.

2) You want to explore the kind of childhood background convicted murderers experienced at Jackson Prison.

3) You want to study the snacking preferences of college students using vending machines after midnight.

4) You want to find out if college students in Southeast Michigan use(d) recreational drugs as a form of relaxation and/or stress reduction.

5) You want to compare the per capita robbery rates reported to the police over the last decade.

6) You want to show sexually explicit videos to a group of people over 50 and a group of people under 50 to measure levels of embarrassment.