research methods in sociology

Research methods in sociology are techniques used to study human behavior and social patterns. They include qualitative methods like interviews and observations, which provide in-depth understanding of people's experiences, and quantitative methods such as surveys and statistical analysis, which identify patterns and relationships among large groups. Researchers select methods based on their questions—whether they want detailed stories or broad trends. Combining different approaches allows sociologists to gain a comprehensive view of social phenomena, ensuring their findings are reliable and meaningful.