Outline
Components of sociological research are the necessities of carrying out a study of a particular issue of society in the field. They include formulation of a research topic which is followed by a study of literature concerning the subject so as to get a deeper understanding of the problem and assist in hypothesis formulation. A method or design is then selected which is used to collect information in the field, followed by data analysis and theorization. Culture is another aspect of importance in sociology consisting of three components; land, customs and language which are learnt in the process of interaction by members of a society. This way, culture is carried on to generations which they use to identify themselves with hence conserving their way of life.
Introduction
(Hoy, 1995 pp13-14) argues that, sociological research is the research done in the field of sociology and has a number of components that are applied in its implementation. These components entail the whole process of research from preparation of an issue to be researched to the main exercise of data collection. A research question should first be chosen wisely which should give a direction on the type of methodology to be applied. However, a sociological researcher should make sure that he/she observes objectivity as well as neutrality.
Argument and Personal View on Components of Sociological Research
The actual process of research starts with designing of a research topic which involves an evaluation of the available choices then picking one that is most applicable in the research field. The topic should consist of research problem that needs investigation as well as operational concepts defining that problem. The next step should be literature review of the topic which is derived from work that has been tackled. The reason for this is to avoid repetition of another researcher’s work or to get an idea of what has not been researched as this knowledge helps one to understand the problem better. A hypothesis is then formulated which is a necessary guide while in the field since they are informed guesses of expected outcome, showing relationship between variables.
A research design or methodology is then chosen considering their cost, level of accessibility and time that will be used while collecting data using that design. Cost of the chosen design should be affordable and within limits of budget that is set for that particular exercise. It is after an appropriate method has been decided upon that actual data collection commences where hypotheses are used as guiding principles. Resultant information is then analyzed and conclusions made which is followed by report writing of the various findings. A personal view is that, in the entire process, an appropriate design of problem, hypothesis and methodology are key necessities of an ideal outcome in research. The methodology should have organized and systematic steps ensuring consistency of sociological research as well as promoting validity necessary in theorization. (Hoy, 1995 pp 15-17)
Description on How Components of Culture are taught and Learned
Culture is the way in which people live consisting of three components which are land, customs and language. These are integrated in everyone’s life and are well learnt in the process of interaction with others in the society.
Customs are those events that occur regularly in one’s life, for example when attending weddings, burials, church services, among others which have an additional advantage of giving identity to an individual. Language are those symbols and sounds used by people to help them express their feelings thoughts, dreams, hopes, to other people or even themselves. Language is practically learnt through interaction in the community and in turn helps one to effectively interact with others. Land is the third and most important component as without it, culture may become lost since people will lack somewhere to identify with as their own. (Ingold, 1994)
Conclusion
The components of research in sociology are very important regardless of the topic of concern and should be applied accordingly for good results. On Completion of research, it’s necessary to check on the quality of findings which can be used to formulate theories depending on their validity. On the other hand, culture is also an essential part of a human beings’ life, so it should be learnt and carried on to all generations as a way of conserving them in the society.
References
Hoy W. (1995): Theory, Research, and Practice: McGraw Hill College pp 13-17.
Ingold T. (1994): Humanity, Culture, and Social Life: Blackwell Synergy pp 34-36.