Question 1

Is quantitative data always 'better' than qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

No, one is not inherently 'better'. Their suitability depends on the research question and theoretical perspective. Quantitative data is excellent for identifying large-scale patterns and testing hypotheses, prioritising reliability and generalisability. Qualitative data is superior for gaining in-depth, nuanced understanding of individual experiences, prioritising validity. Positivists prefer quantitative methods, while interpretivists prefer qualitative. Many modern sociologists use a mix of both to gain a fuller picture.

Question 2

If interpretivists don't believe in objectivity, does that mean their research is just personal opinion?

Accepted Answer

This is a common misunderstanding. Interpretivists do not reject rigour; they redefine it. Instead of striving for an impossible objectivity, they practice 'reflexivity'—constantly analysing and acknowledging how their own background and presence influence the research. The goal is not to produce a biased opinion, but to create a truthful, authentic account (high validity) of the social world, while being transparent about the subjective elements of the research process. It is an acknowledgement of the complexities of studying fellow human beings.

Question 3

Do all Marxists and Feminists use the same research methods?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. These broad perspectives are not methodologically uniform. While classical Marxists often used a positivist, structural approach (analysing economic statistics), later Marxists from the Frankfurt School were highly critical of positivism. Similarly, while some liberal feminists use quantitative surveys to highlight the scale of gender inequality (e.g., the gender pay gap), radical or standpoint feminists often use qualitative methods like unstructured interviews to give a voice to women's specific, often marginalised, experiences. The choice of method depends on the specific research question and the branch of the theory being applied.

Approaches to sociological research

What you need to know

Approaches to sociological research