... a research method. The methods we choose are greatly influenced by a number of factors from theoretical to ethical pressures. Practical pressures such as time, money and access, are a large factor shaping our choice and the limitations are evident in almost every method available. Though along with the limitations of funding, time constraints and gaining access to data or respondents come other restrictions such as ethics, the context in which the research is being carried out and the basic preference or theoretical approach to the research. Ackroid and Hughes would argue that unlike tools in a toolbox, sociological methods do not have a clear, unequivocal, purpose. The main types of research available fall under four main categories. Observational studies are a form of research widely used. There are two forms of observation, participant and non participant; both can be carried out with or without the studied person's knowledge. They ...

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