Running head: SOCIO-RESEARCH

SOCIO-RESEARCH
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SOCIO-RESEARCH

Table of Contents
Q1. What are some potential methods of researching the gender, race, and ethnicity of

individuals in American prisons?

Q2. Specifically what are the ways in which the gender, race and ethnicity of individuals

in American prisons could be studied using interpretive and critical framework?

Q3.What would you change, and why?

Q4.What different types of information or data would you likely obtain using this

research process?
References:

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Q1. What are some potential methods of researching the gender, race, and ethnicity of
individuals in American prisons?
According to Fraley & Hudson (2014), there are four approaches which can be used to study the
gender, race and ethnicity of individuals of prison. These are:
1. Quantitative approach
2. Time and study approach
3. Study of social construction
4. Ethnographic studies.
Each of these studies are capable of studying various related phenomenon
1. Quantitative approach: This study is concerned with the surveying, securing and
neutralizing the general relationship that exist between gender,race,class, and adjudication.
Data is collected with the help of related questionnaires.
2. Time and study approach: These study deals with how the society, economy have
involvement in the behaviors of the related person.
3. Study of social construction: Study in social construction involves analysis of portrayal of
gender, class and race. Case studies are considered for the presentation of crime problems.
4. Ethnographic studies: The data for this type of study is gathered at the base-level. This
research involves analyzing society from the view-point of the concerned subject. Observation is
the only source of data collection.

Q2. Specifically what are the ways in which the gender, race and ethnicity of individuals in
American prisons could be studied using interpretive and critical framework?

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According to Bryman (2015), interpretive case study can be divided in two categories, (1)
explaining the research anomaly and (2) selecting the approach that is finally to be adopted. The
basic components of interpretive research are as follows:
1. Interview methods- It is important on the part of the interviewer to apply proper
technique so that the needed result is obtained.
2. Previous experience of researcher- the prior experience of the researcher provides an
important understanding of the situation and acting accordingly.
3. Paying attention to participants values and norms- a researcher should set a clear mind
before judging a person. The researcher should be required to be sensitive towards the
person and not base his findings on personal assumptions (Marres & Weltevrede, 2013).
4. Biases of researcher- In this technique researcher should provide the participant with a
platform that is safe and unbiased. The researcher allow free flow of the thinking of the
participant.
5. Bracketing of researchers- According to Hughes & Huby (2012), researchers values,
interest and desires influence the approach and it is not acceptable.
6. Facility of researchers- presence of mind, listening and verbal skills of the researcher can
help in providing the participant with a trustful situation.
7. Building trust- Researcher having an open mind will help those participants who are not
cared about or unheard.
Q3.What would you change, and why?
Qualitative research provides detailed knowledge of particular issue (Marres & Weltevrede,
2013). Phenomenological studies are most important in analyzing a situation and address a
specific issue. Phenomenological studies are guided by research designs. According to Hughes &

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Huby (2012), the interpretive and critical framework is not properly utilized in the study of the
race, gender of prisoners. This method of study discovers the concerned prisoners point of view
and also enables the researcher to include his own perception on the matter. The importance of
such a model is that it can lead to crime control thereby reducing criminals. The process provides
the various aspects of the persons level of perception about society. The long term goal of a
theory should be a positive change in society so that the qualitative designs can be justified
accordingly. Hence I would not like to change anything about this research process since this
type of research is good enough to come to a suitable conclusion.

Q4.What different types of information or data would you likely obtain using this research
process?
According to Hughes & Huby (2012), research can be categorized into two types, qualitative
and quantitative. Qualitative research is done based on facts and data. Researchers creates thesis
on the basis of collected data. Quantitative research is the opposite and includes set data. The
important aspect in research is unit of analysis.
Interpretive research focuses on the problem as well as the on the participant (Thoits, 2013).
Interpretive research helps in finding a solution for the problem. I would like to obtain methods
that ensures trustworthiness on the part of the participant. A participant shall be chosen by using
sampling method. Reliability of the collected data has to be ensured. The purpose of my study
will be explore the participants perception of the prison. I would conduct in-depth interview of
the prisoner where no information is left untouched. I would like to include examples by using
this research process. I will find the background information using qualitative research process.
Data that I would obtain using qualitative research should help the society.

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References:
Bryman, A. (2015). Social research methods. UK: Oxford university press.
Fraley, R. C., & Hudson, N. W. (2014). Review of Intensive Longitudinal Methods: An
Introduction to Diary and Experience Sampling Research. The Journal of Social Psychology,
154(1), pp.89-91.
Hughes, R., & Huby, M. (2012). The construction and interpretation of vignettes in social
research. Social Work and Social Sciences Review, 11(1), pp.36-51.
Marres, N., & Weltevrede, E. (2013). Scraping the social? Issues in live social research. Journal
of Cultural Economy, 6(3), pp. 313-335.
Thoits, P. A. (2013). Self, identity, stress, and mental health. In Handbook of the sociology of
mental health. Netherlands: Springer.