ID NO.

: 813001459
DESCRIBE THE TWO EPISTEMOLOGICAL PROCESSES THAT SOCIOLOGISTS USE TO
UNCOVER AND UNDERSTAND THE SOCIAL WORLD.

INTROUCTION
According to the dictionary definition epistemology can be defined as, The branch of
philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, its presuppositions and foundations, and its
extent and validity. Thus two epistemological processes that sociologists use to uncover and
understand the social world are quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods. When
gathering information the researcher must ensure that the information is practical, valid,
objective and reliable. Therefore when describing quantitative and qualitative data it must be
examined to what extent that these research methods meet this criteria.

1) What is quantitative data?

Quantitative data is data that usually takes the form of numerical or statistical information.
In other words it deals with information that can be measured.
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Examples of quantitative research methods : social surveys, questionnaires, official

statistics, structured interviews
Advantages of quantitative data in research
To what extent is quantitative data practical, valid, objective and reliable

2) What is qualitative data?

Qualitative data is subjective data an usually presents information about peoples feelings
and emotions
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Examples of qualitative research methods: unstructured interviews, participant

observation, case studies, documents
Advantages of qualitative data research
To what extent is qualitative data practical, valid, objective and reliable

3) Shortcomings of both quantitative and qualitative epistemological process in research

4) Conclusion
- reiterate what quantitative and qualitative research is and what type of research it will be
appropriate to use each and its importance to sociologists in uncovering an understanding the
social world.