What research methods do sociologists use to study social problems?

Question

In which situations do they use these?

Answer 1

To start with there are 2 main ways to look at social problems...either qualitatively (using smaller numbers of people but getting a more in-depth understanding) or quantitatively (using larger numbers of people but getting a more superficial understanding). The former often uses things like interviews and ethnographic research (among other methods) while the latter is more likely to use more statistical methods with survey research being one of the bigger ones.

In order to do any of that though you have come up with a design for what your research is going to be about and how you are going to define what it is you are looking for. However the approach can be a little different depending on which way you want to go about it.