Four Topics
1. Doing Sociological Research
Sociological research entails more detail as well as a more systematic approach compared to other research. This type of research includes both subjective and objective knowledge. Reliability is a key criterion that sociologists use, where data is regarded reliable if similar outcomes are reached to by different researchers posing the same questions to the same people. Secondly, validity is employed to determine the research method chosen by a sociologist in conducting a study. Validity alludes to the level to which a research accurately assesses or reflects the particular concept which the researcher is measuring. Similarly, a sociologist uses the criteria of representativeness through sampling in cases where the collected information on a smaller group is applicable to similar larger group.
Using survey greatly helps a sociological researcher in the collection of information. Likewise, use of questionnaires enables a sociologist to easily gather information from a large population. In determining the socio-economic status of the subject, a sociologist should use indicators such as occupation, home, cars and holidays. A researcher should make sure to establish a good rapport with the interviewing and stay from posing leading questions. After interviews, reviews of the response should follow to determine if there is common theme. Ethnography helps gain sociological meaning by using close field observation while using observational research method helps the researcher to state of the phenomenon under study.
2. The Real Dr. Evil
North Korean leader Kim Jong-II is fondly referred to as “god” at home but as an “axis of evil” by outsiders such as President Bush. The political life of Kim Jong-II begun when his father, Kim II-Sung, chose him as successor. True communists were disappointed by this appointment because they regarded the young Kim as the “black sheep of the family.” The new Korean leader instantly put into place a formidable army of body guards for protection from his jealous relatives.
Kim’s killer instinct came into fore when he ordered the killing of foreign fishermen who happened to drift into Korean waters. The leader also ran a global spy network where he bombed a local hero’s funereal in the village of Rangoon which he later denies. He also bombed a South Korean passenger jet and abducted South Korean actress Choe Eun Hee to make a political statement. Kim did not regard terrorism as a crime rather a tool for revolution. Kim did also build a underground nuclear weapons facility as evidenced by satellite photos. It was only after North Korea was hit a devastating famine and drought that Kim opened the country to the West. However, his relationships with the U.S. were faltered when President Bush called him a terrorist. Thereafter, Kim sought the help of Japan to salvage his crumbling economy following fallout with Russia. Later on, North Korea abducted Japanese citizens labeling them overzealous agents. This strained relations with Japan which rejects Kim’s apology. When all his foreign support was gone, leader Kim resorted on nuclear threats to hang on power.
Reference:
Films on Demand. Doing Sociological Research (video). Retrieved from: http://digital.films.com/play/6W2RZV
Films on Demand. The Real Dr. Devi (video). Retrieved from: http://digital.films.com/play/CJ7ETS
