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Data collection methods vary across disciplines from "summary" of Thinking Through Methods by John Levi Martin

The ways in which scholars gather data differ significantly depending on the academic field they are working in. For example, a sociologist may conduct interviews and surveys to collect information about social phenomena, while a historian may rely on archival documents and artifacts to piece together historical events. Similarly, a biologist may conduct experiments in a laboratory setting to gather data about biological processes, while a literary scholar may analyze texts to uncover deeper meanings and interpretations. These differences in data collection methods are a result of the unique questions and goals that each discipline seeks to answer. Sociologists are interested in understanding social behavior and interactions, so they use methods that allow them to gather information directly from individuals. Historians, on the other hand, are focused on reconstructing past events and interpreting their significance, so they rely on written records and other historical sources. Biologists are interested in studying the natural world and the processes that govern it, so they often conduct experiments to test hypotheses and gather data. Literary scholars, on the other hand, are interested in analyzing literature as a form of cultural expression, so they focus on close reading and interpretation of texts. Despite these differences, there are also commonalities across disciplines when it comes to data collection. For example, all researchers must ensure that their data is reliable and valid, regardless of the methods they use to gather it. They must also consider ethical considerations and potential biases that may impact their findings.
  1. The variation in data collection methods across disciplines reflects the diverse approaches that scholars take to understanding the world around them. By considering the unique questions and goals of each field, researchers can choose the methods that best suit their research objectives and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective disciplines.
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Thinking Through Methods

John Levi Martin

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