This discussion will help us identify the types of sociological research and our thoughts on such methods.

Requirements of the assignment: Initial discussion response of 150+ words (and an APA reference at the bottom of the initial reply — feel free to use the textbook). See below for the textbook reference. Simply cut and paste it to the end of your initial discussion response.

Two high quality peer (classmates) responses should be at least 75 words each, and go beyond “great job” or the like – due by the last day of the week for potentially full credit. Make it a meaningful comment that furthers the discussion.

Do *not* post an attachment in the body of a message. Only post or type out your response in the body of a discussion message. No attachments please.

• Here is how the in-text citation should look in the body of your paper or discussion response:
  • Sam went to the store (Kendall, 2018).
• Here is the APA formatted reference for your textbook, which should go at the end of your original reply:
  • Kendall, D. E. (2018). Sociology in our times: The essentials (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 1 of your textbook, “The Sociological Perspective and Research Process,” the article indicated below, and the following passage.

Psychology Today
Available at www.psychologytoday.com (Links to an external site.)

• • • In the search bar, search the title “Why We (Often) Believe Fake News”

Passage: Sociologist use a variety of methods to gather information about society. These research methods may include conducting surveys, participant observations, reviewing existing sources, and/or conducting experiments. Each of these research methods has its positive and negative attributes, and they are all widely used in the field.

2. In at least 150 words, answer the following discussion questions:
   1. Choose one of the research methods listed above and list two positive aspects and two negative aspects.
   2. Surveys are one of the most popular ways sociologists conduct research; however, they can also be the least trusted amongst the general public. Although sociologists strive for accuracy and are careful in their data collection process, people disbelieve in surveys over other forms of research methods. Why?
   3. How does the now popular cultural term of fake news contribute to this disbelief in surveys (or other forms of research)?
3. Once you have made your initial post, please respond to at least two classmates. Each classmate response should be at least 75 words. Your response to classmates should keep the conversation going, state what you liked or did not like; what your posts might have in common or ask follow-up questions to help foster conversation.
4. Use in-text citations and list any references at the end of your post.
   1. For example, if you cite the textbook, include the following reference:
      Kendall, D. E. (2018). Sociology in our times: The essentials (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
   2. The word count of 150 words does not include citations.
   3. In-text citations and references must follow APA format.