ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an introduction to the subject of sociology and outlines some of the main sociological theories and research methods used within sociological inquiry. The chapter is divided into two sections: section one provides an overview of the major sociological theories and perspectives, while section two summarises the various approaches and methods used within sociological research. Weber's approach is often referred to as a social action theory and is based upon an interpretive approach. Branches of interpretive theory that have seen increasing popularity in recent times are phenomenology and ethnomethodology. Common to all interpretive research is the focus on exploring how as humans we make sense of our experiences and demonstrates the main differences between qualitative and quantitative research. The scientific approach is commonly associated with quantitative research and the most popular quantitative research methods that are used within healthcare include randomised controlled trials (RCT), cohort studies, longitudinal studies, other experimental methods and surveys.
