Social science research methods and applications

Social Science Research

What is the complete and correct citation for the article using APA style?

MacDonald, R., Shildrick, T., Webster, C., & Simpson, D. (2005). Growing up in poor

neighbourhoods: The significance of class and place in the extended transitions of 'socially excluded' young adults. Sociology, 39(5), 873-891.

How and when were the data collected in this study?

The data in this study came from three associated studies, two of which were previously conducted in the 1990s to explore how 15 to 25-year-olds transitioned to adulthood and the third was conducted in 2003 as a follow-up to the information gathered in the others. In the two previous studies, data was gathered through participant observation, interviews with professionals who worked with the youth, and through extended interviews with the youth themselves, which were tape recorded (MacDonald, Shildrick, Webster, & Simpson, 2005). The third study is a follow-up particularly aimed at where the youth have ended up as a result of their transition to adulthood (MacDonald et al., 2005). In this study, 34 youth from the earlier studies were re-interviewed in regards to the outcome of their transition.

3. This study introduces the variables "class" and "place" into the research on "socially excluded" young adults. Why are these factors important according to the authors?

The authors are concerned with the variables of "class" and "place" in that it impacts the plausibility of the youth being able to achieve positive outcomes. MacDonald et al. (2005), attest that initial class structure will influence the opportunities that are available to youth as well as where their transition ends up. The authors argue that even in situations where youth have other protective factors such as individual autonomy, social exclusion will have a negative impact on future achievement (MacDonald et al., 2005)

4. Does this study use inductive or deductive logic? Explain.

Inductive logic, creating generalizations from observed phenomenon, is utilized in this study. Inductive reasoning occurs when one makes inferences from particular situations or scenarios to predict future situations. In this study, the authors seek to use information from particular youth's experiences of the transition to adulthood and apply it to the development of a general understanding of whether or not youth can overcome existing social class, gender and ethnic divisions (MacDonald et al., 2005).

5. Identify at least 4 major findings from this study.

MacDonald et al. (2005) found that with few exceptions youth stayed within the community in which they were raised. The authors attributed this finding to the housing market but a more influential factor appears to be the preference of these youth to remain in their neighborhoods despite the presence of social exclusion. A key factor in this preference was the comfort that is provided through familiarity with the neighborhood (MacDonald et al., 2005). Within these neighborhoods, MacDonald et al. (2005) also found that there was a strong sense of enmeshment of youth with their social and family networks. Many of the youth described being embedded in social networks, both negative and positive, beyond their family unit (MacDonald et al., 2005).