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Developing the Conclusion

Scientific studies, including those conducted by sociologists, do not aim to answer all the questions that can be raised about a particular subject. Therefore, the conclusion of a research study represents both an end and a beginning. It termi­nates a specific phase of the investigation, but it should also generate ideas for future study (see Figure 2-2). This is true of the research on the homeless conducted by David Snow, Susan Baker, Leon Anderson, and Michael Martin.

Confirming Hypotheses Sociological studies do not always generate data that confirm the original hypotheses. In many instances, a hypothesis is refuted, and researchers must reformulate their conclusions. Unexpected results may also lead sociologists to reexamine their methodology and make changes in the research design. In the study discussed above, however, the data confirmed the hypothesis: most homeless persons are not men­tally ill. Only 16.2 percent of the homeless men and women included in the Austin, Texas, sam­ple had had contact with a mental health agency and had been diagnosed as having mental health problems. Moreover, as is shown in Figure 2-3 (page 40), only 10.8 percent of the sample had been institutionalized.

Do these results show the homeless to be a group with serious mental problems? The pro­portion of homeless persons who have been insti­tutionalized (10.8 percent) far exceeds the figure

FIGURE 2-2 Scientific Method

Define the problem

Review the literature

Formulate the hypothesis

Select research design Collect and analyze data

Unobtrusive measures

Survey

Participant observation

Develop the conclusion

Ideas for further research

Scientific method allows sociologists to objectively and logically evaluate the facts collected. This can lead to further ideas for sociological research.

of 0.26 percent of all Texas men who have been institutionalized in mental hospitals. Neverthe­less, the results of this study do not begin to ap­proach the common media estimates that one-third to three-quarters of the homeless are men­tally ill. In view of the data developed in the Austin study, the researchers conclude that the "linkage between homelessness and mental illness has been overstated" (Snow et al., 1986:421).

Controlling for Other Factors The characteris­tics of the homeless are additional variables used in the study, known as control variables. A control variable is a factor held constant to test the rela­tive impact of the independent variable. Earlier, we noted that family income has an important influence on the relationship between mothers working outside the home and the likelihood that their children will come to be viewed as delin­quents. If researchers had not introduced the control variable of family income, they might

CHAPTER TWO ♦ METHODS OF SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

FIGURE 2-3 Homelessness and Mental Illness: Comparison of Image and Reality

_] Nonimpaired homeless

Mentally ill homeless-minimum estimate

Mentally ill & homeless—

maximum estimate


Austin, Texas, study of the homeless 10.8%

I | Nonimpaired

homeless


Homeless with history of institutionalization


^Mentally ill homeless &


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