My worthy opponent Baiyina Baksh, I too respect your arguments but I has to point out to you

that I still hold my views that statistical survey is not just the tip of the iceberg in terms of
understanding social phenomena.

Quantitative methods emphasize objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or

numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or by
manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational techniques. Quantitative research
focuses on gathering numerical data and generalizing it across groups of people or to explain a
particular phenomenon. Quantitative research study is to determine the relationship between one
thing [an independent variable] and another [a dependent or outcome variable] within a
population.

Quantitative research identifies with positivism, which, presented by Gall, et.al (1996), is the
belief “that physical and social reality is independent of those who observe it” (p.18).
Quantitative researchers are concerned with an objective reality that is “out there to be
discovered” (Krathwohl, 1998) and the researcher is independent of that which is being
researched (Creswell, 1994). Quantitative research is often concerned with meanings –
questionnaires or surveys are commonly designed to establish how people ‘see’ themselves or
others.The standard, published quantitative study usually does begin with a hypothesis which it
then seeks to tests.

In the Qualitative research, the researcher identifies with post positivism which offers “that
social reality is constructed and it is constructed differently by different individuals” (Gall, et al.,
1996, p.19). Qualitative methods seek answers to questions that stress how social experience is
created and given meaning. In contrast, quantitative studies emphasize the measurement and
analysis of causal relationships between variables, not processes.

My opponent, I could go on and on because Quantitative research views social phenomena as

facts which can be quantified, measured and used to make predictions about the world around us.
It should also be noted that survey is one of the main methods that is used under the quantitative
approach in social research. The positivist believed in empiricism, that is, the idea that
observation and measurement is the core of the scientific endeavor.

My opponent , let me hold my peace because in light of the definitions of statistical survey ; I
have come to the realization of the validity of statistical surveys and that they cannot then
therefore be called the “tip of the iceberg.” For example, in the recent times statistics have been
used to disseminate the number of road fatalities as at March as opposed to that of last year or
the previous years and this is based on data gathered from various agencies as well as by
parishes; the same statistics is used in the collection of information pertaining to number of
crimes committed as at a particular date in the current year compared with previous years at the
same day and month.

My opponent, I still hold to my views

References

Babbie Earl R. The Practice of Social Research. 12th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage,
2010; Muijs, Daniel. Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS. 2nd edition. London:

SAGE Publications 2010

Retrieved from: http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/quantitative

Denzin, Norman. K. et.al (2000). Handbook of Qualitative Research. 2nd Edition. Thousand
Oaks, CA: Sage, 2000. Retrieved from:

http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/qualitative

Defense

First, let me state that you rebutted the wrong argument. The one you did was unfinished and
there was no way I could correct same. I apologised for the inconvenience.

I disagree with your rebuttal as it looks at different research topic. The statement is statistical
survey is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding social phenomena. Statistical
surveys are statistical enquiry on a particular target population in order to discover facts leading
to information which will be used to solve problems relating to that population.

Tip of the iceberg is used to refer to a situation in which you or someone else is seeing only a
small part of what is really a bigger problem. so the iceberg is used to refer to the fact that there
is a very big problem and the tip is a small part of that iceberg or a small part of the bigger
problem. Be reminded that there are different types of survey but we are only concentrating on
statistical survey

References

what-does-tip-of-the-iceberg-means www.programmerinterview.com/index.php/american-
vocabulary

I believe and agree with the moot being debated that "statistical survey is only the tip of the
 iceberg in terms of understanding social phenomena" In providing evidence to prove this, I
will be defining some key terms namely: statistical survey, tip of the iceberg and social
phenomena.Statistical surveys are collections of information about items in
a population (Wikipedia). Statistical surveys are statistical enquiry on a particular target
population in order to discover facts leading to information which will be used to solve
problems relating to that population.

Tip of the iceberg is a phrase that is often used when only a small noticeable part of the problem
is seen, the total size of which is really much greater. Social phenomena include all behaviour
that influences or is influenced by organisms sufficiently alive to respond to one another.

Dear Samantha,

Statistical survey allows for a broader study, involving a greater number of subjects, and enhancing the

generalization of the results (Basley 1970). It facilitates for greater objectivity and accuracy of results, in terms o

understanding social phenomenon. Generally, quantitative methods are designed to provide summaries of data

that support generalizations about the phenomenon under study (Cassell, C., Symon, G. (1994). In order to

accomplish this, quantitative research involves few variables and many cases, and employs prescribed

procedures to ensure validity and reliability. Applying well-established standards means that the research can be

replicated, and then analysed and compared with similar studies.

One can summarize vast sources of information and make comparisons across categories and over time

personal ideas can be easily avoided by keeping a distance from participating subjects and using accepted

computational techniques (Weinreich N. 2006).

My formidable opponent, may argue that the results are often limited as they provide numerical descriptions

rather than detailed narrative and will generally provide less elaborate accounts of human perception, and one

may agree that statistical survey is just indeed merely the tip of the ice berg in studying social phenomenon.
However, this can be easily counteracted by the positivist paradigm that there is an objective truth existing in the

world that can be measured and explained scientifically (Morgan & Smircich,1980). Also, my formidable

opponent has made mention of skewed results being a major reason, why she does agree that the statistical

survey is just the “top of the ice berg”. However according to Cassell & Symon (1994), the statistical survey is th

most “reliable, valid, and generalizable in its clear prediction of cause and effect.” What we strive for in studying

social phenomenon is reliability, and validity and the statistical survey directly encompasses such qualities.

References:

Basley,H.L. (1970).Quantitative research methods for business and economics New York: Random House Retrie
http://www.russcomm.ru/eng/rca_biblo/m/matvee01_eng.shtml

Cassell, C., Symon, G. (1994). Qualitative research in work contexts, In C. Cassell, & G. Symon (Eds.), Qualitat

http://www.russcomm.ru/eng/rca_biblo/m/matvee01_eng.shtml

Smith J. (1988)- Issues in extractive resources taxation: A review of research methods and models. Vol. 38(3) pp
https://ideas.repec.org/e/psm124.html

Kealy, D.J., & Pathroe, D.R (1996). The effectiveness of cross- cultural training for expatriates: An assessment o
http://www.russcomm.ru/eng/rca_biblo/m/matvee01_eng.shtml

Weinreich N. 2006- Integrating Quantitative Methods in Social Marketing Research Retrieved from:
http://www.socialmarketing.com/research.html
SOCI1001 | S2 » Forums » Debate TEAM B - April 11 to 17 (10% » BLUE TEAM - Agree with
Statement

Re: BLUE TEAM rebuttal- disagree with statement

by Samantha Culmer - Sunday, 17 April 2016, 10:57 PM

Defense

Greetings La Tesha, your points have failed to prove to me that the statistical survey is
more then just the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding social phenomena. If we
were to conduct a study of poverty or unemployment among youth; it would not be
sufficient to ask: Are you poor? Or are you working? With the responses being either yes or
no. This is because poverty and unemployment have so many levels to be discussed and
differing characteristics for each of the different aspects. Further to the statistical survey,
information would be needed on persons living in absolute poverty or relative poverty.
Types of unemployment can be cyclical, frictional or structural. However we do not get the
details with the statistical survey to fully understand these phenomena which presently
affect many youth. If the purpose of research is to explore, explain and describe (Crossman,
2014), which seem to be in line with the qualitative research method, then it further proves
that the statistical survey method, largely based on the quantitative research method is
merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding social phenomena.

Reference

Crossman, A. (2014). The Purposes of Research. Retrieved

from http://sociology.about.com/od/Research/a/Purposes-Of-Research.htm

DEFENSE

Hi Gareth, your arguments just scrapes the surface of understanding a social phenomenon. You
began by stating as if statistical surveys are the only means of collecting data in order for the
researcher to get a better understanding of the issue. I am not disagreeing that statistical surveys
are useful in that it is good for gathering descriptive data and relatively inexpensive. However,
why would you want to use statistical surveys to understand a phenomenon when the data
collected may provide a general picture but lack depth and also may not provide adequate
information on context? These are definite questions you should ask yourself before justifying
that surveys are the base of understanding social phenomenon. Statistical surveys are considered
the tip because they do not explore or investigate the phenomenon being studied that provides
meaning like qualitative methods do. For example data collection methods such as case studies
and in-depth interviews will be considered as the foundation of the ice berg in understanding
social phenomenon because they provide direct information about the individuals behaviour and
groups, and usually yields the richest data, details and new insight, in addition to allowing the
interviewer to clarify questions, increasing the likelihood of useful responses all of which makes
understanding social phenomenon possible.

References

AN OVERVIEW OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA COLLECTION

METHODS (2002), Retrieved from http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2002/nsf02057/nsf02057_4.pdf

Defense.

Questions of the survey are meant to gather information for social research. What better more
effective and efficient way is there to collect the required data to conduct social research? To
quantitatively or qualitatively study research data, a good method of data collection is needed,
without the proper and relevant data collected we won’t be able to use other research methods,
such as quantitative and qualitative research methods. Great care is taken when samples and
data are collected. An organization such as the Office of National Statistics has strict guidelines
on conducting surveys, censuses and data collection. They will always organize their test
sample fairly, considerately and according to the survey itself (i.e. they would not survey
children if investigating the justice system). It is likely that they would (if conducting a
nationwide survey) use a stratified sample from every region of the country and compile the
data from it to produce a very accurate estimate, which may only be off by approximately 1%
either way. This eliminates (as much as possible) the chances of the sociologist making a
mistake in collecting the data. Closed or Structured Questionnaires are a quantitative method of
research, which was advocated by Emile Durkheim(1858 – 1917). It is a positivist research
method. It includes the low level of involvement of the researcher and high number of
respondents (the individuals who answer the questions). A questionnaire is a series of questions
asked to individuals to obtain statistically useful information about a given topic. When
properly constructed and responsibly administered, questionnaires become a vital instrument by
which statements can be made about specific groups or people or entire populations.
Quantitative researchers clearly use words as well as numbers. For instance, they usually offer
verbal interpretations of their statistical tables (Silverman), while Quantitative research is often
concerned with meanings – questionnaires or surveys are commonly designed to establish how
people ‘see’ themselves or others (Silverman). Both these techniques require data; the best way
to get data is to do surveys. Quantitative approach to social research which according to Leedy
and Ormrod is used to answer questions about relationships among measurable Variables, with
the purpose of explaining, predicting and controlling phenomena (Leedy and Ormrod
2001). Statistical survey acts as guide as to where the researcher should look for information
when doing a study, this means that it is in other words it is a starting point. Quantitative
research also uses methods adopted from physical sciences that are designed to ensure
objectivity, generalizability and reliability. Quantitative research is applicable to phenomena
that can be expressed in terms of quantity, can be measured and predictions made about",
(Mortley, Natasha 2016). One advantage of using official statistics in sociological research is it
is easy to find. Researcher can find it in the public libraries and on the internet; researcher does
not need to provide such a big amount of money since it is cheap.
(Sabtu, 2011)Another advantage of using official statistics in sociological research is it is highly
valid and mostly accurate information especially for the ‘hard’ statistics because they have the
same definition. Within sociology, statistics are used to determine the factors which can affect
normal life. In other words, sociologists can compare statistics to see if there is a trend between
two related sets of information. For example, a sociologist studying the divorce rate in Britain
might be able to cross examine that and the domestic violence rate, to see if they correlate in
some way. Official statistics can be used in a variety of ways in sociology. Sociologists
frequently use statistics to support or debunk a theory. Data is essential to any social research,
since data is normally collected first, statistical surveys is not the tip of the iceberg since it is
done first. In order to study data you would need to collect it, so this why statistical survey
forms the base of research and not the tip.

Sabtu. (2011, january 1). advantages and disadvantages of using official statistics. Retrieved
april 15, 16, from Socialite: http://cresocialite.blogspot.com/2011/01/describe-two-advantage-
and-two.html

Silverman. (n.d.). What Is Qualitative Research? Retrieved april 15, 2016,

from http://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/44074_Silverman_4e.pdf

Trueman, C. N. (2015, may 22). "Official Statistics". Retrieved april 2016, 15, from The History
Learning Site: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/sociology/research-methods-in-sociology/
official-statistics/

Mortley, Natasha (2016) UWI Open Campus Course Material. SOCI Introduction to Social
Research

Keisha
Mason -
Tuesday
, 12
April
2016,
7:25 PM

I also agree with you Samantha.

The Statistical Survey is only the tip of the ice berg in terms of understanding
social phenomena. Do you agree or disagree?

I agree because this is the start/beginning of understanding the social phenomena.

The survey is the guide to finding out and understanding about the phenomena.

First what is a Statistical Survey?

Statistical surveys are used to collect quantitative information from a specific

population. As we know a survey may focus on opinions or factual information
depending upon the purpose of the study.

What is Social Phenomena?

Social phenomena are considered as including all behaviour which influences or is

influenced by organisms sufficiently alive to respond to one another. This also
includes influences from past generations.

According to Williams (2007), in the survey research method, the researcher tends to
capture phenomena at the moment. This method is used for sampling data from
respondents that are representative of a population and uses a closed-ended
instrument (questionnaire) or open-ended items (as in an interview). In other words,
the survey is a method of data collection that asks questions of respondents. They
provide a relatively simple and straightforward approach to the study of attitudes,
values, beliefs and motives.

According to Dictionary.com tip of the iceberg means only a hint or suggestion of a

much larger or more complex issue or problem. So this leads me to conclude with the
above information that the statistical survey is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of
understanding social phenomena because it is through collecting data/information via
interviews, questionnaires and the other means of data collection where we begin the
process of understanding the phenomena of the behaviours which influences our
lives and development as a human being. There are numerous advantages of
 statistical surveys, below are a few:

 Often the only, or the easiest, way of retrieving information about the past
history of a large set of people.

• Can be extremely efficient at providing large amounts of data, at a relatively low

cost, in a short period of time.

• They allow anonymity, which can encourage frankness when sensitive areas are
involved.

References

Markey, J.F. "A Redefinition of Social Phenomena: Giving a Basis for Comparative
Sociology." American Journal of Sociology Vol. 31 (1925-26): 733-
743. https://brocku.ca/MeadProject/Markey/Markey_1926.html

Roberts, D. Statistical Studies (retrieved 12th April 2016)

from http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/math/algtrig/ats1/statsurveylesson.ht
m

Unit 6 Quantitative Research: The Survey

Rebuttal

To Samantha Culmer

My most worthy opponent although some points made in your discourse are to be considered.
I am still not entirely convinced. Thus, my team and I will still maintain our position by
disagreeing with the moot that "the Statistical Survey is only the tip of the ice berg in terms of
understanding phenomena"

According to OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms - Survey Definition (n.d) "a survey is an
investigation about the characteristics of a given population by means of collecting data from a
sample of that population and estimating their characteristics through the systematic use of
statistical methodology". With that being said, it is clear that "Statistical Survey is not the tip of
the ice berg in terms of understanding social phenomena". Whereby, if nothing else statistical
survey provide a basis from where to begin and continue to look for information once data has
been collected, when conducting a study. Further, It was mentioned in your opening argument
that "information or data must be gathered". This, in my opinion adds credence to the fact that
'statistical survey' gives actual numbers to a happening and as such ensures its validity. For
example, it would be unsubstantiated to make a claim that all girls do not do well in 'Maths'
without having the actual data and or numbers to prove such a claim.

Additionally, in your discussion you made note of that "the case study compliments the
statistical survey results which is great for reporting". Therefore, my understanding of that
statement highlights the fact that 'statistical survey' brings an awareness to a particular issue
and sheds light on those said issues by having data to justify a phenomena. Moreover,
'statistical surveys' can be considered the foundation of the house, where the data collected are
pillars on which the research stands and has structure.

Thus, it is for the above mentioned points that my team and I continue to stand by our position
of disagreeing that "the Statistical Survey is only the tip of the ice berg in terms of
understanding social phenomena".

References:

OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms - Survey Definition

- https://stats.oecd.org<glossary>detail

Show parent | Reply

See this post in context

4/17/
Samantha Culmer <samantha.culmer@my.open.uwi.edu> 16

to me

SOCI1001 | S2 » Forums » Debate TEAM B - April 11 to 17 (10% » BLUE TEAM - Agree

with Statement

Re: BLUE TEAM - Agree with Statement

by Samantha Culmer - Sunday, 17 April 2016, 2:03 AM

Defense

Hi Anya,

While I appreciate your viewpoint on the topic, I encourage you to view the definition of
the phrase ‘tip f the iceberg’ provided by my teammate Keisha:

A small evident part or aspect of something largely hidden.

a small, noticeable part of a problem, the total size of which is really much greater

Now I would like to refer to the example you provided “all girls do not do we at math”
You are correct that this claim would need evidence to support it. However with my
stance, using a statistical survey would provide a number of females that do not do well
in math but as a researcher, this should never be considered enough evidence to support
or refute the claim. More data is needed. We need to understand the reasons behind girls
who do not do well and those that do, perhaps it is a cultural issue, socio-economic,
behavioral etc. The point is we need more than the statistical survey to develop the theory
to understand the phenomena. Allow me to use another example, if we are trying to
understand aggression in adolescents, we cannot simply conduct a survey and suggest
that adolescent males are aggressive because more males than females took the survey,
perhaps some females were not honest and others did not compete the survey. However if
we were to use observation or focus groups as research techniques the findings may prove
to be more convincing. The survey is only the tip of the iceberg because it cannot stand
alone, the support comes from beneath, that which cannot be seen by only looking at the
surface.

Show parent | Reply

See this post in context

Defense rebuttal

My worthy opponent Winston, let’s look at the idiom for ‘Tip of the iceberg” and not the
definition of tip because tip of the iceberg is used as a phrase.

‘Tip of the iceberg- 1. A small evident part or aspect of something largely hidden.
 2. a small, noticeable part of a problem, the total size of which is really
much greater:

The statement the statistical survey is only the tip of the ice berg in terms of understanding
social phenomena, let’s put it like this:

The statistical survey is ‘A small evident part or aspect of something largely hidden’ in terms
of understanding social phenomena.

Now if we don’t gather (the survey) a small evident part (data collection) how can you
understand the aspect of something largely hidden (social phenomena)?

As my team mate Samantha said ‘In order for phenomena to be understood or explained,
information or data must be gathered. One of the methods for gathering data is by using the
survey method. The missing, incomplete or skewed information that can come about from
surveys pose a setback to the research often garnering not enough information. This is why
the statistical survey is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding social phenomena’.

If you look at businesses you would see the first thing they do to find out or understand they
clients or customers is to do a survey. How are polls conducted? A survey.

Refer to any of my team mates post about why we agree with the statement and read them long
and hard, you can even refer to the course notes and see why our team stand corrected and in
agreement with the statistical survey is only the tip of the ice berg in terms of understanding
social phenomena.

‘For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate’.
Margaret Heffernan.

References

http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2016/Info/polling-faq.html#conducted

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/tip+of+the+iceberg
Keisha
Mason -

To my opponent Janelle Mitchell

I begin with your statement “It is the base for a great deal of information, ranging
from estimates of birth rate in a nation to studies on the impact of advertisement to
children”. Ms. Mitchell let us look at the definition of “base” – 1.
The bottom support of anything; that on which a thing stands or rests

2. A fundamental principle or groundwork; foundation; basis

Now correct me if I’m wrong but if you look at the meaning of base again: the
bottom support of ANYTHING, on which a thing
stands, a fundamental principle or groundwork; foundation can you build a
house without a base or foundation???, the base/foundation is the start of the house,
without the base or the foundation you Cannot build. So for you to say that the
statistical survey is not the tip of the iceberg is Incorrect. If you do not gather
information/data first, pray tell me how will you understand the phenomena?

According to Wikipedia.com

 Quantitative designs approach social phenomena through quantifiable

evidence, and often rely on statistical analysis of many cases (or across
intentionally designed treatments in an experiment) to
create valid and reliable general claims.
 Qualitative designs emphasize understanding of social phenomena through
direct observation, communication with participants, or analysis of texts, and
may stress contextual subjective accuracy over generality.

I end with this quote from Albert Einstein “If we knew what it was we were doing, it
would not be called research, would it?
SOCI1001 | S2 » Forums » Debate TEAM B - April 11 to 17 (10% » BLUE TEAM - Disagree
with Statement

Re: BLUE TEAM - Rebuttal

by Janelle Mitchell - Saturday, 16 April 2016, 12:00 AM

Good day Keisha

Thanks for you feedback , using you own terms a base is the foundation
of anything which we need to start. It is the idea for a project, the plans, methods and so
forth. I agree with you. But review the question it states is Statistical survey the tip of the
iceberg, the most important part of the iceberg is the base( data collection, hypothesis,
research) and not the tip, the tip( completed research ) is the end results of the
information we gathered.

Being deductive and particularistic, quantitative research is based upon formulating the
research hypotheses and verifying them empirically on a specific set of data (Frankfort-
Nachmias & Nachmias, 1992).

Quantitative methods are some of the following.

.Identifies the research problem -- as with any academic study, you must state clearly and
concisely the research problem being investigated.

.Reviews the literature -- review scholarship on the topic, synthesizing key themes and, if
necessary, noting studies that have used similar methods of inquiry and .analysis. Note
where key gaps exist and how your study helps to fill these gaps or clarifies existing
knowledge.

.Describes the theoretical framework -- provide an outline of the theory or hypothesis

underpinning your study. If necessary, define unfamiliar or complex terms, concepts, or
ideas and provide the appropriate background information to place the research problem
in proper context [e.g., historical, cultural, economic, etc.].

All of this information clearly cannot be seen as only a tip of information,but an

organized foundation for a project. Also leaving you with a quote "

I describe the design process as like the tip of the iceberg. What you don't see is the long
haul: all the endless auditing and things like that. Norman Foster
 References.

University Southern Califorina USC - Abstract from Designing your Social science
research paper. www.http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/quantitative

Matveev,V Alexei (New York, USA)Published: Collected research articles, Bulletin of

Russian Communication Association "THEORY OF COMMUNICATION AND APPLIED
COMMUNICATION", Issue 1 / Edited by I.N. Rozina, Rostov-on-Don: Institute of
Management, Business and Law Publishing, 2002. - 168 p. P. 59-67

http://www.russcomm.ru/eng/rca_biblio/m/matveev01_eng.shtml

My worthy opponent Keisha

Having read your presentation it has solidify my position that Statistical Survey is more than
just a tip of the ice berg in understanding social phenomena.

You have made a valiant effort in defense of your position,However I believe you have not
sufficiently articulate your points as to why it is that you agree with the moot. Furthermore you
mentioned some of the advantages of Statistical Survey, one of which is that it is extremely
efficient at providing large amounts of data, at a relatively low cost, in a short period of
time.This tells me that you are agreeing with us, because if this method of research factors in all
these critical elements efficiency, cost and time it cannot just be a tip of the ice berg. Statistical
Survey offer all these and more.

Statistical Survey concerns itself with numerical collection and distribution of data, it is difficult
to make any assessment or to even come to any kind of conclusion without having numbers to
work with.

Therefore we firmly believe that, Statistical Survey is not just a tip of the ice berg in
understanding social phenomena.