Chapter 2 Research Process and Research Methods Flashcards
Scientific research is based on [___] obtained through direct experience, scientifically gathered data, or experimentation.
[…empirical evidence]
Meta-analysis
A technique in which the results of virtually all previous studies on a specific subject are evaluated together.
Scientific research
Done to test, or debunk, popular or common sense explanations; and/or to benefit society.
Generalizations
Made about different aspects of social life.
Our knowledge and understanding come from five sources
Personal experience; Common sense; The media; Expert authorities; Tradition
The scientific method
Formulating a Hypothesis; Measuring and Gathering Data; Analyzing Data; Drawing a conclusion
Research should be conducted as [___]as possible.
[…objectively ]
Units of analysis
Refers to the type of entity a researcher is studying.
Variable
Any feature or factor that may differ among the units of analysis that a researcher is studying.
Key variables in sociological studies
Gender; Race and ethnicity; Social class; Age; Any number of attitudes and behaviors
Independent variable
Variable that can affect another variable
Qualitative Data
Non-numerical data that is analyzed for what people say and do, like data gathered through observation and/or intensive interviewing.
Quantitative Data
Survey data that is collected numerically, like data gathered through a questionnaire where responses are coded for computer analysis.
Sample
Subset of the population of people in whom the researcher is interested.
Random sample
Everyone in the target population has the same chance of being included in the study.
Non-random sample
Members of the population do not have the same chance of being included in the study.
Convenience sample
A type of a nonrandom sample that is used because it is relatively quick and inexpensive to obtain.
Quota sample
A nonrandom that resembles one or more characteristics of the population as closely as possible.
Concepts of quantitative analysis
Measures of central tendency tell us what the most common, or average, response is on a question.
Concepts of quantitative analysis
The mode refers to the most common response given to a question.
Concepts of quantitative analysis
The median refers to the middle point in a distribution of responses.
Concepts of quantitative analysis
The mean refers to the sum of the value of all responses on a given variable divided by the total number of responses.
Correlation
Means there is a relationship between variables.
Causality
Refers to the idea that one event, behavior or belief will result in the occurrence of another, subsequent event, behavior or belief.
Criteria for Causality
The independent variable and dependent variable must be statistically related; The independent variable must precede the dependent variable in time and/or in logic; The relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable must not be spurious; No better explanation exists for the relationship between the independent and dependent variable
Spurious
A third variable accounts for the relationship because it affects both the independent and dependent variables.
The Gallup Poll
Uses questionnaires to gather data on a limited range of variables, making it a useful but basic starting point for research.
The Census
A widely recognized public survey that covers a broader range of variables.
Surveys
Using questionnaires, are the most common method sociologists use to collect data.
Response rates
Are the percentage of all people in the sample who agree to be interviewed.
Experiment
The manipulation of one variable to find out if it causes changes in another variable.
Experimental group
The group that receives a change applied to it.
Control group
The group that does not have a change made to it.
Participant Observation
Involves the researcher both studying and participating in the group being researched.
Non-Participant Observation
Involves observing the group without participating.
Secondary Data Analysis
Involves the researcher analyzing data that was collected by another researcher.
Content analysis
Involves systematically recording and evaluating information from secondary data related to the study.
Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment’s
This case highlights ethical standards in research, like the neglect of subjects’ well-being and privacy issues in the cases of Mario Brajuha, Rick Scarce, and Laud Humphreys
Informed consent
Must take place before any data with human subjects can take place. The participants sign a form giving their legal permission to participate voluntarily in the project.
For consent to have any real meaning, [___].
[…potential research subjects
must have the right to refuse to take part in a research project
without any penalties whatsoever.]
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Reviews proposed human-subject research to ensure that federal guidelines are followed.
