3, Doing Social science: an introduction to method

Question 1

Epistemology

Answer 1

Branch of philosophy that investigates the nature of knowledge and truth.

Question 2

Positivism

Answer 2

A logical system that bases knowledge on direct, systematic observation.

Question 3

Empirical Evidence

Answer 3

Information we can verify with our senses.

Question 4

Realism

Answer 4

A theoretical system of concepts that are evolved to andle a particular problem.

Question 5

Mode of production

Answer 5

The way a society is organized to produce oods and services (Marx).

Question 6

Critical sociology

Answer 6

Critical sociologiss look at all kowledge as harbouring political interests and the task of sociology is critically to unmask what is actually going on.

Question 7

Standpoit epistemologies

Answer 7

All knowledge is grounded in standpoints and standpoint theory enables groups to analyze their situation (problems and oppressions) from within the context of their own experiences.

Question 8

Queer theory

Answer 8

Argues tzhat most sociological theory still has a bias towards heterosexuality and that non-heterosexual voices need to be heard.

Question 9

Concept

Answer 9

A mental construct that represents some part of the world inevitably in a simplified form.

Question 10

Variable

Answer 10

A concept whose vaue changes from case to case.

Question 11

Measurement

Answer 11

The process of determining the valueof a variable in a specific case.

Question 12

Operationalising a variable

Answer 12

Specifying exactly what one is to measure in assigning valueto a variable.

Question 13

Reliability

Answer 13

The quality of consistent measurement.

Question 14

Validity

Answer 14

The quality of measuring precisely hat one intends to measure.

Question 15

Cause and effect

Answer 15

A relationship in which we know hat change in one variable causes change in another. (Scientific ideal).

Question 16

Independent variable

Answer 16

The variable that causes the change.

Question 17

Dependent variable

Answer 17

The variable that changes.

Question 18

Prediction

Answer 18

Researchers using what they do know to predict what they don’t know.

Question 19

Correlation

Answer 19

A relationship by which two or more variables change together.

Question 20

Spurious correlation

Answer 20

An apparent, thoughfalse, association between two or more variables caused by some other factor.

Question 21

Control

Answer 21

Holding constant all relevant variables except one in order to clearly see its effect.