'C' Terms Flashcards
CAQDAS
An abbreviation of ‘Computer-Assisted (or computer-aided) Qualitative Data Analysis Software.
Case Study
A research design that entails detailed and intensive analysis of either a single case or (for comparative purposes) a small number of cases.
Causality
A connection between variables in which one variable changes as a result of a change in another, as opposed to a mere correlation between them.
Cells
The areas in a table where the rows and columns intersect and data are inserted.
Census
A count of an entire population; by contrast, a sample counts only some units of a population.
Chi-square test
Chi-square (X2) is a test of statistical significance used to establish confidence that a finding displayed in a contingency table can be generalized from a probability sample to the population from which it is drawn.
Closed, Closed-ended question
A question in an interview schedule or questionnaire that presents the respondent with a fixed set of possible answers to choose from; also called a fixed-choice question.
Cluster sampling
A procedure in which the researcher first samples sets of cases (‘clusters’) and then samples units within them, usually a probability sampling method.
Code, coding
In quantitative research, codes are the tags used to assign the data on each variable to a category of the variable in question. Numbers are usually assigned to each category to allow for easier computer processing. In qualitative research, coding is the process in which data are broken down into component parts, which are then assigned names.
Coding frame or coding manual
A list of the codes to be used in the analysis of a particular set of data. For answers to a structured interview schedule or questionnaire, the coding frame delineates the categories used for each open question. With closed questions, the coding frame is essentially incorporated into the fixed answers for which respondents must choose; hence the term ‘pre-coded question.’
Concept
A general or abstract idea; a category that serves to organize observations and ideas about some aspect of the social world.
Concurrent validity
A type of validity that is tested by relating a measure to an existing criterion or a different indicator of the concept to see if one predicts the other; one of the main forms of measurement validity.
Connotation
A term used in semiotics to refer to the meanings of a sign associated with the social context within which it operates: a sign’s connotations are supplementary to its denotation and less immediately apparent.
Constant
An attribute on which cases do not differ; compare with variable.
Constructionism, Constructionist
An ontological position (the antithesis of objectivism) According to which social phenomena and their meanings are continually being created by social actors; also known as constructivism.
Construct validity
(1) Same as measurement validity; (2) A type of measurement validity that is established by determining whether the concepts being measured relate empirically in a manner that would be predicted by relevant theories.
Content analysis
An approach to the analysis of documents and texts that seeks to quantify content in terms of predetermined categories in a systematic and replicable manner. The term is sometimes used in connection with qualitative research as well; see qualitative content analysis.
Contingency table
A table made up of rows and columns that shows the relationship between two variables. Usually, at least one of the variables is a nominal variable or ordinal variable. Each cell in the table shows the number or (more often) the percentage of cases for that specific combination of the two variables.
Control group
See experiment.
Convenience sample
A sample that is selected because of its availability to the researchers; a form of non-probability sample.
Conversation analysis (CA)
The fine-grained analysis of talk (recorded in naturally occurring situations and then transcribed) to uncover the underlying structures in interaction that make social order possible. Conversation analysis is grounded in ethnomethodology.
Correlation
An approach to the analysis of relationships between interval/ratio variables and/or ordinal variables that seek to assess the strength and direction of the relationship between the variables concerned. Pearson’s are in Spearman’s rho are both correlational measures. The corresponding term ‘measure of association’ is often used with nominal variables.
Covert research
A term frequently used in connection with ethnographic research in which the researcher does not reveal his or her true identity and/or intentions. Such research may violate the ethical principle of informed consent.
Cramér’s V
A statistical measure used to assess the strength of the relationship between two nominal variables.
