Ch. 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the Scientific Method?

A

A systematic, organized series of steps that ensure maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.

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2
Q

What are the 5 steps of the Scientific Method?

A

1) Defining the problem
2) Reviewing the literature
3) Formulating the hypothesis
4) Selecting the research design and the collecting and analyzing data
5) Developing the conclusion

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3
Q

What is an Operational Definition?

A

An explanation of an abstract concept that is specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the concept.

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4
Q

Why do we Review the Research as a step in the scientific method?

A

Examining relevant scholarly studies helps refine the problem in the study, clarify possible techniques for collecting data, and to eliminate or reduce avoidable mistakes during the study.

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5
Q

What is a Hypothesis?

A

A speculative statment about the relationship between two or more factors known as variables.

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6
Q

What is a Variable?

A

A measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions.

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7
Q

What is an Independant Variable?

A

The variable that is hypothesized to cause or influence another.

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8
Q

What is a Dependant Variable?

A

The variable that depends on the influence of the independent variable in order to cause change.

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9
Q

What is Casual Logic?

A

The relationship between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one leading to the other.

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10
Q

When does a Correlation exist?

A

When a change is one variable coincides with a change in the other.
It is important to remember that correlation does not necessarily mean causation.

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11
Q

What is a Sample?

A

A selection from a larger population that is statistically representative of that population.

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12
Q

What kind of sample is most frequently used by social scientists?

A

A Random Sample.

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13
Q

What is a Random Sample?

A

In a random sample, every member of an entire population being studied has the same chance of being selected.

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14
Q

What is Applied Sociology?

A

The use of the discipline of sociology to yield practical applications for human behavior and organizations.

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15
Q

What is a Control Group?

A

The subjects in an experiment who are not introduced to the independent variable by the researcher.

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16
Q

According to the Scientific Method, what 2 things must research results posses?

A

It must posses both validity and reliability.

17
Q

What are 2 principal forms of survey research?

A

Interview and Questionnaire.

18
Q

What is Ethnography?

A

The study of an entire social setting through extended systematic field-work.

19
Q

What is the Hawthorne Effect?

A

The unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their subjects.

20
Q

What does the Validity refer to in research results?

A

Refers to the degree to which a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study.

21
Q

What does the Reliability refer to in research results?

A

Refers to the extent to which a measure produces consistent results.

22
Q

What is a Control Variable?

A

A factor that is held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable.

23
Q

What is a Survey?

A

A study generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire that provides researchers information about how people think and act.

24
Q

What is Secondary Analysis?

A

A variety of research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data.

25
Q

What is Value Neutrality?

A

Described by Max Weber as the duty of sociologists to identify and acknowledge their own values and overcome their personal biases when conducting sociological research so their personal feelings do not influence their interpretation of data.

26
Q

What is the Observation research technique?

A

A research technique in which am investigator collects information through direct participation, by closely watching a group or community.