Ch. 2 Sociological Research Methods

Question 1

Quantitative Research

Answer 1

Translates social word into numbers usually to find cause/effect relationship

Question 2

Qualitative Research

Answer 2

Analyzation of non-numerical data like texts, field notes, interviews, photographs, etc.

Question 3

Scientific Method

Answer 3

Procedure for acquiring knowledge through data and observations

Question 4

Spurious Correlation

Answer 4

The appearance of causation produced by an intervening variable

Question 5

Paradigm Shift

Answer 5

Major break from the assumptions made by the previous model. New data forces new ways of looking at the world.

Question 6

What are the problems associated with conducting an interview pertaining to a certain event in history?

Answer 6

• Difficult/expensive to recruit attendees

- Time affects memory

Question 7

Ethnography

Answer 7

A type of qualitative research in which the researcher gains a “members eye” view by being immersed into the setting or group. Results are usually presented in book form.

Question 8

What are the necessary steps in order for a Ethnography to take place?

Answer 8

Must gain access to the field/site and establish a good rapport (relationship) with the subjects

Question 9

How is data collected in an Ethnography study?

Answer 9

Field notes, photos, videos, observational skills

Question 10

Autoethnography

Answer 10

Detailed accounts of thoughts & feelings linked to personal/cultural experiences to elicit response in reader

Question 11

Thick Description

Answer 11

Detailed, well written notes that provide cultural context from the perspective of its members

Question 12

Reflexivity

Answer 12

Presence of researcher affects the interactions & relationship in the group

Question 13

What does it mean to be “overt” and why is it important?

Answer 13

To be open about their sociological intentions as it prevents ethnical problems of deception.

Question 14

What does it mean to be “convert” and why is it frowned upon?

Answer 14

Observing members without their knowledge by keeping their identity hidden. It can pose a threat to society by giving insight into a secretive group.

Question 15

How does an ethnographer form a grounded theory?

Answer 15

By grouping themes (ex: conflict) and patterns (ex: common vocab) from field notes to identify the relationship between the different categories

Question 16

Why is Ethnography beneficial?

Answer 16

Tells rich stories that often challenge preconceived notions in which we reshape stereotypes

Question 17

How can Ethnology serve as a disadvantage?

Answer 17

Inability to replicate the study & gain validity through repetition. Conclusions are often generalized to represent society at large. Researcher’s biases can influence analysis.

Question 18

Interviews

Answer 18

Way of gaining qualitative information through conversation

Question 19

Target Population

Answer 19

The group that is the main focus of the study

Question 20

Sample

Answer 20

Smaller group within the larger group that will be studied and then generalized to the target population

Question 21

Focus Group

Answer 21

A group of participants being interviewed at the same time

Question 22

Close-ended Question

Answer 22

Imposes a limit on the response

Question 23

Open-ended Questions

Answer 23

Allows for a variety of responses (what, why, how)

Question 24

Leading Question

Answer 24

Questions that predispose a respondent to answer in a certain way

Question 25

Double-barreled Question

Answer 25

Cumbersome questions that address too many issues at once and leads to confusing answers

Question 26

Pros of interviews

Answer 26

Allows for an authentic first hand story that might dispel misconceptions while discovering new issues previously overlooked

Question 27

Cons of Interviews

Answer 27

Respondents might not be entirely truthful and the findings from a small sample group often can’t be generalized to the larger population

Question 28

Surveys

Answer 28

Questionnaires administered to a sample of respondents selected from a target population

Question 29

How is the Likert Scale used?

Answer 29

Format that allows respondents in surveys to answer along a continuum (strongly agree-strongly disagree)

Question 30

Why is it important to have a pilot study?

Answer 30

This preliminary small scale “test” round can address any issues before it is administered to a larger group

Question 31

Pros of surveys

Answer 31

Makes it more accessible to users therefore it can reach a large number of people using quick and reliable methods without concern over interviewer bias

Question 32

Disadvantages of surveys

Answer 32

Lacks qualitative data, validity, and inaccurate generalizations through through self select participation

Question 33

Existing resources

Answer 33

Unlimited amount of data that already exists that can be useful for sociologists to study

Question 34

Why are existing resources considered unobtrusive measurements?

Answer 34

They don’t require that the researcher intrude or disturb the people they are studying

Question 35

Comparative Historical Research

Answer 35

Seeks to understand the relationships between elements of society in various regions and time periods

Question 36

Content Analysis

Answer 36

Looking for recurrent themes or count the number of times specific variables appear

Question 37

Objectivity

Answer 37

Impartiality that allows the facts to speak for themselves