Ch2: Methods

Question 1

Ethnography

Answer 1

Qualitative method of studying people or a social setting that uses observation, interaction, and sometimes formal interviewing to document behaviors, customs, experiences, social ties, and so on

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

A procedure involving the formulating, testing, and modification of hypotheses based on systematic observation, measurement, and/or experiments

Question 2

Quantitative Methods

Answer 2

Research method that seeks to obtain information about the social world that is already in or can be converted into numeric form.

Question 3

Qualitative Methods

Answer 3

Research method that attempts to collect information about the social world that can’t be converted into numeric form. It is often used to document the meanings that actions engender or describe the mechanisms by which social processes occur.

Question 4

Correlation/Association

Answer 4

Two variables varying together

Question 5

Causality (def and key factors)

Answer 5

One variable influencing another through a chain of events. Key factors:
-correlation
-time order
-ruling out of alternative explanations

Question 6

Reverse Causality

Answer 6

thinking A causes B, when in reality B is causing A

Question 7

Inductive Research

Answer 7

Starts with empirical observations, from which one creates a theory and later a hypothesis.

Question 8

Deductive Research

Answer 8

Starts out with a theory, then develops a hypothesis, then carries out empirical observations, and finally analyzes the data to confirm, reject, or modify the theory

Question 9

Dependent Variable

Answer 9

Outcome you’re trying to explain. Changes because of the independent variable

Question 10

Independent Variable

Answer 10

Factor believed to have a causal impact on the dependent variable. There can be more than one, but the most important one is the key independent variable

Question 11

Hypothesis

Answer 11

Proposed relationship between two variables, usually with a stated direction (positive or negative)

Question 12

Operationalization

Answer 12

Assigning a precise definition for measuring a concept examined in a study

Question 13

Validity

Answer 13

The extent to which an instrument measures what it is intended to.

Question 14

Reliability

Answer 14

Likelihood of obtaining consistent results using the same measure

Question 15

Generalizability

Answer 15

Extent to which we can claim our findings inform us about a group larger than the one we studied

Question 16

White Coat Effects

Answer 16

Researcher’s presence affects subjects’ behavior or response, and disrupts the study

Question 17

Reflexivity

Answer 17

Analyzing and critically considering our role in, and effect on, our research

Question 18

Feminist Methodology (key points)

Answer 18

1. Treats women’s experiences as legitimate empirical and theoretical resources
2. Brings about policy changes that improve women’s lives
3. Takes power imbalance between researcher and subject into account

Question 19

Participant Observation

Answer 19

Qualitative research method that seeks to uncover the meanings people give to their social actions by observing their behavior in practice