Chapter 1 Introduction to Social Sciences Research

Question 1

Science

Answer 1

A body of knowledge about reality as well as a set of systemic methods for generating this knowledge.

Question 2

Agreement Reality

Answer 2

What we “know” as part and parcel of the culture we share with those around us.

Question 3

Experiential Reality

Answer 3

What we “know” from personal experience and discovery.

Question 4

Logical

Answer 4

The criterion for assessing the validity of arguments..

Question 5

Empirical

Answer 5

The criterion requiring sensory experience as evidence.

Question 6

Methodology

Answer 6

A set of practices and techniques used to collect, process, and interpret information aimed at enhancing our understanding of reality.

Question 7

Causal Reasoning

Answer 7

The recognition that future circumstances are rooted in or conditioned by present ones.

Question 8

Probabilistic Reasoning

Answer 8

The recognition that effects occur more often, but not always, when specific, causes are present.

Question 9

Replication

Answer 9

Repetition of a research study in order to either confirm the findings of a previous study or bring them into question.

Question 10

Confirmation Bias

Answer 10

The tendency to seek out, recall or interpret information that supports one’s existing views.

Question 11

Gambler’s Fallacy

Answer 11

The mistaken belief that random events will “balance out” over time.

Question 12

Concrete Experience

Answer 12

The empirical experience of sensation, incuding touch, taste, sight, smell and hearing.

Question 13

Percepts

Answer 13

Components of concrete experience.

Question 14

Patterns

Answer 14

Aggregations of percepts.

Question 15

Abstract Experience

Answer 15

Imaginary experience occuring in the mind.

Question 16

Concepts

Answer 16

Abstract terms for organizing sensory experience.

Question 17

Propositions

Answer 17

Statements (ideas) expressing the relationships between concepts.

Question 18

Theory

Answer 18

A set of interrelated propositions providing a logical explanation of empirical regularities.

Question 19

Values

Answer 19

Statements of what is ultimately preferable or desirable.

Question 20

Variables

Answer 20

Properties of objects that can change.

Question 21

Attributes

Answer 21

The different scores that comprise a variable.

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Question 22

Constants

Answer 22

Properties that do not change across objects over time.

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Question 23

Explanation

Answer 23

Accounting for events that have occurred in the past.

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Question 24

Relationship

Answer 24

A connection identified by a change in one thing being associated with a systematic change in another.

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Question 25

Independent Variable

Answer 25

Variable believed to produce changes in a dependent variable.

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Question 26

Dependent Variable

Answer 26

A variable whose changes we are interested in explaining.

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Question 27

Idiographic Explanation

Answer 27

An accounting that aims to understand or make sense of the multiple causes of a specific event.

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Question 28

Nomothetic Explanation

Answer 28

An accounting that identifies a few common causes of a broad category of events.

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Question 29

Induction

Answer 29

A form of reasoning that moves from specific cases to the general case.

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Question 30

Deduction

Answer 30

A form of reasoning that moves from the general principles to a specific case.

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Question 31

Pure Research

Answer 31

Investigations driven by curiosity and satisfied by understanding something previously unknown.

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Question 32

Applied Research

Answer 32

Investigations directed toward insights that allow us to live more effectively or efficiently.

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Question 33

Mixed Methods Research (MMR)

Answer 33

Research that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to increase the breadth and depth of understanding of research problems.

(Page 25)