Chapter 1: Science, Society, and Social Research

Question 1

Overgeneralization

Answer 1

Occurs when we unjustifiably conclude that what is true for some cases is true for all cases

Question 2

Selective (inaccurate) observation

Answer 2

Choosing to look only at things that are in line with our preferences or beliefs

Question 3

Illogical reasoning

Answer 3

The premature jumping to conclusions or arguing on the basis of invalid assumptions

Question 4

Resistance to change

Answer 4

The reluctance to change our ideas in light of new information

Question 5

Science

Answer 5

A set of logical, systematic, documented methods for investigating nature and natural processes; the knowledge produced by these investigators

Question 6

Social science

Answer 6

The use of scientific methods to investigate individuals, societies, and social processes; the knowledge produced by these investigations

Question 7

Descriptive research

Answer 7

Research in which social phenomena are defined and described

Question 8

Exploratory research

Answer 8

Seeks to find out how people get along in the setting under question, what meanings they give to their actions, and what issues concern them

Question 9

Explanatory research

Answer 9

Seeks to identify causes and effects of social phenomena and to predict how one phonomenon will change or vary in response to variation in another phenomenon

Question 10

Evaluation research

Answer 10

Research that describes or identifies the impact of social policies and programs

Question 11

Validity

Answer 11

The state that exits when statements or conclusions about empirical reality are correct

Question 12

Measurement validity

Answer 12

Exists when an indicator measures what we think it measures

Question 13

Generalizability

Answer 13

Exists when a conclusion holds true for the population, group, setting, or event that we say it does, given the conditions that we specify; it is the extent to which a study can inform us about persons, places, or events that were not directly studied

Question 14

Sample generalizability

Answer 14

Exists when a conclusion based on a sample, or subset, of a larger population holds true for that population

Question 15

Cross-population generalizability (External validity)

Answer 15

Exists when findings about one group, population, or setting hold true for other groups, populations, or settings

Question 16

Causal validity (internal validity)

Answer 16

Exists when a conclusion that A leads to, or results in, B is correct