Chapter 2

Question 1

is a research finding sufficient if it is only based on observations?

Answer 1

no need logic as well

Question 2

The 3 ways theories function in research

Answer 2

1. Prevent our being taken in by flukes
2. Theories make sense of observed patterns
3. Theories can shape and direct research efforts

Question 3

Paradigms

Answer 3

o Theoretical perspective including a set of assumptions about reality that guide research questions
o Usually more than one way to explain things
o But the underlying is a fundamental frame
 Ex: conservatives and liberals explain homelessness differently

Question 4

Benefits of knowing operating in paradigms

Answer 4

1. Better able to understand bizarre views of others

2. Can sometimes profit from stepping out of our paradigms

Question 5

Macro vs Micro theory

Answer 5

Macro theory:
o Theoretical perspectives aimed at understanding the big picture
o Large aggregates of society or even whole societies
o Conflict theory and functionalism, and can be feminist theory

Micro theory:
o Theoretical perspectives aimed at understanding the social life at the intimate level of individuals
o Small groups
o Ex symbolic interaction and feminist theory at small scale

Question 6

dogmatic

Answer 6

• Person can be rational but not reasonable

Question 7

reasonable vs rational

Answer 7

• Rationality:
  o Assessing thinking in terms of logical consistency
• Reasonableness:
  o Quality of mind that is open to new ideas and evidence

Question 8

Objectivity

Answer 8

o Series of observations with high intersubjective reliability
o Where multiple observations produce higher intersubjective (look at reports together) reliability

Question 9

Theories

Answer 9

o Set of interrelated propositions providing logical explanation of empirical regularities and used for understanding observed realities
o Set of interrelated statements intended to explain some aspect of social life
o Are abstract or “imaginary”

Question 10

how do theories help us understand reality

Answer 10

by linking concepts and variables

Question 11

Hypothesis

Answer 11

o Educated guess expressed as a relationship between variables
o Use empirical deduction
 Logical process of transforming a theortical proposition into a research hypothesis
o IF -> then

Question 12

what is the traditional model of science based on

Answer 12

hypothesis testing

Question 13

3 elements of science

Answer 13

Theory
a. Begin with a theory where they derive new ideas (propositions) that can be testes

Operationalization

a. To test proposition researchers must have specific observable indicators of the concepts under consideration
b. Once variables (indicators) are selected empirical deduction is used to translate an abstract theory

Observation

a. Empirical deduction moves from abstract level to concrete level
b. Use measurement to quantify observations
c. Have operational definition

Question 14

falsification

Answer 14

o Possibility of evidence negating the hypothesis

o Cannot have a hypothesis that cannot be proven wrong

Question 15

inductive vs deductive reasoning

Answer 15

Inductive
o Particular instance -> general principles
o From facts to theories
o Start from observed data and develops a generalization on relationship

Deductive
o General principles -> particular applying a theory to a particular case
o Start from general law and applied to particular instance

Question 16

deductive vs inductive studying and grade

Answer 16

Deductive
o Start with theory that more studying will increase score
o Than do a observation
o Compare hypothesis and observation

Indictive
o	Observation
o	Find a pattern
o	Have a conclusion
o	Sherlock Holmes was inductive

Question 17

how to start a theory

Answer 17

• Need to pick a topic that interests you
• Once topic is picked need to look at what is known or thought to be known on topic
  o Includes your own ideas and scholars
• Do preliminary research
• Consider your own biasis

Question 18

steps in constructing you r theory

Answer 18

1. Specify topic
2. Specify the range of phenomena your theory addresses
   a. Does it apply to all humans or just Canadian citizens
3. Identify and specify your major concepts and variables
4. Find out what is known (propositions) about the relationship among those variables
5. Reason logically from those propositions to specific topic your examining