Chapter 2

Question 1

Applied sociology

Answer 1

The use of the discipline of sociology with the specific intent of yielding practical applications

Question 2

Causal logic

Answer 2

The relationship between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one leading to the other

Question 3

Code of ethics

Answer 3

The standards of acceptable behavior developed by and for members of a profession

Question 4

Content analysis

Answer 4

The systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale

Question 5

Control group

Answer 5

The subjects in an experiment who are not introduced to the independent variable by the researcher

Question 6

Control variable

Answer 6

A factor that is held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable

Question 7

Correlation

Answer 7

A relationship between two variables in which a change in one coincides with a change in the other

Question 8

Cross-tabulation

Answer 8

A table or matrix that shows the relationship between two or more variables

Question 9

Dependent variable

Answer 9

The variable in a causal relationship that is subject to the influence of another variable

Question 10

Ethnography

Answer 10

The study of an entire social setting through extended systematic fieldwork

Question 11

Experiment

Answer 11

An artificially created situation that allows a researcher to manipulate variables

Question 12

Experimental group

Answer 12

The subjects in an experiment who are exposed to an independent variable introduced by a researcher

Question 13

Hawthorne effect

Answer 13

The unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their subjects

Question 14

Hypothesis

Answer 14

A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more variables

Question 15

Independent variable

Answer 15

The variable in a causal relationship that causes or influences a change in another variable

Question 16

Interview

Answer 16

A face-to-face, phone, or online questioning of a respondent to obtain desired information

Question 17

Mean

Answer 17

A number calculated by adding a series of values and then dividing by the number of values

Question 18

Mode

Answer 18

The single most common value in a series of scores

Question 19

Observation

Answer 19

A research technique in which an investigator collects information through direct participation, by closely watching a group or community

Question 20

Operational definition

Answer 20

An explanation of an abstract concept that is specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the concept

Question 21

Percentage

Answer 21

A portion of 100

Question 22

Qualitative research

Answer 22

Research that relies on what is seen in field or naturalistic settings more than on statistical data

Question 23

Quantitative research

Answer 23

Research that collects and reports data primarily in numerical form

Question 24

Questionnaire

Answer 24

A printed or written form used to obtain information from a respondent

Question 25

Random sample

Answer 25

A sample for which every member of an entire population has the same chance of being selected

Question 26

Reliability

Answer 26

The extent to which a measure produces consistent results

Question 27

Research design

Answer 27

A detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically

Question 28

Sample

Answer 28

A selection from a larger population that is statistically representative of that population

Question 29

Scientific method

Answer 29

A systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem

Question 30

Secondary analysis

Answer 30

A variety of research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data

Question 31

Survey

Answer 31

A study, generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire, that provides researchers with information about how people think and act

Question 32

Validity

Answer 32

The degree to which a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study

Question 33

Value neutrality

Answer 33

Max Weber’s term for objectivity of sociologists in the interpretation of data

Question 34

Variable

Answer 34

A measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions

Question 35

Visual sociology

Answer 35

The use of photographs, film, and video to study society