Chapter 2 Flashcards
Social Research
systematic study of human behavior
Scientific method
Research process that includes careful data collection, and when appropriate a generalization of the findings to a larger group
Concept
an abstract idea, mental image, or general notion that represents some aspects of our social life
Variable
Characteristic that can change in value or magnitude under different conditions, can be attitudes, behaviors, or traits
Independent Variable
Characteristic that can be manipulated and is the end result to the dependent
Dependent Variable
Outcome of the Independent
Control Variable
Constant and unchanged during the research process
Hypothesis
statement that expected relationships between two or more variables
Reliability
Consistency with which the same measure produces similar results time after time
Validity
Degree to which a measure is accurate and really measures what it claims to measure
Deductive reasoning (General)
begins with a theory, prediction, or general principles that is then tested through data collection
Inductive reasoning (Specific)
Begins with a specific observation, followed by data collection and the development of some general conclusions or theories
Population
ant well-defined group of people about whom researchers want to know something
Sample
group of people that are representative of the population researchers wish to study
Probability sample
one in which each person has an equal chance of being selected because the selection is random
Non-probability sample
any sample in which has little or no attempt is made to get a representative cross section of the population
Literature review
Sociologist summarizes the pertinent research
Methodology, procedures or research design
Description of which method or combination of methods is best for testing the hypothesis
Qualitative research
Examining and interpreting non-numerical material
Quantitative research
Sociologist focus on a numerical analysis of peoples responses or specific characteristics
Correlation
Relationship between variables
Causation
The end result or reasoning
Survey
systematically collect data from respondents using questionnaires, face-to-face interview…etc
Random sample
can be used to generalized to the larger population
Social desirability bias
tendency of respondents to give the answer that they “should” give or that will cast them in a favorable light
Longitudinal
collected at two or more points in time from the same or different samples of respondents
Cross-sectional
Collected at one point of time
Secondary anaylsis
Examines data collected by someone else
Field research
When a social scientist systematically observes people in their natural surroundings
Ethnologies
Requires a considerable amount of time in the field
Experiments
Carefully controlled, artificial situation that allows researchers to manipulate variables and measure their effects
Content Anaylsis
a data collection method that systematically examines some form of communication
Experiment
carefully controlled artificial situations that allows researchers to manipulate variables
Experimental group
group of participants in an experiment who are the independent variable
Control group
Not exposed to manipulation
Evaluation research
relies on all of the standard methodological techniques to assess the effectiveness of social programs in both the public and private sector
Ethical reason
- Do no Harm, 2. Must have consent, 3. Cant Exploit, 4. Privacy, 5. No gains, 6. confidentiality
