Chapter 2: Methods Flashcards
What R the 2 general categories of research methods used 2 gather sociological data, & what do both provide?
1) Quantitative Method: Info about the social world that can be converted into numbers, high use of statistics info gained via surveys
2) Qualitative Method: info that can’t be converted into numbers, info usually gathered via interview, observation, etc, both hope 2 provide a (Cause & Effect Relationship) between social situations
What is a (Research Method)?
Tools used 2 describe, explain, or explore answers to questions
Explain the difference between the (Deductive & Inductive) research?
Sociologist usually begin with a “what caused this or that 2 happen” to answer this question U can use 2 approaches
1) Deductive: Starts with a theory, then form a hypotenuse, makes empirical observations then confirms reject, or modify hypotenuse
2) Inductive: Starts with empirical observation, then work backwards 2 form hypotenuse, then theory, the end result of both is 2 tell a story as completely as possible in the only way it can be told
What is (Causality), & what 3 things R needed 2 confirm causation?
The concept that change in one variable leads 2 change in other variable, 2 prove (Causation) one must establish correlation, time order, & lastly U must be able 2 rule out any (Alternative Explanations)
What is a (Spurious Relationship)?
A false relationship
What is (Reverse Causality)?
Instead of A being the impetus that changed B, B changed A, thus the reverse of the norm, this is the reason time order must be established
What is the (Dependent Variable)?
The variable the researcher is trying 2 explain, thus any change is due 2 change in (Independent Variable)
What is the main reason 4 not being able 2 determine causality?
Not knowing which is the dependent vs independent variable, this we can’t establish time order
What is a (Hypothesis)?
A purposed relationship with a distinct direction between variables, direction meaning they both move either negatively in opposite directions or positively in same direction, whichever way they move it must be together 2 prove causation
What is (Operationalization), & why is it so important?
The process of defining how U will (Measure) what it is U plan on researching,
What is true about every hypothesis one purposes?
That an (Equal or Opposite) one can be purposed as well
What is (Validity, Reliability, Generalizability)?
Validity: When one gets what is expected, eg (Measurements)
Reliability: How likely U R 2 get same outcome using the same measurement, thus something can be reliable, but not valid
Generalizability: The extent to which we can conclude our findings represent the masses, aka more than the participants of the study
What are two parts of a regular experiment that sociologist can’t use?
A (Placebo) which is given to the control group and is not part of the dependent variable being measured, it’s used 2 eliminate getting the same change the experimenter expects to see in the experimental group, & a (Double Blind Study), which is when both the experimenter, & the participant don’t know what is being measured or studied
What is the (White Coat Affect)?
It refers to the researcher themselves and the image of wearing a white coat, possibly affecting the outcome of a survey
What is (Reflectivity)?
Being conscious of the white coat affect, thus realizing it could adversely affect the outcome, thus trying to prevent the affect from happening
