Chapter 2: Methods Flashcards
Research Methods
Approaches that social scientists use for investigating the answers to questions
Quantitative methods
Methods that seek to obtain information about the social world that is already in or can be converted to numeric form
Qualitative Methods
Methods that attempt to collect information about the social world that cannot be readily converted to numeric form
Deductive Approach
A research approach that starts with a theory, forms a hypothesis, makes empirical observations, and then analyzes the data to confirm, reject, or modify the original theory
Inductive Approach
A research approach that starts with empirical observations and then works to form a theory
Correlation/Association
Simultaneous variation in two variables
Causality
The notion that a change in one factor results in a corresponding change in another
Reverse Causality
A situation in which the researcher believes that “A” results in a change in “B”, but “B”, in fact, is causing “A”
Operationalization
The process of assigning a precise method for measuring a term being examined for use in a particular study
Reflexivity
Analyzing and critically considering our own role in, and affect on, our researcher
Feminist Methodology
A set of systems or methods that treat women’s experiences as legitimate empirical and theoretical resources, that promote social science for women and that take into account the researcher as much as the overt subject matter
Content Analysis
A systematic analysis of the content rather than the structure of a communication, such as a written work, speech, or film
Public Sociology
The practice of sociological research, teaching, and service that seeks to engage a non-academic audience for a normative, productive end
