Chapter 2: Research And Theory In Sociology Flashcards
Variable
A factor that can vary from one person to another
Operational definition
The way in which a researcher measures a variable
Research method
One of the Sox procedures that sociologist use to collect data
Surveys, secondary analysis, analysis of documents, experiments, unobstructive measures, and participant observation
Validity
The extent to which an operational definition measures what is is intended to measure
Reliability
The extent to which research produces consistent or dependable results
Survey
The collection of data by having people answer a series of questions
Target population
A target group to be studied
Sample
The individuals intended to represent the population to be studied
Representative sample
A sample that represents the target population
Random sample
A sample on which everyone in the target population has the same change of being included in the study
Respondents
People who respond to a survey
Close ended questions
Questions that are followed by a list of possible answers to be selected by the respondents
Experiment
The use of control and experimental groups and dependent and independent variables to test causation
Experimental group
The group of subjects in an experiment who are exposed to the independent variable
Control group
The subjects on an experiment who are not exposed to the independent variable
Independent variable
A factor that causes a change in another variable
Dependent variable
A factor in an experiment that is changed by an independent variable
Unabstructive measures
Ways of observing people so they do now know they are being studied
Participant observation
Research in which the researcher participated in a research setting while observing what is happening in that setting
Symbolic interactionism
Society is viewed as composed is symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views and communicate with one another
Functional analysis
Society is viewed as composed of various parts. Each part has a function that when fulfilled contributes to society
