Chapter 2 - Sciological Research Flashcards
Hypothesis
An explanation for a phenomenon based on a conjecture about the relationship between the phenomenonand one or more causal factors
Independent variables
Variables that cause changes in dependent variables
Dependent variables
A variable changed by other variables
Reliability
A measure of a study’s consistency that considers how likely results are to be replicated it a study is reproduced
Accuracy
Using a tool makes the measuring more precise
Operational definitions
Specific explanations of abstract concepts that a researcher plans to study
Validity
The degree to which a sociological measure accurately reflects the topic of study
Interpretive framework
A sociological research approach that seeks in-depth understanding of a topic or subject through observations or interactions; this approach is not based on hypothesis testing
Primary data
Data that are collected directly from firsthand experience
Secondary data analysis
Using data collected by others and applying new interpretations
Surveys
Collect data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about thinking, behaviors, and opinions, often in the form of a questionnaire
Case study
In-depth analysis of a single event, situation, or individual
Code of ethics
A set of guidelines that the American sociological association has established to foster ethical research and professionally responsible scholarship in sociology
Content analysis
Applying a systemic approach to record and value information gleaned from secondary data as it relates to the study at hand
Correlation
When a change in one variable coincides with a change in another variable, but doesnot necessarily indicate causation
Debunking
Looking beyond the obvious to expose falseness by examining merit, logic and evidence
Ethnography
Participating and observing thinking and behavior in a social setting
Empirical evidence
Evidence that comes from direct observations, scientifically gathered data or experimentation
Experiment
The testingof a hypothesis under controlled conditions
Field research
Gathering data from a natural environment without doing a lab experiment or a survey
Hawthorne effect
When study subjects behave uncertain manner due to their awareness of being observed by a researcher
Interview
A one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the subject
Literature review
A scholarly research step that entails identifying and studying all existing studies on a topic to create a basis for new research
Nonreactive research
Using secondary data, does not include direct contact with research subjects and does not alter or influence people’s behaviors
