Chapter 2 - Sciological Research

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

An explanation for a phenomenon based on a conjecture about the relationship between the phenomenonand one or more causal factors

Question 2

Independent variables

Answer 2

Variables that cause changes in dependent variables

Question 3

Dependent variables

Answer 3

A variable changed by other variables

Question 4

Reliability

Answer 4

A measure of a study’s consistency that considers how likely results are to be replicated it a study is reproduced

Question 5

Accuracy

Answer 5

Using a tool makes the measuring more precise

Question 6

Operational definitions

Answer 6

Specific explanations of abstract concepts that a researcher plans to study

Question 7

Validity

Answer 7

The degree to which a sociological measure accurately reflects the topic of study

Question 8

Interpretive framework

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Primary data

Answer 9

Data that are collected directly from firsthand experience

Question 10

Secondary data analysis

Answer 10

Using data collected by others and applying new interpretations

Question 11

Surveys

Answer 11

Collect data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about thinking, behaviors, and opinions, often in the form of a questionnaire

Question 12

Case study

Answer 12

In-depth analysis of a single event, situation, or individual

Question 13

Code of ethics

Answer 13

A set of guidelines that the American sociological association has established to foster ethical research and professionally responsible scholarship in sociology

Question 14

Content analysis

Answer 14

Applying a systemic approach to record and value information gleaned from secondary data as it relates to the study at hand

Question 15

Correlation

Answer 15

When a change in one variable coincides with a change in another variable, but doesnot necessarily indicate causation

Question 16

Debunking

Answer 16

Looking beyond the obvious to expose falseness by examining merit, logic and evidence

Question 17

Ethnography

Answer 17

Participating and observing thinking and behavior in a social setting

Question 18

Empirical evidence

Answer 18

Evidence that comes from direct observations, scientifically gathered data or experimentation

Question 19

Experiment

Answer 19

The testingof a hypothesis under controlled conditions

Question 20

Field research

Answer 20

Gathering data from a natural environment without doing a lab experiment or a survey

Question 21

Hawthorne effect

Answer 21

When study subjects behave uncertain manner due to their awareness of being observed by a researcher

Question 22

Interview

Answer 22

A one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the subject

Question 23

Literature review

Answer 23

A scholarly research step that entails identifying and studying all existing studies on a topic to create a basis for new research

Question 24

Nonreactive research

Answer 24

Using secondary data, does not include direct contact with research subjects and does not alter or influence people’s behaviors

Question 25

Participant observation

Answer 25

When a researcher immerses herself in a group or social setting in order to make observations from an ‘insider” perspective

Question 26

Population

Answer 26

A defined group serving as the subject of-a study

Question 27

Qualitative data

Answer 27

Non-numerical, descriptive data that is often subjective and based on what is experienced in a natural setting

Question 28

Quantitative data

Answer 28

Data collected in numerical form that can be counted and analyzed using statistics

Question 29

Random sample

Answer 29

A study’s participants being randomly selected to serve as a representation of a larger population

Question 30

Samples

Answer 30

Small, manageable number of subjects that represent the population

Question 31

Scientific method

Answer 31

An established scholarly research that involves asking a question, researching existing sources, forming a hypothesis, designing a data collection method, gathering data, and drawing conclusions

Question 32

Value neutrality

Answer 32

A practice of remaining impartial, without bias or judgement during the course of-a study and in publishing results