Chapter 2-Soc Research

Question 1

Common sense

Answer 1

Facts, observations, and received wisdom each of us accumulated in a lifetime

Question 2

operational definition

Answer 2

Transforms a concept into things that are observable and measurable, allowing researchers to assess the concept

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

Testable statement about the relationship between two or more factors known as variable

Question 4

Variable

Answer 4

Measurable traits/characteristics that are subject to change under different conditions

Question 5

Casual logic

Answer 5

Relationship between variable in which change in one brings change in another

Question 6

independent variable

Answer 6

Variable that brings about change

Question 7

dependent variable

Answer 7

Variable that is affected

Question 8

Correlation

Answer 8

Relationship between two variable in which change in one coincides with a change in the other

Question 9

Sample

Answer 9

Selection from a large pop. That is statistically representative of the pop.

Question 10

Random sample

Answer 10

Member of the pop being studied has the same chance of being selected for the study

Question 11

Validity

Answer 11

Degree to which a measure/scale reflects the phenomenon under the study

Question 12

Reliability

Answer 12

Extent to which a measure produces consistent results

Question 13

Control variable

Answer 13

Factors that held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable

Question 14

Research design

Answer 14

Detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically

Question 15

Mode

Answer 15

Most common value in a series of scores

Question 16

Observation

Answer 16

Qualitative research method, relies on what is seen in the field in a natural setting, collects data through direct participation and/or by closely watching a group/community

Question 17

Ethnography

Answer 17

Study if an entire social settling through extended systematic observation, popular in qualitative research

Question 18

Experiment

Answer 18

Created situations that allow researchers to manipulate variables

Question 19

expermental group

Answer 19

Exposed to the independent variable and the control group isn’t

Question 20

Hawthorne effect

Answer 20

Possibility that observers of experiments will have unintended influence in their subjects

Question 21

secondary anaylsis

Answer 21

Analyzing existing data that have been previously collected

Question 22

content analysis

Answer 22

Involves systematic coding and objective recording of data

Question 23

code of ethics

Answer 23

Specific standards in conducting research that sociologist abide by

Question 24

American sociological association code of ethics

Answer 24

Professional competence
Integrity
Professional and scientific responsibility
Respect for people’s rights, dignity, and diversity
Social responsibility

Question 25

value neutrality

Answer 25

Objective in the interpréta of data

Question 26

Feminist Theory

Answer 26

Rejects the notion that work and family are delegate spheres and have drawn attention to researchers tendency to overlook women in sociological studies

Question 27

Interview

Answer 27

-face-to-face/telephone questions of respondent to obtain desired info

Question 28

conformation bias

Answer 28

Favor evidence to support our existing belief while minimizing/ignoring contrary evidence

Question 29

Hindsight bias

Answer 29

Apply common sense reasoning after the limitation is known

Question 30

questionaire

Answer 30

Respondent competes a printed/computerized form and returns it to the research

Question 31

Quantitave Research

Answer 31

Research that collects and reports data primarily in numerical form

Question 32

Mean

Answer 32

Number calculated by adding series of values and dividing by number of values

Question 33

Median

Answer 33

Midpoint, number that divided series of values into two groups of equal number of values

Question 34

Qualitative Research

Answer 34

Descriptive research that relies on narrative accounts rather than stats procedures

Question 35

Scientific method

Answer 35

Maximizes consistency in research

Question 36

Open ended survey questions

Answer 36

My be worded accurately and without bias

Question 37

Value of neutrality

Answer 37

Argues against allowing personal values and feelings to influence the interpretation of data