Chapter 3 - Methods of studying Sociology

Question 1

Variables

Answer 1

A concept that can have two or more values. Characteristics like age, height, Location, gender, that can be measured or counted.

Question 2

Independent Variable

Answer 2

A variable that causes change or variation of another variable (independent variable). % of fast food locations in the area (independent variable) - to obesity % in same area.

Question 3

Dependent Variable

Answer 3

The variable that is Dependent on the Independent Variable. % of fast food locations in the area - to % in obesity in the same area. (Dependent Variable).

Question 4

9 Scientific Method Steps (64)

Answer 4

1) Statement of Problem 2) Review of Literature (on subject) 3) Develop Hypothesis 4) Choose research design 5) Triangulate Research Method 6) Data collection 7) Data analysis/Interpretation 8) Development of Conclusions 9) Pose new research question

Question 5

Causality

Answer 5

The relationship between cause and effect.

Question 6

Generalizability

Answer 6

The degree to which the results of a study based on a sample can be said to represent the result that would be obtained from the entire population from which the sample was drawn.

Question 7

Operational definition (scientific method 66)

Answer 7

Definition of a concept or variable such that it can be measured during research. (When conducting a research the variable has to be measurable -exp. testing anger - can be measured on a scale from 1-10).

Question 8

Exploratory Research (75)

Answer 8

Typically used to explore some new social phenomenon. Attempts to answer the “what”. (

Question 9

Descriptive research

Answer 9

Describes social reality or provides facts about the social world. share the goal of providing facts. (Would describe the percentage of college students who do drugs and the frequency.)

Question 10

Explanatory research

Answer 10

Attempt to explain why things do or do not happen. (Why do people with prison records have more trouble finding jobs)

Question 11

Evaluative research

Answer 11

Measures how well a program or project works in relation to its goals.

Question 12

content analysis

Answer 12

A data gathering technique that systematically extracts thematic data from a wide range of communications. (Using different sources and extracting quantative or qualitive data).

Question 13

Sample

Answer 13

Gathered data from a percentage of the population in question that effectively represents the whole population in question.

Question 14

Random Sample

Answer 14

Chosen by chance, everyone has an equal opportunity of being selected.

Question 15

systematic sampling

Answer 15

Numerically assigning people and randomly choosing by numbers who will participate (even numbers, every sixth person)

Question 16

Stratified Sampling

Answer 16

Where a population is divided into groups and then randomly within those groups. (Exp: dividing students by gender then picking randomly).

Question 17

Qualitative research

Answer 17

Gathering and reporting of non-numeric data used to determine the essential characteristics, properties, or processes of something or someone. (Example: Trying to find out “why” things happen; why are so many people homeless; why is hs drop out rate high; why are there so many teen pregnancies.)

Question 18

Quantitative Research

Answer 18

The gathering of numeric data that is usually used to test a hypothesis or examine the relationship between two variables. (Example: Finding out how many men in the U.S. Are married; surveying and counting the amount or % of those who are and those who are not).

Question 19

Theory

Answer 19

Is a set of interrelated statements or propositions used to answer questions about some social phenomenon.

Question 20

Subcultures

Answer 20

Groups who share some of the cultural elements of the larger society yet also have their own distinctive set of norms, values, symbols, and lifestyle. (Example: Catholics are subculture to American culture. Are a subculture of religious norms, values, symbols, and lifestyle. But also share all of those that are American norms, values, symbols, and lifestyle.