Chapter 3 - Methods of studying Sociology Flashcards
Variables
A concept that can have two or more values. Characteristics like age, height, Location, gender, that can be measured or counted.
Independent Variable
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.
Dependent Variable
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).
9 Scientific Method Steps (64)
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
Causality
The relationship between cause and effect.
Generalizability
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.
Operational definition (scientific method 66)
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).
Exploratory Research (75)
Typically used to explore some new social phenomenon. Attempts to answer the “what”. (
Descriptive research
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.)
Explanatory research
Attempt to explain why things do or do not happen. (Why do people with prison records have more trouble finding jobs)
Evaluative research
Measures how well a program or project works in relation to its goals.
content analysis
A data gathering technique that systematically extracts thematic data from a wide range of communications. (Using different sources and extracting quantative or qualitive data).
Sample
Gathered data from a percentage of the population in question that effectively represents the whole population in question.
Random Sample
Chosen by chance, everyone has an equal opportunity of being selected.
systematic sampling
Numerically assigning people and randomly choosing by numbers who will participate (even numbers, every sixth person)
Stratified Sampling
Where a population is divided into groups and then randomly within those groups. (Exp: dividing students by gender then picking randomly).
Qualitative research
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.)
Quantitative Research
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).
Theory
Is a set of interrelated statements or propositions used to answer questions about some social phenomenon.
Subcultures
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.
