Chapter 4- Textbook Flashcards
What is research?
A systematic approach to gathering data using an agreed upon set of methods.
What does the kinds of research question you ask depend on?
the theoretical perspective from which you are working
What are the different theoretic perspectives?
functionalist, conflict theorist, symbolic interactionist, feminist researchers, queer theorists
What is a researcher working from a functionalist perspective interested in? Macro or micro?
- Macro
- the smooth function of society–how roles and shared values promote equilibrium
What is a conflict theorist interested in? Macro or Micro?
- Macro
- concerned with the struggle over scare resources by different groups in society and how elites control the less powerful
What are symbolic interactionists interested in? Macro or micro?
- Micro
- interested in face-to-face encounters and the meanings that people use to facilitate social life
What are feminist researchers interested in?
Examining issues pertaining to gender and inequality
What are queer theorists interested in?
troubling concepts such as the term normal; seek to expose these concepts as socially constructing.
What is the quantitative approach?
- numerical data
- converting aspects of social life into numbers to determine a relationship
- larger sample
What is a qualitative approach?
- non-numerical data
- focus is on rich detail, and are more in-depth
- smaller sample size
What are the two systems of reasoning?
inductive logic and deductive logic
What is indicative logic? Qualitative or quantitative?
A system of reasoning that moves from data to the formation of a theory
Qualitative
What is deductive logic? Qualitative or quantitative?
(theory to data)
- a system of reasoning the moves from theory to the reformulation of a hypothesis for testing
- test theory to see if expected pattern transpires
- quantitative
What are the 9 steps to the overall research process?
1) begin with an area of interest
2) conduct literature search
3) refine area of interest into specific research question
4) choose research method
5) find out where and with whom you will be able to get your needed information
6) Submit an ethical review application
7) gather your data
8) analyze the data
9) write up research and share with others
What is a hypothesis? Quantitative or qualitative?
A tentative statement about a particular relationship (between objects, people, or groups of people) that can be tested empirically.
-Use in quantitative study
Where are variables? Quantitative or qualitative?
characteristics of objects, people, or groups of people that can be measured
-In quantitative studies
What is an independent variable?
Can be varied or manipulated by researchers
What is a dependent variable?
is the reaction (if one occurs) of the participants to this manipulation
What are operational definitions?
Description of something that allows it to be measured
What is an example of an operational definitioN?
Measuring gender equality is difficult so factors such as female earnings, education, employment status, etc. were used as measures
What is validity?
The accuracy of a given measurement
-Accurately measuring the concept
What is reliability?
The consistency of a given result.
- Do you consistently get the same result?
- Results are consistent over time.
How are reliability and validity interconnected?
Researchers must have a reliable measurement before they can be confident that they have a valid measurement.
-A reserver would be unable to measure or observe a phenomenon if the measure he or she is using melds results that are inconsistent. A measurement can be reliable yet not valid.
What is correlation? Example?
A measure of how strongly two variables are related to each other. Can range from weak to strong.
Ex. correlation between condom-applying women and women who have a positive attitude towards sexuality
What is causality? Example?
Relationship in which one variable causes a change in another variable?
Ex. cigarette smoking causes bronchitis, lung disease, and lung cancer.
What is spurious correlation? Example?
A false correlation between two or more variables, even though it appears to be true.
Ex. saying the sexual assault rates are related to ice-cream sales in the summer months when it is actually due to warmer weather and more people going out.
What is a research population?
A groups of people that a researcher wishes to learn something about.