Introduction to Social Science Flashcards
Retribution
A punishment that is considered morally right and justly deserved
Correlational Data
The use of pre-existing data to determine the relationship between two or more variables
Hypothesis
A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that will be tested further in order to determine if the educated assumption was correct
Social Science Inquiry Model
A systematic method of investigation that includes identifying a problem, creating a hypothesis, gathering data, analyzing data and drawing a conclusion.
Psychology
The study of the human mind, mental states and human behavior
Open Question
A question with many possible answers due yo differences in opinion and perspective
Social Sciences
The organized study of people and their activities and relationships; aims to understand human society, culture, actions attitudes and behaviour through systematic inquiry
Unstructured Observation
A research technique in which the characteristic that will be observed is not predetermined, usually used to form a question or hypothesis about a certain group, area or situation.
Analyse Data
The fourth step in the scientific inquiry process where the gathered data is displayed in the appropriate charts and graphs so that connections can be made (relationships, trend, and pattern) before a conclusion is decided upon
Closed Question
A question with a restricted range of answers that are usually short and without detail
Deterrent
A consequence that discourages or is meant to discourage someone from doing a certain act
Structure Observation
A research technique in which the researcher observes a certain person, group, area or situation knowing what will be looked for, noted and counted
Content Analysis
A research method in which the researcher gathers predetermined conclusions from previous studies and uses these conclusions to answer/support/disprove the hypothesis that they have posed
Historical Analysis
The use of census data, letters, diaries and media to understand the past and analyse the social changes that take place over time
Gather Data
The third step in the scientific inquiry process in which the researcher determines the appropriate research method based on their type of hypothesis and then carries out this method in order to gain a quantitative and qualitative data
Anthropology
The scientific study of humans, including their origin; behaviour; and physical, social and cultural development
Conclusion
The end result of the scientific process that determines whether the hypothesis is supported of disproved by the analysed data
Case Study
The in depth observation of an individual, group or situation over a long period of time, usually to understand the effect of one variable on another
Sociology
The scientific study of human and social behaviour including individuals, groups, societies and the structures that form
Sample Survey
A research technique that obtains information about a group by polling a limited number of people within the group (sample/cross section)
Experiment
A research technique that determines how one variable is related to another through a controlled scenario that is carried out by the researcher
Interview
A research method in which a dialogue takes place between the interviewer and the interviewee in order to gain detailed accounts from a small group of people, usually about opinion based subjects
Participant Observation
The careful watching of a group that involves living with its members and engaging in their cultural activities
