key concepts/key words Flashcards
representativeness
when the study sample reflects the characteristics of the wider target population.
the more specific the target population, the more representative
generalisability
when the sample is sufficiently large so that it is reasonable to conclude that what is true for the sample is probably true for the target population e.g. official statistics are highly generalisable as they include as most of the population as possible
reliability
anybody else using the same method or the same person using this at the different time could produce very similar results. the research can be repeated withe the same results obtained. this can be produced when strictly controlling variables
validity
a true or accurate picture of what is being studied, as close to the truth as possible.
verstehen
the researcher having empathy with the participant and try to see from their point of view
objective
the researcher should be neutral and unbiased so that they do not influence the findings of the research
subjective
when the researchers values and opinions are involved in the research
deception
information has been kept from those taking part in the research or that they have been lied to about the research. they may even be unaware that they are participating in the study
informed consent
participants should know research is being carried out upon them and how results will be used so that they can make an intelligent choice as to whether they should take part.
confidentiality
disguising the identity of individual participants when writing up the research
methodological pluralism (realist approach)
combining and using different research methods e.g quantitative and qualitative data in order to build up a fuller picture that is being researched
data triangulation (positivist approach)
when different sets of data are compared combining research methods to check or verify the validity and reliability of researcher findings
researcher triangulation
when different researchers check for bias by using the same method with the same or different groups and compare results
right answerism
providing answers that respondent feels like they should give not what they actually believe
social desirability
when respondents give answers that they believe will make them look good, concealing their true opinions
hawthorne effect
participants change their behaviour because they know they are being observed
going native
where the researcher becomes so embedded in the research group so they loose objectivity and effectively become a member
ethnography
the study of people in their own environment. meaning their cultures and social group is studied
