Key definitions Flashcards
What is primary data?
Information which sociologists collect themselves through original or first hand research.
What term can be used to describe information which has not been collected bu sociologists. This information already exists and is therefore second hand.
Primary data.
Qualitative data is…
Information of a written kind.
Information of a numerical nature is…
Quantitative data.
What does validity refer to?
The extent to which results of reaserch present an authentic or true picture of what is being studied e.g ‘mirrors’ reality.
What is reliability?
Reliability refers to the extent to which results stand up to retesting. Research is reliable if consistent (the same) results are achieved when the research is repeated. This is achieved using standardised research methods.
What is the process by which people are selected to take part in research called?
Sampling.
Objectivity refers to…
The extent to which research is free from personal bias or opinion. Objective research is free from the personal views and opinions of the sociologist.
The extent to which research is free from personal bias and/or opinion.
Subjectivity.
What is a pilot study?
A small scale trial of a piece of research that examines design issues such as quality of questions, length of interview or usefulness of sample.
What is the term for where sociologists use a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods?
Triangulation.
What is operationalisation?
The process by which a sociologist defines or measures key variable in a study e.g social class may be measured in terms of occupational status.
What is a term describing something that is created, defined and maintained by society rather than occurring naturally.
Social Construction.
What is positivism?
The view that society should be studied as scientifically as possible. Positivist thinkers believe that sociologists should:
- Look for cause and effect relationships in society.
- Use objective research methods.
- Follow the logic of the experiment method to achieve high reliability.
What is interpretivism (anti-positivistm)?
The view that society cannot be studied as science. Anti-positivist thinkers believe that sociologists should:
- Look for individual meaning/feelings and motivations of social action.
- Accept that research is inherently subjective.
- Make use of non scientific methods to produce highly valid results that show an accurate picture of the subject studied.
