Quantitive Methods Flashcards
Define ‘Positivism’
Things that are definite, there is no room for change, it is all based on facts
Define ‘Quantitative’
Measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather than quality. Able to put on a graph and express through numbers.
Define ‘reliable’
Research that is standardised so that it can be replicated precisely. When repeated, same results should be produces in order to prove reliability
Define ‘Representative’
A sample that reflects a typical cross section of the group being studied; the data is generalisable to wider society
Define ‘Sample’
A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like
Define ‘Interpretivist’
Action or event is analysed based on beliefs, norms and values of the culture of the society. Things can’t be directly observed and counted
Define ‘Qualitative’
Measuring or measured by the quality rather than quantity. Cannot be put on a graph or into sets of data.
Define ‘Acquiescence Bias’
When a participant answers positively to every question (agreeing with everything).
Bias to answering to affirm the question.
Define ‘Dissent Bias’
When a participant answers negatively to every question (disagreeing with everything).
Bias to answering to negate the question.
Define ‘Hawthorne Effect’
When participants respond differently because they know they’re being observed/watched
Define ‘Social Desirability’
Participants using select responses they think are socially desirable.
Define ‘Neutral Response Bias’
Respondents sticking to middle ground often picking “neutral” or “no opinion”
Define ‘Demand Characteristics’
Participants acting in a particular way because they researcher has disclosed/hinted at what they expect to find
What is a ‘Leading Question’
A question that points towards an answer
Definition of ‘Validity’
Research that produces a true and in-depth picture of what the subject matter is really like.
Define ‘Detachment’
Approach to research that employs emotional detachment and limits interaction with subject
What is a ‘Stratified Sample’?
Researchers divide subjects into subgroups based of characteristics they share
What is a ‘Random Sample’?
When a researcher randomly selects participants for research through randomly generated choice by computer or out of a hat. Each member of the target population has an equal chance of being in the sample
What is a ‘Close ended’ question?
Question that asks respondents to choose from a predefined set of responses, typically one word answers or a set of multiple choice questions.
What is an ‘Open ended’ question?
Question that requires a participant to answer in their own words. Mostly opinion based
What is the census?
An official count or survey taken every 10 years
What did Alice Sullivan research?
Surveyed pupils using questionnaires to assess their cultural capital. By asking about a range of cultural activities, and testing their vocabulary and knowledge of cultural figures. She found that children that read complex fiction and watched more serious documentaries developed better cultural knowledge.
What is Cultural Capital?
The social assets of a person that assist a person in navigating culture.
Define ‘Hypothesis’
An idea or explanation that is then tested through study and experimentation
What is a Literature Review?
Analysis of published information in a particular subject. Part of the research process
What are practical issues in research?
- Time
- Funding
- Skills
- Money
- access to participants.
What are ethical issues in research?
- Consent (informed consent or post-hoc consent)
- Harm
- Confidentiality (anonymity)
- Vulnerable Groups
What are theoretical issues in research?
- Positivism vs Interpretivism
- Reliability (positivist)
- Validity (interpretivist)
- Representativeness (positivist)
What is informed consent?
A procedure for ensuring that research participants understand what is being done to them and any risks that could potentially happen.
What is Anonymity?
Providing anonymity of information from research participants.
What is a Pilot Study?
Small research study conducted before the intended study to try eliminate systematic errors or unexpected problems
What is a ‘Convenience Sample’?
A non-probability sampling method where units are selected for inclusion in the sample because they are the easiest for the researcher to access
Define ‘Operationalisation’
Turning abstract concepts into measurable observations
What does ‘time’ mean in research?
Allows a researcher to see growth and development or breakage and decay over time
What does ‘Money’ mean in research?
How much money is going to be spent or needed to carry out the experiment/research
What does ‘Skill’ mean in research?
How well your are able to find information and use it effectively
What does ‘generalisable’ mean
The extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to other situations
What are ‘hard statistics’?
Measurable and verifiable information
E.g. births and deaths
What are ‘soft statistics’?
Data that involves opinions, attitudes and feelings, things that cannot be measured
E.g. numbers of people that are victims of sexual harassment.
What is the ‘dark figure’ regarding statistics?
Statistics that just cannot be identified and so are left missing
E.g. male-on-male rape hardly ever appears in statistics produced
What are the types of quantitative methods
-experiments
-questionnaires
-structured interviews
-official statistics
-lab + field experiments
