Reasearch Methods 📚 Flashcards
What is Bias?
People’s (often unconscious) values and preferences that shape their understanding and actions. Researchers biases will affect how they conduct research and interpret their findings
What is control theory?
The idea that people do not commit deviant acts because various factors control their impulse to break social norms
What is hypothesis?
An idea that can be tested by research
What is Interpretivism?
An approach to research which aims to understand motives and meanings behind behaviour. It is particularly associated with collection of qualitative data
What is positivism?
An approach to research that is based on the scientific method and is particularly associated with collection of quantitative data.
What is response rate?
The number of people who complete a survey divided by the number of people who made up the total sample
What is pilot study?
A small scale trial to test a particular research method before using it in a research project
What is informed consent?
Respondents understand and agree to participate in a research project
What is interactionism?
A theoretical perspective that focuses on small-scale every day social interactions
What is observation schedule?
A form used to record observations using predetermined categories
What is reliability?
The extent to which an experiment, test or research shows the same results through repeated trials
What is cluster sample?
A subject population grouped conveniently together in one place
What is quota sample?
Subjects are selected because they represent groups in the total population (eg Age/ gender) often used in market research
What is random sample?
A group selected from research at random from a particular sampling frame Everyone has an equal chance of being selected
What is sampling frame?
A complete list from which the researcher selects their sample
What is snowball sample?
Each member of the group of respondents is asked to recommend someone who is known to them and in a similar situation
What is stratified sample?
A sample selected to represent groups within the total population
What is systematic sampling?
The systematic selection of names from a list
What is genocide?
Defined by the UN as ‘acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole, or part, a national, ethical racial or religious group.’
What is personality test?
A questionnaire which is supposed to reveal an individual’s personality
