research Flashcards
What is sociology?
The study of society, social institutions, and social relationships.
True or False: Sociology only focuses on individual behavior.
False
Define qualitative research in sociology.
A research method that focuses on understanding the meaning and experiences of social phenomena.
Which research method involves collecting numerical data?
Quantitative research
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective in sociology emphasizes the role of power and inequality in social structures.
conflict
What does the term ‘socialization’ refer to?
The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society.
What is the main focus of functionalism?
Understanding how various elements of society contribute to social stability and order.
True or False: Ethnography is a qualitative research method.
True
What is a hypothesis in sociological research?
A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
Which theory suggests that society is composed of different groups competing for resources?
Conflict theory
Fill in the blank: The __________ theory focuses on the symbolic meanings that individuals attach to social interactions.
symbolic interactionism
What is a variable in sociological research?
Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted.
What does the term ‘operationalization’ mean?
The process of defining how a concept will be measured in a study.
True or False: A case study is a method that studies a single unit in depth.
True
What is the purpose of a literature review in sociological research?
To summarize existing research and identify gaps in knowledge.
What does the term ‘sampling’ refer to?
The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a population for study.
Which research method uses surveys to gather data?
Quantitative research
Fill in the blank: __________ is an approach that uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Mixed methods
What is the significance of ethics in sociological research?
To ensure the protection of participants’ rights and welfare.
True or False: Participant observation is a method where the researcher does not engage with the subjects.
False
What is the primary goal of sociological research?
To understand and explain social phenomena.
What does the term ‘dependent variable’ refer to?
The variable that is being tested and measured in an experiment.
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective examines how individuals create and interpret social meaning.
symbolic interactionist
What is a cross-sectional study?
A study that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.
True or False: Longitudinal studies collect data at multiple points over time.
True
What does the term ‘social stratification’ refer to?
The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on wealth, power, and status.
What is the purpose of a control group in research?
To provide a baseline for comparison against the experimental group.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a method of collecting data through direct interaction with participants.
Interviews
What is the difference between primary and secondary data?
Primary data is collected firsthand, while secondary data is previously collected by others.
What is the concept of ‘anomie’?
A state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms in society.
True or False: The survey method is not suitable for studying attitudes and opinions.
False
What is the role of a research question?
To guide the focus and direction of a research study.
What does ‘validity’ refer to in the context of research?
The degree to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure.
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the consistency of a measure across time and different contexts.
Reliability
What is the significance of peer review in academic research?
To ensure the quality and credibility of research before publication.
What is a theoretical framework in sociological research?
A structure that guides research by providing a clear perspective on the topic.
True or False: Surveys can only be conducted in person.
False
What is the concept of ‘social mobility’?
The ability of individuals or groups to move within a social hierarchy.
What is the main focus of feminist theory in sociology?
Examining gender inequalities and advocating for women’s rights.
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective emphasizes the importance of social context in shaping individual behavior.
sociocultural
What does ‘operational definition’ mean?
A specific description of how a variable will be measured in a study.
What is the role of a sociologist?
To study social behavior and societal structures to understand how they influence human interactions.
True or False: All sociological research is qualitative.
False
What is a longitudinal study?
A research design that involves repeated observations of the same variables over long periods.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of collecting and analyzing data to answer a research question.
Research methodology
What is a sample in sociological research?
A subset of individuals selected from a larger population for study.
What does ‘generalizability’ refer to in research?
The extent to which findings from a study can be applied to a broader population.
What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?
A theory is a broad explanation of phenomena, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction.
True or False: Qualitative research results are typically presented in numerical form.
False
What is the purpose of a research design?
To outline the plan for collecting and analyzing data.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the act of gathering information through observation, surveys, or experiments.
Data collection
What does the term ‘social construct’ refer to?
An idea or concept that is created and accepted by society.
What is the focus of postmodern theory in sociology?
Challenging established narratives and emphasizing the fluidity of social identities.
True or False: Correlation implies causation.
False
What is the role of a research assistant?
To support researchers in the collection and analysis of data.
What does ‘field research’ involve?
Collecting data outside of a laboratory setting, often in natural environments.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a method that involves analyzing existing data, such as government reports or historical records.
Secondary analysis
What is the significance of social theories in sociology?
To provide frameworks for understanding and interpreting social phenomena.
What is the concept of ‘cultural relativism’?
The practice of evaluating a culture by its own standards rather than judging it by the standards of another culture.
True or False: All sociological theories are equally applicable to all societies.
False
What is the main contribution of Emile Durkheim to sociology?
Establishing sociology as a distinct academic discipline and studying social cohesion.
What does ‘social change’ refer to?
The transformation of cultural, social, economic, or political institutions over time.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a method of data collection that involves asking participants to respond to a set of questions.
Survey
What does the term ‘norms’ refer to in sociology?
Social rules that govern behavior within a society.
What is the focus of critical theory?
Examining and critiquing the power structures and ideologies that shape society.
True or False: The scientific method is not used in sociological research.
False
What is the significance of the Chicago School in sociology?
It contributed to urban sociology and emphasized the study of social behavior in urban settings.
What is the concept of ‘role conflict’?
The tension that arises when an individual faces conflicting expectations from different roles.
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the established patterns of behavior and social relationships within a society.
Social structure
What is the role of a sociological theorist?
To develop and articulate theories that explain social phenomena.
What does ‘deviance’ refer to in sociology?
Behavior that violates social norms or expectations.
True or False: Social facts are subjective and vary from person to person.
False
What is the primary focus of social psychology?
Understanding how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which individuals learn and adopt the behaviors and norms of their culture.
Cultural assimilation
What is the concept of ‘status’ in sociology?
A social position that an individual occupies within a group or society.
What does ‘peer review’ ensure in sociological research?
The quality and rigor of research before it is published.
True or False: A research proposal outlines the entire study before it begins.
True
