Research Flashcards
What is reliability
If a different researcher applied the same method would he get the same result
What is validity
The accuracy of the data collected
What is representativeness
If a sample has the same characteristics eg gender, age or social class it can be used as representative data
What is primary research
Research done by the sociologist first hand
What is secondary data
Data that is already in existence done by another researcher
What is quantitative data
Data that can be put into numbers
What is qualitative data
Data that is expressed in words
What is participant observation
When the researcher joins the group they’re studying and actively participates in their social world
What is non participant observation
Where the researcher doesn’t participate in the group they’re studying
What is structured observation
Where the researcher records what the observe using a structured list of behaviour categories
What is overt observation
When the group being observed knows the researcher is observing and participating
What is covert observation
When those being observed don’t know the researchers intentions
What is a social survey
A large scale, structured usually questionnaire delivered face to face to be completed in the absence of the researcher
What is a research sample
When a researcher observes a small group of people instead of all of the group members
Mailed survey?
A survey that’s mailed
Self completion questionnaire
When the participant completes the survey themselves without assistance
What is a response rate
The proportion of people who respond and agree to further surveys
What is a structured interview
An interview with a set list of questions and responses
What is a unstructured interview
An open ended approach with no set list of questions or answers
What kind of experiment do sociologists use most
Field experiment
What experiment to sociologists use least
Lab
What is a field experiment
When sociologist recreate a real life situation to test a research aim. They will only be able to control one or two variables
What is triangulation
When a researcher uses more than one method to obtain a clearer aspect of social behaviour.the methods usually balancing out the others advantages and disadvantages
What is a sampling frame
A full list of the people who make up the research population. A sample is taken from this list
What is the pilot study
The initial experiment done on a smaller scale to find out the pros and cons
What is a longitudinal study
A study done over s long period of time. Usually come back to to compare changes since it first began
What is ethical issues
Ethical issues are concerns relating to the rights of participants. Eg lying to the participant
What are official stats
Data collected by the government
What are some examples of personal documents
Diaries, letters and memoirs
