research methods

Question 1

8 stages of scientific method

Answer 1

1. defining the problem
2. reviewing literature
3. formulating the hypothesis/research question
4. selecting a research method(design)
5. selecting the sample
6. measuring variables
7. collecting and analyzing data
8. developing conclusions

Question 2

sociological questions

Answer 2

• factual: what happened
• comparative: did this happen everywhere?
• historical: has this happened before?
• theoretical: why does this happen?

Question 3

variable

Answer 3

• measurable trait
• dependent variable is subject to influence of the independent variable

Question 4

validity

Answer 4

refers to the degree in which the results reflects the phenomena under study

Question 5

reliability

Answer 5

refers to the extent which the results are consistent

Question 6

research design

Answer 6

different ways of conducting research
- quantitative or qualitative

Question 7

quantitative

Answer 7

gathering information and data in numerical values
- analyze data in statistical manners
- can gather info from a lot of people quickly

Question 8

secondary data analysis

Answer 8

research techniques that make use of previously acquired information and data

Question 9

qualitative

Answer 9

research that relies on what is seen in the field and in naturalistic settings
- collect data through interviews, content analysis, ethnography
- why things happen

Question 10

theory

Answer 10

generalizations that explain, predict or interpret social behavior

Question 11

value of neutrality

Answer 11

• max weber
• researchers cant let their feelings get in the way of their research

Question 12

code of ethics

Answer 12

calls for objectivity and integrity in research, confidentiality, and disclosure for all sources of financial support

Question 13

different ways of knowing

Answer 13

there are different ways of knowing and understanding the world. knowledge comes from different sources and we need ways of learning from these different sources

Question 14

thoughts of post modern sociologists

Answer 14

social world cannot be expressed by a single paradigm
- take into account different ways of knowing

Question 15

traditional ways of knowing

Answer 15

a cumulative body of knowledge, know-how, practices and representations maintained and developed by peoples with extended histories of interaction with the natural environment. These sophisticated sets of understandings, interpretations and meanings are part and parcel of a cultural complex that encompasses language, naming and classification systems, resource use practices, ritual, spirituality and worldviews” - unesco

Question 16

critical thinking

Answer 16

asking targeted questions and carefully assessing evidence that involves 4 central components

Question 17

public sociology

Answer 17

michael burawoy made the discipline of sociology more accessible to the public
- the digital journal global dialogue provides accessible papers on diverse research questions

Question 18

components of critical thinking

Answer 18

1. questioning facts
2. questioning basic values
3. asking questions
4. questioning the status quo

Question 19

hawthorne effect

Answer 19

unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their subjects

Question 20

operational definition

Answer 20

an explanation of an abstract concept that is specific enough to allow a researchers to assess the concept

Question 21

major research designs

Answer 21

• surveys (questionnaire or interviews)
• observation (ethnography)
• experiment
• secondary analysis (existing sources)

Question 22

principles of the code of ethics

Answer 22

1. maintain objectivity and integrity in research
2. respect the subjects right to privacy and dignity
3. protect subjects from personal harm
4. preserve confidentiality
5. seek informed consent when data are collected from research participants or when behaviors occurs in private context

Question 23

survey

Answer 23

• questionnaires/ interviews
• pro: yields info about certain issues
• con: expensive and time consuming

Question 24

observation

Answer 24

• ethnography
• [os: yields detailed info about specific groups
• involves months/years of labor intensive data

Question 25

experiment

Answer 25

• deliberate manipulation of peoples social behaviour
• pros: yields direct measures of people behaviours
  cons: ethical limitations

Question 26

existing source/ secondary analysis

Answer 26

• pros: cost efficient
• cons: limited to data collected from some other purpose