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Sociology Key Terms (all Components) > Research methods definitions > Flashcards

Research methods definitions Flashcards

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Sociology 101 flashcards
1
Q

What’s the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods?

A

Quantitative: numerical data (shows patterns / trends)

Qualitative: in depth written analysis (shows meanings /experiences)

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2
Q

What is meant by positivist theory as an approach applied to research methods?

A

Methods favouring scientific approach / quantitative (will produce numerical data)

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3
Q

What is interpretivist theory as applied to research approach ?

A

Researchers who favour subjective approaches / qualitative (will produce written commentary)

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4
Q

What are 2 examples of interpretivist methods

(tip: remember qualitative)

A

A. Semi structured interviews (face to face / mix of closed and open needed questions.

B. Participant observations (researcher spends time with group in natural setting)

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5
Q

What is ethnography?

(tip: this is a key interpretivist method)

A

Writing about people / culture by placing researcher into natural setting of group

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6
Q

What are 2 examples of positivist research methods

A

A. Questionnaires (typically closed questions producing numerical data)

B. Content analysis (eg. statistical analysis counting the number of times something occurs)

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7
Q

What is content analysis?

A

Research tool used to investigate the mass media

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8
Q

What is the purpose of content analysis?

A

To discover how particular issues are presented

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9
Q

Is content analysis quantitative or qualitative method?

A

Quantitative (statistical excersise)

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10
Q

What is covert participant observation?

A

Where the researcher keeps their identity concealed in a participant observation

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11
Q

Can covert observation gain informed consent?

A

No they can’t

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12
Q

What does “verstehen” mean?

A

The ability of the researcher to get in the head of the research subject and understand the world from there perspective

(gets a rapport with people being surveyed)

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13
Q

What is a longitudinal study?

A

Take place over long period of time using same group of participants.

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14
Q

Do longitudinal studies use quantitative or qualitative data?

A

May combine both

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15
Q

What does methodological pluralism mean?

A

Mixed methods

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16
Q

Why might sociologists choose pluralism?

A

To rule out problems associated with using singular methods.

17
Q

Name three key research criteria

A

Reliability, validity, representativeness

18
Q

What is the definition of Validity?

A

If research findings give true picture of groups reality

19
Q

What is meant when a method is Reliable?

A

Whether or not method is easily repeatable (same / similar results can be got by another researcher)

20
Q

What does Representative mean?

A

Refers to make up of a sample / if sample is typical of target population being studied.

21
Q

What is meant by Ethical research methods?

A

Method which follows all BSA guidelines

22
Q

What does BSA stand for?

A

British sociological association

23
Q

What important code do the BSA provide?

A

Code of sociological ethics

24
Q

How many guidelines are in the BSA code of ethics

A

Six

25
Q

Should the six ethical guidelines of the BSA be followed

A. Never

B. Always

C. Wherever possible

A

C. Wherever possible.

26
Q

Name three of the six ethical guidelines of BSA

A

(See page 8 of booklet)

One - gain informed consent (if under sixteen via parent)

Two - do not deceive participants

Three- protect participant anonymity

27
Q

Name three more of the six ethical guidelines of BSA

A

Four - protect participants from harm

Five - avoid risk of physical harm to themselves (ie the researcher)

Six - researcher must not engage in criminal behaviour

28
Q

What is meant by a research method being Practical?

A

That the research method is cheap and quick

29
Q

What are the six key research criteria?

A

Validity

Reliability

Representativeness

Practicality

Ethicality

Theory (which theory does the research method suit?)

30
Q

Name the two overarching THEORIES of sociological research

A

Positivism / interpretivism

31
Q

Name 2 research METHODS

A

Quantitative / qualitative

32
Q

What are the terms Reliabilty, Validity, and Representativeness associated with?

A

Research CRITERIA

Sociology Key Terms (all Components) (3 decks)

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