Research Methods Key Terms Flashcards
Control theory
The idea that people do not commit deviant acts because various factors control their impulse to break social norms
Interpretivism
An approach to research which aims to understand motives and meanings behind behaviour. It is particularly associated with a collection of qualitative data.
Positivism
An approach to research that is based on the scientific method and is particularly associated with a collection of quantitative data.
Response rate
The number if people who complete a survey divided by the number of people who made up the total sample.
Interactionalism
A theoretical perspective that focuses on small-scale every day social interactions
Observation schedule
A form used to record observations using predetermined categories.
Cluster sample
A subject population grouped conveniently together in one place
Quota sample
Subjects are selected because they represent groups in the total population, often used in market research.
Sampling frame
A complete list from which the researcher selects their sample, EG student in a school
Snowball sample
Each member of the group
