Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

AQA Sociology > Research methods key terms > Flashcards

Research methods key terms Flashcards

1
Q

Observation schedule

A

A flr, used to record observations using predetermined categories

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Positivist

A

Make accurate observations and measurements which stand up to scrutiny

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Cluster sample

A

A subject population grouped conveniently together in one place

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Quota sample

A

Subjects are selected because they represent groups in the total population often used in market research

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Empirical facts

A

Knowledge gained through scientific observations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Systematic sampling

A

every nth term

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Stratified sampling

A

Sample that’s representative of the total population

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Bias

A

BiasPeople’s (often unconscious) values and preferences that shape their understanding and actions. Researchers’ bias will affect how they conduct research and interpret their findings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Control Theory

A

The idea that people do not commit deviant acts because various factors control their impulse to break social norms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Hypothesis

A

An idea that can be tested by research.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Interpretivism

A

An approach to research that aims to understand motives and meanings behind behaviour. It is particularly associated with collection of qualitative data.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Positivism

A

An approach to research that is based on the scientific method and is particularly associated with collection of quantitative data.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Response Rate

A

The number of people who complete a survey divided by the number who made up the total sample.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Informed Consent

A

Respondents understand and agree to participate in a research project.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Interactionism

A

A theoretical perspective that focuses on small-scale everyday social interactions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Observation schedule

A

A form used to record observations using predetermined categories.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Pilot Study

A

A small-scale trial to test a particular research method before using it in a research project.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Cluster Sample

A

A subject population grouped conveniently together in one place.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Quota sample

A

Subjects are selected because they represent groups in the total population (e.g. age, gender) often used in market research.

20
Q

Random Sample

A

A group selected for research at random from a particular sampling frame. To be truly random everyone in the group must stand an equal chance of selection.

21
Q

Snowball Sample

A

Each member of a group of respondents is asked by a researcher to recommend someone who is known to them and who is in a similar situation.

22
Q

Stratified sample

A

A sample selected to represent groups within the total population (similar to a quota sample)

23
Q

Systematic sample

A

The systematic selection of names from a list, e.g. every tenth name.

24
Q

Interviewer bias

A

This occurs when interviewers influence the answers given by a respondent.

25
Q

Semi-structured interview

A

This combines some of the features of a structured and unstructured interviews.

26
Q

Non-participant observation

A

The researcher watches and observes without taking part in the activities of the group.

27
Q

Observer Effect

A

Group members alter their behaviour because they are being observed.

28
Q

Participant observation

A

The researcher takes an active part in the activities of the group while observing it

29
Q

Attrition rate

A

The drop-out rate from a longitudinal study.

30
Q

Longitudinal Study

A

A study that tracks a cohort over intervals of an extended period of time looking to track changes in the lives of the individuals involved.

31
Q

Social mobility

A

The movement of an individual either up or down the social scale, e.g. the working class student who obtains a university degree and enters a profession (upward mobility).

32
Q

Observation

A

A research method involving either covert (hidden) or overt (open) observations of a social group.

33
Q

Qualitative data

A

Information presented in a variety of forms that is rich in descriptive detail

34
Q

Quantitative data

A

Information presented in a numerical form.

35
Q

Reliability

A

Data is reliable if research can be repeated and consistently produces similar results.

36
Q

Subjective

A

Judgements that are based on personal opinions.

37
Q

Unstructured interview

A

An informal conversation that allows the respondent to talk freely about the general theme agreed for the interview.

38
Q

Validity

A

Data is valid if it gives an accurate pictures of the social world.

39
Q

Ethnography

A

The scientific study of different people and cultures.

40
Q

Life Histories

A

Qualitative research that provides an overall picture of an informant’s or interview’s life experiences.

41
Q

Representative

A

A researcher’s data/sample is not biased but accurately reflects the wider population being studied.

42
Q

Triangulation

A

The accuracy of data gathered using one method can be compared with data gathered using alternative methods, e.g. questionnaires, interviews and secondary sources.

43
Q

Content Analysis

A

The analysis of documents or visual material, e.g. newspapers or television broadcasts.

44
Q

Empirical facts

A

Knowledge gained through scientific observation.

45
Q

Demography

A

The study of population trends.

46
Q

Nominal data

A

A simple count, e.g. the number of times a particular type of behaviour is observed.

47
Q

Ordinal data

A

Counting in categories arranged in rank order

AQA Sociology (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions