Research Methods Key Terms Flashcards
Secondary data
Information which has nit been collected by sociologists. The information already exists and is therefore second hand.
Primary data
Information which sociologists collect themselves through original or first hand research.
Validity
The extent to which the results of research present an authentic or true picture of what is being studied - ‘mirrors’ reality.
Reliability
The extent to which results stand up to re-testing. Research is reliable if when repeated (under similar conditions) the same or consistent results are achieved. This is achieved by using standardised research methods.
Qualitative data
Information which is of a written kind.
Quantitative
Information which is of a numerical kind.
Objectivity
Research free from personal bias or opinion.
Subjectivity
Research containing an individual’s point of view about the subject.
Representative sample
A sample that mirrors society at large. For example in terms of age, social class, sex and ethnicity.
Sampling
The process by which people are selected to take part in research.
Pilot study
A small scale trial of a piece of research that examines design issues such as quality or questions, length of interview or usefulness of sample.
Triangulation
This is where sociologists use a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Social construction
Something created or defined by society rather than occurring naturally.
Positivism
The views that society should be studied as scientifically as possible.
Anti-positivism (interpretivism)
The view that society cannot be studied as a science.
