Research Methods & Social Inequalities - what is the relationship between theory and methods? Flashcards
What is the primary focus of sociology?
The study of society, social behavior, and social institutions.
Define ‘theory’ in the context of sociology.
A set of ideas that provide an explanation for social phenomena.
What are ‘methods’ in sociological research?
Techniques and procedures used to collect and analyze data.
True or False: Theories inform the choice of methods in sociological research.
True
What is the relationship between theory and methods in sociology?
Theory guides the selection of methods, while methods help to test and refine theories.
Fill in the blank: Theoretical frameworks provide a lens through which researchers can ______ their findings.
interpret
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a sociological method? A) Surveys B) Experiments C) Intuition
C) Intuition
What is the purpose of qualitative methods in sociology?
To gain a deeper understanding of social phenomena through detailed descriptions.
List one quantitative method used in sociological research.
Surveys or statistical analysis.
True or False: All sociological research must be based on quantitative methods.
False
What role do hypotheses play in sociological research?
They are testable predictions derived from theories.
Fill in the blank: ______ methods often involve larger sample sizes and statistical analysis.
Quantitative
What is an example of a theoretical perspective in sociology?
Functionalism, conflict theory, or symbolic interactionism.
Multiple Choice: Which theoretical perspective focuses on the role of social institutions? A) Conflict Theory B) Symbolic Interactionism C) Functionalism
C) Functionalism
How can methods impact the validity of sociological research?
The choice of methods can affect the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.
What is triangulation in sociological research?
The use of multiple methods to study a phenomenon to enhance validity.
True or False: Qualitative methods are better for exploring complex social processes.
True
What is the significance of sampling in sociological methods?
It determines how representative the research findings are of the larger population.
Fill in the blank: In sociological research, ______ is the process of systematically gathering and analyzing data.
methodology
What is a case study in sociology?
An in-depth examination of a single instance or event within its real-life context.
Multiple Choice: What type of research is often descriptive and exploratory? A) Quantitative B) Qualitative C) Experimental
B) Qualitative
What does the term ‘operationalization’ refer to in sociological research?
The process of defining variables in measurable terms.
True or False: Theories can evolve based on new research findings.
True
What is the difference between primary and secondary data?
Primary data is collected firsthand, while secondary data is previously collected by others.
