Sociology 150 Midterm Flashcards
Scientific method
Establish parameter that help ensure that the finding are objective and accurate. Provides boundaries that focus a study and organize it’s results.
Scientific literature
Give us a broad understanding of previous research done on the topic which can help establish how you feel.
Hypothesizes
An assumption about how two or more variables are related this guess in
Null Hypothesis
Opposite of the hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the variable
What do sociologists seek to do in the social world
Contribute and enhance knowledge
Causation vs. Correlation
Correlation: There is a relationship between the variables
Causation: One of the variables causes the others reaction. Only can be found through experiments
Empirical patterns
On a vey basic level, researchers try to find correlation between variables
Content analysis
a research tool used to determine the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within some given qualitative data
Operationalization
Defining the concept in terms of steps it takes to objectively measure it. Turning abstrat concepts into quantifiable measurable variable
Research Methods
A systemic process of inquiry applied to learning about the social world
What is the goal of research methods
To construct a defensible version of reality.
What are the twin pillars of science
Logic and Observation
How do scientists gather infromation
They gather information about facts in a way that is organized and intentional and follows a set of predetemined steps
Steps of the research process
Choosing a research topic, conducting a literature review, measuring variables and gather data and analyzing data and drawing a conclusion.
Difference between qualitative and quantitative method
Quantitative research is structured numerical data analysis, aims to explore and is larger sample sizes.
Qualitative research is in depth, narrative data analysis, aims to measure and smaller sample size.
Are quantitative and qualitative methods in opposition to each other?
No. They are more like brothers. Different but still having some similarities. Many studies use both to strengthen their results.
Where do sociologist look for patterns of regularity.
In social life.
Difference in Data collection , Data analysis and theory.
Data collection are designed to detect social regularities, data analysis technique are used to interpret them and theory is used to explain them.
Selective observation
Paying attention to events that match a prior conclusion and ignore those that do not.
Overgeneralization
Occurs when we unjustifiably conclude that what is true for some cases is true for all cases.
Confirmation bias
The tendency to seek out and prefer information that supports out preexisting beliefs.
Varible
A characteristics /condition that can change from person to person
Independent varible
Variable that is manipulated