Sociology Unit 1 Flashcards
Scientific Methods
Research based on observable, empirical and measurable evidence that precedes from observation, hypothesis-testing then evaluation.
Sociological Imagination
A form of critical thinking that examines the social world from multiple points of view. It sees the social in individual behaviour.
Theory
A theory is a statement about the way the world is believed to work. The ole of sociological theories is to explain social behaviour in the real world. For example, why are some people racist or sexist or ageist?
Sociological Perspective
A sociological perspective is a collection of theories that provides researchers with a model to guide and reflect upon their social research.
Feminism
A theoretical perspective that advocates for gender equality by opposing sexism and patriarchy.
Research methods
The ways in which researches collect data, conduct research and analyse findings.
Experiment
Controlled research that involves testing the effect of one variable on another variable, usually by comparing results from a control group to an experimental group.
Survey
Research involving participants responding to a set of questions or statements that are usually analysed statistically.
Questionaire
Research involving a set of planned questions for participants to answer which is usually analysed statistically
Interview
Research whereby a participant is asked to answer a series of questions through a one-on-one conversation.
Fieldwork
Research involving the careful observation and recording of participant behaviour in a naturalistic setting.
Participant observation
Research involving the careful watching and recording of participant (subject) behaviour in a clinical or naturalistic setting.
Secondary Analysis
Research involving the study of data conducted by someone else.
Historical analysis
Research involving the use of primary sources and other original evidence to form accounts of the past.
Quantitate data
Numerical information that has been collected in research that reflects the amount or ‘quantity’ of what is being studied.
Qualitative data
Descriptive information that has been collection in research that includes words, descriptions, pictures and other ‘qualities’ of what is being studied. Commonly used in the social sciences.
Ethnicity
The particular cultural features that are hared by a distinctive group or population. The social trials shared by these groupings include nationality, ideology and lifestyles. Common languages, common cultural and religious practices and a common ancestry support the ethnic identity.
Cultural hybridity
The process of combining and drawing upon different cultural and ethnic identities to create a new hybridised culture, slightly changing the dominant culture in the process.
Social class
The social identity and status of groups of people based on shared social and economic background. In Australia, the term socioeconomic status (SES) is often used interchangeable with social class.
Intergenerational inequality
Disadvantages that passes across multiple generations within the one family.
Prejudice
A positive or negative prejudgement (attitude) about an entire category of people.
Discrimination
The unequal treatment towards a category of people.
Stereotype
Assumptions about individuals based on their social group membership rather than individual characteristics.
Ethnicity
The particular cultural features that are shared by a distinctive group or population. The social traits shared by these groupings include nationality, ideology and lifestyles. Common language, common cultural and religious practices and a common ancestry support the ethnic identity.
