The Process Of Research Flashcards
What is an hypothesis
A possible explanation that can be tested by collecting evidence to prove it true or false
An example of an hypothesis
If we may suspect a family size effect, educational achievement, we can make a specific hypothesis as a cause and effect statement. We collect evidence to test it true or false if false it goes discarded.
What is discarding a hypothesis
When a hypothesis is proven false, it is discarded. This means that we have made progress, we have learned something new turning our attention to another possible cause.
What is an advantage of using a hypothesis
Gives direction to our research, allowing the questions to focus on proving the hypothesis true or false.
Why do positivists favour a hypothesis
It is the starting point for research as they seek to discover a cause and effect relationship.
What is an aim
A more general idea of identifying what to study and hope to achieve through the research. Mainly used as a way to collect data on a particular topic.
An advantage of an aim
More open ended and we are not tied trying to prove a particular hypothesis. Instead we gather data on anything interesting about a topic, Useful at the start of research.
Why do Interprevists favour broad aims.
They are interested in understanding actors meanings, so the task is to find out what the actors think is important.
What is operationalisation
Process of turning a sociological concept or theory into something measurable.
Eg. To measure a persons social class, we might ask a question like “what’s your job”
What is an example of operationalising concepts
If our hypothesis is that w/c pupils achieve lower qualifications because of lower parental income. Before we test we need a definition of key ideas which would be social class. If we didn’t have a working definition, We wouldnt be able to count the numbers of w/c pupils who have and don’t have qualifications.
In what ways would we measure the concept of the operationalising example that w/c pupils achieve lower qualifications due to parental low income.
Social class is abstract, sociologists would measure this example by using the parental occupation as an indicator of a pupils social class. This can be used to measure this concept.
What is the problem with operationalisation.
Problems arise when different sociologists operationalise the same concept differently, this makes it harder to compare the findings of different pieces of research.
Why are positivists concerned to operationalise concepts.
Because of the importance they place on creating and testing for hypothesis.
What is the pilot study
Used by sociologists who use social surveys. The pilot study is used before conducting the survey, by making a draft version of the survey. Aim is too iron out any problems so the main survey runs smoothly
What are samples
A sub group drawn from the wider group that we are interested in.
