Week 2 Flashcards
Nuremberg Code
research ethics created in response to Nazi’s tests on ppl
- informed consent
- voluntary participation, can stop any time
- confidentiality
- ”do no harm”
- risk must be justified by benefits
Experiments
-not commonly used in soci
-random assignment used
-analyzed quantitatively
Strengths: can determine cause and effect
Weaknesses: cannot ethically study some topics experimentally, “real world” often v different than controlled environments, in reality people are influenced by multiple social factors at once
Natural experiments
naturally occurring control and experimental groups
Surveys
-pre-determined,
-closed ended,
-analyzed quantitatively
Strengths: inexpensive, quick, can survey large samples of people,can be confidential, variety of formats: mail, online, phone, may promote honesty
Weaknesses: response rates may be low, slight differences in wording can affect responses, often questions and answers can’t articulate complex social issues/ideas because of the nature of it being standardized, stigma may prevent accuracy
Survery Mistakes
- Leading questions (questions should not direct to any specific answer)
(Example: Our organization was recently recognized for its excellence in stakeholder communication. As a stakeholder, how satisfied are you with your experience with us? ) - Double-barrelled questions (asking two questions at a time could influence answer)
(Example: How satisfied are you with the colours and style of our new website? ) - Loaded questions (assume something of the respondent or lead to inaccurate response)
( Example: Where do you enjoy drinking beer?) - Using absolutes
(example: do you always eat breakfast?) - Not using clear language
(ex. Do you use a tablet PC?)
Participant Observation
-researchers directly observe and participate in the social world they are studying,
-analyzed qualitatively
Strengths: can gather v detailed info of how people behave in social settings and in particular contexts, settings and contexts v important
Weaknesses: can take a lot of time and people, may not be replicable, may be difficult to establish trust
Qualitative Interviews
-researchers ask open-ended questions to analyze complex themes that cannot be quantified, -analyzed qualitatively,
-may be used in combo w partp. Obsv.
-(eg. think mindhunter interviews)
Strengths: can analyze complex social themes, can ask follow-up questions, allows person to answer in their own words
Weaknesses: can take a lot of time and resources, not generalizable, may be difficult to replicate, wording of questions can influence answers, smaller sample sizes
Historical and Content Analysis
-use existing sources (historical records, census, TV, etc)
-usually qualitative
Strengths: can analyze cultural patterns not otherwise observable, can study issues in the past
Weaknesses: cannot control quality of data and potential biases, are limited to existing data
Disinformation
deliberate creation or sharing of false info in order to mislead
Misinformation
unintentional sharing of false info
Independent Variable
causes change in the dependant variable
Dependent Variable
affected by independent variable; is the item we are trying to explain
Sampling frame error
when people are systematically excluded from sample (eg. homeless population)
Systematic biases in research: Nonresponse bias
people not participating in the research, can cause bias if its a specific group not replying
Confirmation Bias
tendency to search for info in a way that confirms or supports one’s prior beliefs or values
