Week 2 Flashcards
What is the most common meaning of the term theory?
An explanation of observed regularities
What type of theories offer few indications to researchers regarding empirical evidence collection?
Grand theories
What do middle range theories attempt to understand?
A limited aspect of social life
What is empiricism?
A general approach to the study of reality suggesting that only knowledge gained through experience and the senses is acceptable
True or False: Qualitative research can be empirical.
True
What are paradigms in the context of research?
Abstract belief systems that influence scholars and organize logic within the social sciences
List the three most common research paradigms within the social sciences.
- Positivism
- Interpretivism
- Critical Theory
Who is associated with the early positivist school of criminology?
Césare Lombroso
What does Lombroso’s theory suggest about crime?
Crime is inherited and can be ‘seen’ biologically
What principle states that only phenomena confirmed by the senses can be warranted as knowledge?
Principle of phenomenalism
What is the principle of deductivism in theory?
The purpose of theory is to generate hypotheses that can be tested
What do current positivist criminological researchers focus on?
Social factors leading to a higher propensity for crime
Who developed the Interactionist views on crime and deviance?
Howard Becker
What does labelling theory suggest?
Once labeled, individuals receive a master status that defines their identity
What is the inductive orientation in qualitative research?
Generation of theory in relation to research
According to (Neo) Marxist perspective, what is crime rooted in?
Conflict and inequality in capitalist societies
What is epistemic hierarchisation?
The idea that knowledge is structured and can be influenced by social factors
What does research design concern?
How to plan a study
List components to take into account for qualitative research.
- The goal of the study
- The theoretical framework
- Semi-concrete questions
- Sampling of participants
- Methodological procedures
- Degree of standardization and control
- Generalization goals
- Available resources
What are the three types of qualitative research questions?
- Exploratory questions
- Descriptive questions
- Explanatory questions
What characterizes a good research question?
Specific on concepts, provides a local focus, and is an actual question
What is the first step in formulating a research question?
Go large (brainstorming and testing for collective knowledge)
What should you do after generating a list of potential research questions?
Narrow down the list and rank questions in order of importance
What is the iterative nature of qualitative research?
Research questions can be refined and reformulated as the project proceeds
