Chapter 2

Question 1

Applied Sociology

Answer 1

The use of discipline of sociology to yield practical applications for human behavior and organizations.

Question 2

Casual Logic

Answer 2

The relationship between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one leading to the other.

Question 3

Code of Ethics

Answer 3

The standards of acceptable behavior developed by and for members of a profession.

Question 4

Content Analysis

Answer 4

The systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale.

Question 5

Control Group

Answer 5

The subjects in an experiment who are not introduced to the independent variable by the researcher.

Question 6

Control Variable

Answer 6

A factor that is held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable.

Question 7

Correlation

Answer 7

A relationship between two variables in which a change in one coincides with a change in the other.

Question 8

Cross-tabulation

Answer 8

A table or matrix that shows the relationship between two or more variables.

Question 9

Dependent Variable

Answer 9

The variable in a casual relationship that is subject to the influence of another variable.

Question 10

Ethnograpy

Answer 10

The study of an entire social setting through extended systematic fieldwork.

Question 11

Experiment

Answer 11

An artificially created situation that allows a researcher to manipulate variables.

Question 12

Experimental Group

Answer 12

The subjects in an experiment who are exposed to an independent variable introduced by a researcher.

Question 12

Hawthorne Effect

Answer 12

The unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their subjects.

Question 13

Hypothesis

Answer 13

A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.

Question 13

Interview

Answer 13

A face-to-face, phone, or online questioning of a respondent to obtain desired information.

Question 13

Independent Variable

Answer 13

The variable in a casual relationship that causes or influences a change in another variable.

Question 14

Mean

Answer 14

A number calculated by adding a series of values and then dividing by the number of values.

Question 15

Median

Answer 15

The midpoint or number that divides a series of values into two groups of equal numbers of values.

Question 16

Mode

Answer 16

The single most common value in a series of scores.

Question 17

Observation

Answer 17

A research technique in which an investigator collects information through direct participation, by closely watching a group or community.

Question 18

Operational Definition

Answer 18

An explanation of an abstract concept that is specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the concept.

Question 19

Percentage

Answer 19

A portion of 100

Question 20

Qualitative Research

Answer 20

Research that relies on what is seen in field or naturalistic settings more than on statistical data.

Question 21

Quantitative Research

Answer 21

Research that collects and reports data primarily in numerical form.

Question 22

Questionnaire

Answer 22

A printed or written form used to obtain information from a respondent.

Question 23

Random Sample

Answer 23

A sample for which every member of an entire population has the same chance of being selected.

Question 24

Reliability

Answer 24

The extent to which a measure produces consistent results.

Question 25

Research Design

Answer 25

A detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically.

Question 26

Sample

Answer 26

A selection from a larger population that is statistically representative of that population.

Question 27

Scientific Method

Answer 27

A systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.

Question 28

Secondary Analysis

Answer 28

A variety of research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data.

Question 29

Survey

Answer 29

A study, generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire, that provides researchers with information about how people think and act.

Question 30

Validity

Answer 30

The degree to which a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study.

Question 31

Value Neutrality

Answer 31

Max Weber's term for objectivity of sociologists in the interpretation of data.

Question 32

Variable

Answer 32

A measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions.

Question 33

Visual Sociology

Answer 33

The use of photographs, film, and video to study society.