Chapter 2: Methods Flashcards
(32 cards)
What R the 2 general categories of research methods used 2 gather sociological data, & what do both provide?
1) Quantitative Method: Info about the social world that can be converted into numbers, high use of statistics info gained via surveys
2) Qualitative Method: info that can’t be converted into numbers, info usually gathered via interview, observation, etc, both hope 2 provide a (Cause & Effect Relationship) between social situations
What is a (Research Method)?
Tools used 2 describe, explain, or explore answers to questions
Explain the difference between the (Deductive & Inductive) research?
Sociologist usually begin with a “what caused this or that 2 happen” to answer this question U can use 2 approaches
1) Deductive: Starts with a theory, then form a hypotenuse, makes empirical observations then confirms reject, or modify hypotenuse
2) Inductive: Starts with empirical observation, then work backwards 2 form hypotenuse, then theory, the end result of both is 2 tell a story as completely as possible in the only way it can be told
What is (Causality), & what 3 things R needed 2 confirm causation?
The concept that change in one variable leads 2 change in other variable, 2 prove (Causation) one must establish correlation, time order, & lastly U must be able 2 rule out any (Alternative Explanations)
What is a (Spurious Relationship)?
A false relationship
What is (Reverse Causality)?
Instead of A being the impetus that changed B, B changed A, thus the reverse of the norm, this is the reason time order must be established
What is the (Dependent Variable)?
The variable the researcher is trying 2 explain, thus any change is due 2 change in (Independent Variable)
What is the main reason 4 not being able 2 determine causality?
Not knowing which is the dependent vs independent variable, this we can’t establish time order
What is a (Hypothesis)?
A purposed relationship with a distinct direction between variables, direction meaning they both move either negatively in opposite directions or positively in same direction, whichever way they move it must be together 2 prove causation
What is (Operationalization), & why is it so important?
The process of defining how U will (Measure) what it is U plan on researching,
What is true about every hypothesis one purposes?
That an (Equal or Opposite) one can be purposed as well
What is (Validity, Reliability, Generalizability)?
Validity: When one gets what is expected, eg (Measurements)
Reliability: How likely U R 2 get same outcome using the same measurement, thus something can be reliable, but not valid
Generalizability: The extent to which we can conclude our findings represent the masses, aka more than the participants of the study
What are two parts of a regular experiment that sociologist can’t use?
A (Placebo) which is given to the control group and is not part of the dependent variable being measured, it’s used 2 eliminate getting the same change the experimenter expects to see in the experimental group, & a (Double Blind Study), which is when both the experimenter, & the participant don’t know what is being measured or studied
What is the (White Coat Affect)?
It refers to the researcher themselves and the image of wearing a white coat, possibly affecting the outcome of a survey
What is (Reflectivity)?
Being conscious of the white coat affect, thus realizing it could adversely affect the outcome, thus trying to prevent the affect from happening
What is one of the most important things for a researcher when gathering information for an experiment?
To try and make sure that the participants of the experiment don’t feel used or are humiliated
What needs 2 take place 2 have a negative correlation between (Independent & Dependent) variable?
One variable must go up, while the other goes down
In social research what is the best form of (Data Collection)?
Historical method, observation participant, interviews
What type of research is (Content Analysis)?
It’s analysis that covers (Content) not (Structure) of different forms of communication, eg poems, speech, films, etc
Describe a (Panel Survey).
A survey that (Tracks) respondents over time, aka longitudinal study
What is a (Moderating Variable)?
Variables that influence relationship between (Independent & Dependent) variable
What is usually studied in a (Comparative Research)?
Research that studies 2 or more entities that have some things in common, the goal is 2 determine what makes them (Differences)
In social research what does the term (Protected Population) mean?
Parts of a population that U would need special approval before U could study, eg children, those with disabilities, those in jail, etc
What is (Public Sociology)?
Sociological research that looks 2 share its finding with (Public), with the hope it can effect change, vs only sharing findings with (Academia)
