Key Concepts

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

A testable statement, when you predict the results you will produce

Question 2

Primary data

Answer 2

New data that the sociologist has created themselves by conducting new research

Question 3

Secondary data

Answer 3

Data that already exists, sociologist use this to do their research.

Question 4

Quantitative Data

Answer 4

Numerical and statistical data that can often be operationalised in some way.

Question 5

Qualitative Data

Answer 5

Descriptive data (words) often concerned with people’s feelings and the reasons why.

Question 6

Reliable Data

Answer 6

Wen research can b repeated by a different researcher using the same methods and getting the same results.

Question 7

Valid Data

Answer 7

When research gives a true idea of what is happening.

Question 8

The Survey Population

Answer 8

Everyone - the larger population that a researcher aims to generalise their results on

Question 9

Sampling Frame

Answer 9

A list of people in the desired larger population (in the survey population).

Question 10

Sample

Answer 10

A smaller representative group of people the sociologist will research.

Question 11

Smapling Technique

Answer 11

The way the sociologist picks their sample

Question 12

Sampling Unit

Answer 12

1 Person in the sample

Question 13

Sample Attrition

Answer 13

The number of people who drop out of the research.

Question 14

Random Sampling

Answer 14

People are picked without a system from a list of names - often numbered

Question 15

Systematic Sampling

Answer 15

Names are selected from a sampling frame at regular intervals (e.g. every 10th name)

Question 16

Stratified Random Sampling

Answer 16

Sample tries to reflect the characteristics of the survey population - divided in to sub-groups and the number of names picked depends on that sub-gropus proportions in the survey population.

Question 17

Quota Sampling

Answer 17

Interviews find people to fill pre-set categories - may be according to their proportion in the survey population.

Question 18

Multi-stage Sampling

Answer 18

A samle selected and then a smaller sample is chosen from that sample.

Question 19

Snowball Sampling

Answer 19

Used if it’s difficult to find people for a sample - research finds one suitable person and then asks for an introduction to others

Question 20

Volunteer Sample

Answer 20

The research is advertised and participants put themselves forward - participants are self-selected.

Question 21

Non-representative Sample

Answer 21

A group is selected for a particular purpose, which is not representative because it has the particular characteristics that the researcher wants to study.

Question 22

Positivists

Answer 22

Interested in studying in aspects of society which can be objectively observed.
Less interested in the thoughts + feelings of individuals and more interested in ‘social facts’

Question 23

Interpretivists

Answer 23

Focus on the meanings behind the behaviour of individuals.

Question 24

Social Desirability Effect

Answer 24

Participants respond in the way that they think is socially acceptable/ expected to respond.

Question 25

Operationalise

Answer 25

When a concept is made measurable

Question 26

Close question

Answer 26

Limited answers the participants can give e.g. multiple choice

Question 27

Open question

Answer 27

The participants are given no suggested answers and requires the participants to answer in their own words.

Question 28

Standardised

Answer 28

When all the variables are the same for every participant e.g. all received the same questionnaire. Produces reliable data

Question 29

Pilot study

Answer 29

Trial run | Check to see if anything needs to be altered

Question 30

Interview schedule

Answer 30

List of pre-set questions written by the interviewer prior to the structured interview.

Question 31

Interviewer bias

Answer 31

Interview characteristics can influence results + their view of people - if they share the same characteristics they might build a better rapport.

Question 32

Rapport

Answer 32

A good relationship between the participants and the researcher based on trust and a mutual level of respect.

Question 33

Verstehen

Answer 33

Gaining an understanding and empathy towards the participants (German).

Question 34

Overt observations

Answer 34

Observations carried out openly - the participants know that they are being observed.

Question 35

Covert observations

Answer 35

Undercover observations - the participants don't know that they are being observed.

Question 36

Structured observations

Answer 36

Researcher uses a list of the types of behaviour that they're interested in as a checklist, whilst observing the subject(s).

Question 37

Unstructured observations

Answer 37

No pre-determined list of behaviours to look for. The researcher simply takes notes of what they see and what interests them.

Question 38

Hawthorne effect

Answer 38

When the presence of the researcher changes the behaviour of the group being observed, effecting the validity.

Question 39

Gate keeper

Answer 39

The power of some groups/ people/ organisations who can limit/ allow access to the group being observed.

Question 40

Field diary

Answer 40

Any notes taken by the researcher whilst the observation is taking place.

Question 41

Going native

Answer 41

When the researcher over identifies with the subject and becomes bias - they are no longer objective.

Question 42

Closed setting

Answer 42

Environments which are difficult for a researcher to access, they might require permission from a gate keeper e.g. hospitals, schools, prisons etc.