Key definitions - research methods

Question 1

Bias

Answer 1

favouring one side of an argument/failing to keep neutral position

Question 2

Case study

Answer 2

detailed examination providing qualitative in-depth data

Question 3

Census

Answer 3

government survey for official statistics about UK population

Question 4

Closed questions

Answer 4

questions that only allow for predetermined answers (yes/no/maybe)

Question 5

Cluster sample

Answer 5

subject population grouped together in one place

Question 6

Content analysis

Answer 6

Analysis of documents or visual material

Question 7

Controlled conditions

Answer 7

Variables that can affect the study that are taken into account.

Question 8

Empirical facts

Answer 8

knowledge gained through scientific observation

Question 9

Ethical considerations

Answer 9

things to consider that could cause unnecessary harm to the subject of a study. (anonymity, confidentiality, informed consent)

Question 10

Generic name

Answer 10

a name used to conceal the real identity of a person or place

Question 11

Hypothesis

Answer 11

an idea that can be tested and researched

Question 12

Informed consent

Answer 12

respondents understand and agree to all details of the study

Question 13

Interview

Answer 13

Research method - questions are asked in either a structured or unstructured way.

Question 14

Interviewer bias

Answer 14

When interviewers influence the answer given by respondent

Question 15

Key informant

Answer 15

a knowledgeable participant in sociological research

Question 16

Longitudinal study

Answer 16

Research project following the same group over a long period of time to see changes in trends and impact of social change

Question 17

Mixed methods

Answer 17

social research that combines a variety of methods (observation, questionnaires and interviews)

Question 18

Non participant observation

Answer 18

the researcher observes and watches without taking part in the activities of the group

Question 19

Objective approach

Answer 19

when a sociologist attempts to observe society without influence from their personal values

Question 20

Observation

Answer 20

Research method involving watching a group of people either overtly or covertly

Question 21

Hawthorne effect

Answer 21

when an group or individuals behaviour changes because they are aware of being observed

Question 22

Open questions

Answer 22

questions that allow for elaborate answers where the respondent can freely express their opinion in detail

Question 23

Participant observation

Answer 23

the researcher is actively involved in the activities in the group while observing them

Question 24

Pilot study

Answer 24

small-scale trial study to test particular research method before using it in a study

Question 25

Primary data

Answer 25

data collected by the sociologist for their own study

Question 26

Qualitative data

Answer 26

information presented in a variety of forms with descriptive detail

Question 27

Quantitative data

Answer 27

information presented numerically

Question 28

Questionnaire

Answer 28

Research method that uses predetermined list of questions

Question 29

Quota sample

Answer 29

subjects are selected because they represent groups in the total population (age, gender) often used in market research

Question 30

Random sample

Answer 30

group selected for research at random from a particular sampling frame

Question 31

Reliability

Answer 31

data is reliable if it can be repeated consistently with similar results

Question 32

Sample

Answer 32

a group selected for a study by a researcher from a target population

Question 33

Sampling frame

Answer 33

a complete list from which a researcher selects their sample

Question 34

Secondary data

Answer 34

data used in a study that was collected previously (official statistics, previous studies)

Question 35

Snowball sample

Answer 35

sample that is collected by each member of a group recommending another person in a similar situation

Question 36

Stratified sample

Answer 36

sample selected to represent groups within society - similar to quota sample

Question 37

Subjective

Answer 37

judgements that are based on personal opinions

Question 38

Triangulation of data

Answer 38

accuracy of data can be compared with data gathered using alternative methods

Question 39

Unstructured interview

Answer 39

an informal conversation that allows respondent to express their opinion freely

Question 40

Validity

Answer 40

data is valid if it gives an accurate picture of the social world