Quiz #1 Flashcards
(30 cards)
A seven-step process of research that is done by sociologists
research method
a prediction about the outcome of manipulated variables
hypothesis
describes exactly what the variables are and how they are measured within the context of a study; Operationally define “the meaning” of variables
operational definition
a list of closed-ended questions (usually in the form of a survey) which the respondents are asked to fill out
questionnaire research
occurs when a subject’s behavior changes when they are being observed or evaluated. The subject may be afraid to answer the questions honestly in fear of retaliation from those who are giving the survey
hawthorne effect
a form of research conversation in which a specific list of questions are asked of the respondent
personal interview
in this method, the researcher observes their subjects at a distance without revealing their identity or intentions
naturalistic observation
in this situation, the researcher becomes personally involved in the activities of their subject
participant observation
information in some form that needs statistical interpretation
data
the researcher must make sure that their operational definitions measure what they were intended to measure, the data has to be valid
validity
the process of ensuring that research findings are consistent if they are to be replicated by other scientists
reliability
the process of interpreting gathered data; usually through statistical measurements
analysis
the process of data collection that examines information that has been collected by someone else
secondary analysis
the average number in a given set of data
mean
a characteristic that can change across time, across space, or from one individual or group to another
variable
occurs when one variable influences the outcome of a second variable
causation
this is the variable that is manipulated by researchers to determine its influence on the outcome of the second set of variables
independent variable
this is the outcome of manipulated variables, which is then measured by researchers to determine its overall significance
dependent variable
a statement about the recurrent relationships between particular variables. It is often accurate, but not specific to whom it applies to
generalization
argues that generalization will hold good only under specific conditions, because if circumstances change, other variables might come into play and influence the existing relationship
probability
the established statistical relationships between particular variables
correlations
this occurs when one variable increases, and a second variable decreases
negative correlation
this occurs when both variables appear to be statistically related, but not logically acceptable
spurious correlation
organizing variables to ensure that the cause happens before the effect
temporal priority
