research methods Flashcards
terminology
Wording in question: Finding/Conclusion
A judgement made that you can support with the source.
Wording in question: Patter/Trend
Look as how the data may change e.g. over time - give an increase/decrease.
Wording in question: Summarise the data
Give two Judgements and support with the source.
Qualitative data:
This produces textual information - can include a lot of detail, exploring motivations and emotions
Quantitative data:
This produces numerical data that can easily be displayed in a table/graph. Can reveal patterns and trends but cannot reveal the reason for them.
Primary data
Data the sociologists collect themselves for the purpose of that specific piece of research.
Secondary data
Data that is already collected and available to the sociologists.
Validity:
Refers to the research giving a true and accurate picture of what is being studied
Reliability
Refers to the extent to which if we were going to repeat the method it would produce the same (similar) results.
Representativeness:
The extent to which the sample selected is a fair reflection of the target population.
Generalisation
The ability to make claims about the wider target population from research findings.
Pilot studies:
Small scale studies that are a ‘practice run’ -trial. Involve a small sub-sample. they can give early warnings of any problems that may arise during main research.
