the basics to know Flashcards
Interpretivism
An approach to social research which tries to understand human action through the eyes of those acting.
Positivism
An approach to social research which aims to be as close to the natural sciences as possible.
Practical Factors
Includes such things as funding, ease of access to respondents, and the personal skills and characteristics of the researcher.
Primary Data
Data collected first hand by the researcher herself.
Ethical Factors
Considering how the research impacts on those involved with the research process. Includes such things as informed consent, ensure confidentiality, and legality.
Qualitative Data
Information that appears in written, visual or audio form, such as transcripts of interviews, newspapers and web sites.
Quantitative data
Refers to information that appears in numerical form, or in the form of statistics.
Reliability
The extent to which someone else can repeat the same research with the same population and achieve the same results
Representativeness
Where the research sample reflects the characteristics of the wider target population that is being studied.
Secondary Data
Data that has been collected by previous researchers or organisations such as the government.
Sampling
The process of selection a section of the population to take part in social research.
Theoretical Factors
Includes validity, reliability, representativeness and whether research is being carried out from a Positivist or Interpretivist point of view.
Validity
The extent to which research provides a true picture of what is really ‘out there’ in the world.
Verstehen
A German word meaning to ‘understand in a deep way’ - trying to understand someone ‘empathetically’, seeing the world through their eyes.
