Introduction to Sociology: Sociological Research Methods. CHPT 2

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the lecture on sociological research methods, focusing on definitions and explanations crucial for understanding the field of sociology.

Qualitative research

Research that works with nonnumerical data to understand how people perceive and make sense of their world.

Quantitative research

Research that translates social phenomena into numerical form for statistical analysis.

Scientific method

A systematic procedure for acquiring knowledge that involves collecting data through observation and experimentation.

Variables

Elements that can change and are believed to be related in a research study.

Operational definition

A clear and precise explanation of a variable that allows it to be measured.

Ethnography

A naturalistic research method focused on studying people in their own environment.

Participant observation

A research method where the researcher both observes and engages with a group.

Rapport

A positive relationship characterized by mutual trust between the researcher and subjects.

Field notes

Detailed notes documenting a researcher’s observations and interactions.

Autoethnography

A form of research where the researcher's personal experiences are a focal point.

Thick description

Detailed qualitative data on interactions and cultural meanings.

Reflexivity

The consideration of how a researcher's identity and activities influence their research.

Overt research

Research conducted with transparency about the researchers' intents.

Covert research

Research completed without disclosing to subjects that they are being studied.

Grounded theory

Theory developed from data analysis through coding and categorization of information.

Validity

The degree to which a research method measures what it is intended to measure.

Reliability

The consistency of a measurement tool's results across different instances.

Respondent

A participant in research from whom information is collected.

Informed consent

An ethical principle ensuring participants understand the nature of the research.

Sampling techniques

Strategies used to select individual cases from a larger population for study.

Probability sampling

Sampling method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Closed-ended question

A question that limits the respondent's answers to predefined options.

Open-ended question

A question that allows respondents to answer freely in their own words.

Survey research

A method involving the collection of data from a sample through questionnaires.

Response rate

The percentage of surveys completed and returned by respondents.

Social network analysis (SNA)

A method for studying the structure of social relationships between individuals.

Correlational research

Research that identifies relationships between variables, but not causation.

Causation

A relationship in which one variable produces a change in another variable.

Spurious correlation

A false association between two variables caused by another variable.

Intervening variable

A third variable that helps to explain the relationship between two other variables.

Deductive approach

Research method starting with a theory or hypothesis, followed by data collection.

Inductive approach

Research method that begins with data collection and leads to theory formulation.

Paradigm shift

A fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline.

Existing sources

Resources that have been produced for other reasons but can be used as data.

Content analysis

A method that examines texts, images, or media messages for specific themes.

Comparative historical research

Research focused on relationships among societal elements over different times and places.

Pilot study

A small-scale trial run of the research process before a full-scale study.

Ethical guidelines

Protocols developed to ensure ethical conduct in research involving human subjects.

Deception in research

When participants are misled about the study’s purpose or procedures.

Confidentiality

The assurance that participant identities will remain private and protected.

Hawthorne effect

The alteration of behavior by subjects due to their awareness of being observed.

Research ethics

Protocols that guide researchers in conducting studies responsibly and morally.

Bias

A subjective preference that may influence research and data analysis.