Sociological Research Methods and Concepts

Sample

Subset representing a larger population in research.

Validity

Degree to which study reflects the topic accurately.

Scientific Method

Framework for understanding social interactions scientifically.

Empirical Evidence

Data gathered from direct observations or experiments.

Literature Review

Review of existing studies related to research topic.

Hypothesis

Testable educated guess based on observations.

Surveys

Data collection through structured questions to respondents.

Random Sample

Every individual has equal chance of selection.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data used for statistical analysis.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data conveyed through words and observations.

Interview

One-on-one conversation for in-depth data collection.

Field Research

Primary data collection in natural settings.

Correlation

Relationship where one variable changes with another.

Participant Observation

Researcher engages with subjects to observe behavior.

Case Study

In-depth analysis of a single event or individual.

Experimental Group

Group exposed to the independent variable in study.

Control Group

Group not exposed to the independent variable.

Hawthorne Effect

Behavior change due to awareness of being observed.

Non-reactive Research

Research without direct contact to avoid altering behavior.

Content Analysis

Systematic approach to analyze textual or visual data.

Value Neutrality

Remaining unbiased during sociological research.

Code of Ethics

Guidelines for conducting ethical sociological research.

Stanford Prison Study

Experiment on authority roles, ended prematurely due to ethics.

Dependent Variables

Variables that change in response to others.

Ethnography

Research method involving immersion in a community.

Experiment

Testing a hypothesis under controlled conditions.

Operational Definition

Concrete steps to measure concepts or variables.

Population

Entire group being studied in research.

Primary Data

Data collected firsthand by the researcher.

Reliability

Consistency of study results across repeated tests.