Sociological Research Methods and Concepts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to sociological research methods, including study designs, statistical concepts, and theoretical frameworks.

Cross-sectional Study

A study that provides a snapshot of one group of people at one point in time.

Longitudinal Study

A study that compares different samples over time, using multiple snapshots of different groups of people.

Moderating

variables influence the strength or direction of your independent variable on your dependent variable.

Moderating variables affect the strength or direction of the relationship between your IV and DV -- Moderation is about quantity, so moderating variables are about the extent and direction of the impact of your X on your Y.

Repeated -Cross Sectional study

Different sample over time and compared them, 2 or more snapshots of different samples at different points in time

Mediating

variables explain how the relationship between the independent and dependent variable happens.

Mediating variables mediate the relationship between your IV and DV, and help explain the how or why of the relationship. Mediation is about intervening between 2 things, so mediating variables help explain how the relationship between your X and Y is facilitated.

Units of Analysis

The entities analyzed in a study, which can include individuals, groups, organizations, or social artifacts.

Variables

Factors or elements that can change or vary within the unit of analysis.

Paradigm

A framework or model that scientists use to understand phenomena.

Theory

A set of interconnected propositions that allow us to test hypotheses about social phenomena.

Which of the following are elements required for causality to be met?*

Nonspuriousness

Causal direction

Correlation

Mean

Average

Median

Middle

Mode

Symbolic Interaction

A sociological perspective that emphasizes the creation of meaning through social interaction.

Functionalism

A theory that explains social phenomena in terms of their function in society.

Conflict Theory

A theory that views social life as a competition for limited resources.

Operationalization

The process of defining a variable so that it can be measured or tested.

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables.

Causation

The relationship in which one variable directly affects another.

Inductive Research

A research approach that begins with observations to identify patterns and develop theories.

Deductive Research

A research approach that begins with a theory and derives specific hypotheses for testing.

Spurious Relationship

A correlation between two variables that is actually caused by a third variable.

Bivariate Analysis

Analysis that examines the relationship between two variables.

Multivariate Analysis

Analysis that examines the relationships among three or more variables.

Inferential Statistics

Statistical methods used to make inferences about a population based on a sample.

Null Hypothesis

A hypothesis that states there is no effect or relationship.

Alternative Hypothesis

A hypothesis that suggests there is an effect or relationship.