Sociological Research - CHAPTER 2

Scientific method

A systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.

Operational definition

An explanation of an abstract concept that is specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the concept.

Hypothesis

A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.

Variable

A measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions.

Independent Variable

The variable in a causal relationship that causes or influences a change in another variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable in a causal relationship that is subject to the influence of another variable.

Causal Logic

The relationship between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one leading to the other.

Correlation

A relationship between two variables in which a change in one coincides with a change in the other.

Sample

A selection from a larger population that is statistically representative of that population.

Random sample

A sample for which every member of an entire population has the same chance of being selected.

Validity

The degree to which a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study.

Reliability

The extent to which a measure produces consistent results.

Control Variable

A factor that is held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable.

Research Design

A detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically.

Survery

A study, generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire, that provides researchers with information about how people think and act.

Interview

A face-to-face, phone, or online questioning of a respondent to obtain desired information.

Questionnaire

A printed or written form used to obtain information from a respondent.

Quantitative Research

Research that collects and reports data primarily in the numerical form.

Qualitative Research

Research that relies on what is seen in field or naturalistic settings more than on statistical data.

Ethnography

The study of an entire social setting through extended systematic fieldwork.

Observation

A research technique in which an investigator collects information through direct participation, by closely watching a group or community.

Visual Sociology

The use of photographs, film, and video to study society.

Applied Sociology

The use of the discipline of sociology with the specific intent of yielding practical applications for human behavior and organizations.

Experiment

An artificially created situation that allows a researcher to manipulate variables.

Experimental Group

The subjects in an experiment who are exposed to an independent variable introduced by a researcher.

Control Group

The subjects in an experiment who are NOT introduced to the independent variable by the researcher.

Hawthorne Effect

The unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their subjects.

Secondary Analysis

A variety of research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data.

Content Analysis

The systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale.

Code of Ethics

The standards of acceptable behavior developed by and for members of a profession.

Value Neutrality

Max Weber’s term meaning that investigators have an ethical obligation to accept research findings even when the data run counter to their personal views. Objectivity in data interpretation.

Research Designs

A detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically