Social Research Methods: Chapter 14

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms from the lecture on Social Research Methods focusing on the interplay between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

Quantitative Research

A research method that focuses on quantifying data and typically uses statistical analysis to evaluate findings.

Qualitative Research

A research method that focuses on exploring and understanding meanings, experiences, and concepts through non-numerical data.

Multi-Strategy Research

An approach that integrates both quantitative and qualitative research methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of a research problem.

Interpretivism

A philosophical approach that emphasizes understanding the meaning and context of social phenomena rather than just measuring them quantitatively.

Constructionism

A perspective in social research that asserts that knowledge and meaning are constructed through social processes and interactions.

Triangulation

The use of multiple methods or data sources in qualitative research to enhance validity and reliability of findings.

Critical Realism

An epistemological stance that recognizes the reality of the social world while allowing for the context-dependent nature of knowledge.

Empiricism

The theory that knowledge is primarily derived from sensory experience and evidence collected through observation.

Ethnostatistics

The study of the statistical construction, interpretation, and display of social research data.

Reliability Measures

Procedures used to assess the stability and consistency of a research method, often applied in quantitative research.

Participant Observation

A qualitative research method that involves the researcher immersing themselves in a community or setting to observe behaviors and interactions.

Quantification in Qualitative Research

The practice of incorporating numerical data or measures into qualitative research to reinforce or provide context to findings.

Anecdotalism

The reliance on personal stories or singular anecdotes to support a research argument or hypothesis without broader statistical evidence.