Chapter 2 Short Answers

Write down the first three steps of the scientific method. Think of a broad topic that you are interested in and which would make a good sociological study. Develop a research question about the topic and formulate a hypothesis.

Step 1 is asking a question, step 2 is checking out what’s already known, and step 3 is making a hypothesis. Example: “Does social media make people lonelier?” → guess: more social media use = more loneliness.

Explain the correlation between accuracy, validity, and reliability in the research method.

Accuracy is being correct, validity is actually measuring what you mean to measure, and reliability is getting the same results if you do it again. You really need all three for solid research.

What type of data do surveys gather? For what topics would surveys be the best research method? What drawbacks might you expect to encounter when using a survey?

Surveys collect numbers on what people think, feel, or do. They’re great for reaching big groups fast, but people might not answer honestly or even respond at all.

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