Socy unit 2 terms

Empirical evidence

Comes from direct experience, scientifically gathered date or experiment

Meta-Analysis

Technique in which the results of virtually all previous studies on a specific subject are evaluated together

Hypothesis

testable educated guess about predicted outcomes between two or more variables

Scientific method

Established scholarly research method that involves asking a question, researching existing sources, forming a hypothesis, designing and conducting a study, and drawing conclusions

Literature review

scholarly research step that entails identifying and studying all existing studies on a topic to create a basis for new research

Independent variable

variable that cause changes in dependent variables

dependent variable

variables changed by other variables

Operational definition

when forming a basic research question, sociologists define the concept in terms of concrete steps it takes to objectively measure it

reliability

refers to how likely research results are to be replicated if a study is reproduced

validity

refers to how well the study measures what it was designed to measure

interpretive framework

sociological research approach that seeks in-depth understanding of a topic through observation or interaction

primary source collection

consists of the researchers obtaining data directly

secondary data analysis

using data collected by others but applying new interpretations

surveys

series of questions about behaviours or opinions

random sample

defined group serving as the subject of a study

field research

gathering data from a natural environment without doing a lab experiment or survey

primary data

data collected directly from firsthand experience

correlation

when a change in one variable coincides with a change in another variable, it does not necessarily indicate causation

participant observation

when a researcher joins a group to make observations from an “insider” perspective

ethnograpy

observing a complete social setting and all its entails

secondary data analysis

using data collected by others but applying new interpretations

nonreactive research

using secondary data, does not include direct contact with subjects and will not alter or influence people’s behaviours

max weber

personal values should not shape the design or interpretation

value neutrality

the obligation to remain impartial while collecting, analyzing, and reporting results

code of ethics

maintain objectivity and integrity in research

respect subjects rights to privacy and dignity

protect subject from personal harm

preserve confidentiality

seek informed consent

acknowledge collaboration and assistance

disclose sources of financial support

stanford prison experiment

Students played roles of incarcerated people and
correctional officers. Some played their roles too well. Several later admitted they
were coached or weren’t acting authentically