Key Family Theories and Research Methods in Sociology

Social Exchange Theory

Relationships are based on weighing costs and rewards.

Family Systems Theory

Families are interconnected, and changes to one member affect the whole family.

Conflict Theory

Focuses on power, inequality, and competition for resources within families.

Symbolic Interactionism

Family roles and relationships are shaped by meaning created through interaction.

Cross-sectional

Studies a group at one point in time.

Experimental

Tests cause and effect by manipulating variables.

Longitudinal

Follows the same people over time to track change.

Case Study

An in-depth study of one person, family, or small group.

Survey

Collects data using questionnaires from many people.

Interview

Gathers in-depth, personal responses through direct questioning.

Observation

Collects data by watching behavior in real settings.

Experiment

Collects data by controlling variables to test cause and effect.

Confidentiality

Keeping participants' information private and protected from being shared.

Structural-Functional Theory

Views the family as a system of roles and functions that maintain stability and order in society.

Ecological Systems Theory

Examines how families are influenced by multiple social environments (family, school, community, culture).

Online Poll

A quick, informal survey conducted over the internet.

Laboratory Experiment

A controlled study conducted in a lab setting to test cause and effect.

Census

Data collected from every member of a population.

Deductive

A reasoning approach that starts with a general theory or hypothesis and tests it with specific observations or data.

Feminist Theory

A framework that examines social, political, and cultural inequalities between genders, emphasizing women's experiences, empowerment, and challenging patriarchal systems.

Expense

The cost or resources needed to conduct research.

Generalization

Applying research findings to a wider population.

Reliability

Consistency of research results across time or methods.

Quantitative only

Research that collects and analyzes numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends.

Qualitative only

Research that explores experiences, meanings, and perspectives using non-numerical data like interviews or observations.

Mixed methods

Research that combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to get a fuller understanding of a topic.

Life Course

The study of how people's lives change and develop over time, considering social, historical, and cultural influences.