Sociological Research Methods (Chapter 2 Textbook)

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from sociological research methods, aiming to help students understand various aspects of the discipline.

Sociology

The study of society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, and social institutions people engage with.

Quantitative Research

Research that translates the social world into numbers, often looking for cause and effect relationships through statistical analysis.

Qualitative Research

Research that works with non-numerical data such as texts, interviews, and photos, focusing on understanding how people make sense of their world.

Scientific Method

A systematic procedure for acquiring and verifying empirical knowledge through observation and experimentation.

Hypothesis

A theoretical statement that proposes a possible explanation for the relationship between two phenomena.

Operational Definition

A clear and precise definition of a variable that allows it to be measured accurately.

Correlation

A relationship between two variables in which they change together, but may or may not imply causation.

Causation

A relationship where a change in one variable directly produces a change in another variable.

Ethnography

A qualitative research method that involves the study of people in their own environment to understand their meaning and experiences.

Participant Observation

A methodology where the researcher both observes and becomes a member of the group being studied.

Field Notes

Detailed notes taken by an ethnographer describing their activities and interactions, which become the basis for analysis.

Replication

The ability to repeat research to verify results, ensuring findings are reliable and valid.

Intervening Variable

A third variable that potentially influences the relationship between the two other variables being studied.

Survey

A research method using questionnaires administered to a sample of respondents to gather data on a specific topic.

Content Analysis

A research technique used to identify and analyze specific themes or variables in texts, images, or media messages.

Social Network Analysis (SNA)

A method for measuring and visualizing the structure of social relationships between people.

Ethical Considerations

The moral principles that guide researchers in their interactions with subjects and in the integrity of their research.

Reactively

The tendency of individuals to alter their behavior when they are aware they are being studied.

Informed Consent

The process of ensuring participants are fully aware of the nature and purpose of the research before agreeing to participate.

Bias

The potential for personal opinions or perspectives of the researcher to influence data collection or analysis.