Chapter 2 sociology

Research methods

organized systematic procedures to gain knowledge about a particular topic.

Why is sociological reasearch important

Counteracts misinfo, exposes myths, wxplains why people behace how they do, affects social policies, shaprens critical thinking skills

Scientific method

a body og objective and systematic techniques used to invesitgate phenomena, acquire knowledge, and test hypothesis and theories.(data collection, exact measurment, accurate recordings, and analysis of findings).

Concept

abstract idea, mental image or general notion that represents some aspect of the world(blood pressure, religion, marriage)

Variable

a characteristic that can change in magnitude under differnt conditions. can be attitudes behaviors and traits(etnicity, age social class)

Independent variable

a characteristic that has an affect on dependent variable.

dependent variable

the outcome that may be affected by independednt variable.

Control variable

a chracteristic that is constant and unchanged during the research process.

hypothesis

a statment of the expected relationship between two or more variables

Deductive reasoning

begins with theory =, prediction, general principal that is then tested through data collection

Inductive reasoning

specific observation followed by data collection, a conclusion about patterns or regularities of the formation of hypothesis that can lead to theory contrstruction.

deductive apporach

test theory using hypothesis then collect data

inductive apporach

notice pattern of studying than collect data and formulate hypothesis that can be tested deductivley.

Reliability

conscienstcy with same measure produces similar results time after time.

Validaity

the degree to which a measure is accurate and really measures what it claims to measure.