Sociological Research Methods – Quick Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminologies from the lecture notes on sociological research methods.

What is deductive reasoning in sociological research?

It is a reasoning process that goes from theory to data and tests existing ideas, typically using quantitative methods.

What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

Quantitative research focuses on numbers and measurement, while qualitative research emphasizes meanings and experiences.

What are good research questions characterized by?

They should be feasible, important, relevant, empirical, and sociological.

What is the difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs?

Cross-sectional design involves one-time data collection, while longitudinal design involves multiple data points over time.

What is the purpose of descriptive empirical research?

To identify what patterns exist in the data.

What is operationalization in the context of research methods?

It refers to deciding how to measure the defined key terms.

What is random sampling?

A sampling method where everyone has an equal chance of being selected.

What does IRB stand for and why is it important?

Institutional Review Board; it ensures the ethical treatment of participants in research.

What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

The independent variable (IV) is the cause, while the dependent variable (DV) is the effect.

What are the four levels of measurement in research?

Nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.

What does the term 'probabilistic' imply in social research hypotheses?

It means that A increases the likelihood of B, but does not guarantee it.

What is the iterative nature of the research process?

Research is not purely linear; it involves cycles of theory, data, and analysis.