chapter 1 Section 4 Vocabulary

Scientific Method

An objective, logical, and systematic way of collecting empirical data and arriving at reasoned conclusions

Hypothesis

A statement that predicts the relationship between two or more variables

Variable

A characteristic that can differ from one individual group, or situation to another in a measurable way

Correlation

A situation that exits when a change in one variable is regularly associated with a change in another variable

Survey

A research method that allows data on attitudes and opinions to be collected from large numbers of people

Sample

A small but representative selection of people studies in a survey or other research project

Historical Method

A research method that involves the examination of any materials from the past that contain information of sociological interest

Content Analysis

The research method used to analyze existing sources that involve counting the number of times a particular word, phrase, idea, event, symbol, or other element appears in a given context

Participant Obersvation

A research method in which
researchers become directly involved in the situation under investigation

Case Study

An intensive analysis of a person, group, event, or problem

Experiment

A research method in which data is gathered under controlled conditions set by the researcher

Statistical Analysis

A research method that entails analyzing data that have already been collected to determine the strength of the relationship that may exist between two or more variables

Ethics

Rules and standards of behavior governing the conduct of a person or group