Scientific Method Sociology

Flashcards covering key concepts and ethical considerations in sociological research from Chapter 2 of Introduction to Sociology 3e.

Empirical Evidence

Evidence that comes from direct experience, scientifically gathered data, or experimentation.

Meta-Analysis

A technique in which the results of virtually all previous studies on a specific subject are evaluated together.

Hypothesis

A testable educated guess about predicted outcomes between two or more variables.

Scientific Method

An established scholarly research method that involves asking a question, researching existing sources, forming a hypothesis, designing and conducting a study, and drawing conclusions.

Literature Review

A scholarly research step that entails identifying and studying all existing studies on a topic to create a basis for new research.

Independent Variables

Variables that cause changes in dependent variables.

Dependent Variables

Variables changed by other variables.

Operational Definition

Defining a concept in terms of concrete steps it takes to objectively measure it, identifying an observable condition of the concept.

Reliability

Refers to how likely research results are to be replicated if a study is reproduced.

Validity

Refers to how well the study measures what it was designed to measure.

Interpretive Framework

A sociological research approach that seeks in-depth understanding of a topic or subject through observation or interaction, not based on hypothesis testing.

Primary Source Collection

Researchers obtaining data directly, such as through surveys, interviews, or observations.

Secondary Data Analysis

Using data collected by others but applying new interpretations.

Surveys

Collect data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about behaviors and opinions, often in questionnaire form.

Population

A defined group serving as the subject of a study.

Samples

Small, manageable number of subjects that represent the population.

Random Sample

A study's participants being randomly selected to serve as a representation of a larger population.

Quantitative Data

Research collected in numerical form that can be counted.

Qualitative Data

Information that is subjective and often based on what is seen in a natural setting.

Interview

A one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the subject.

Field Research

Gathering data from a natural environment without doing a lab experiment or a survey.

Correlation

When a change in one variable coincides with a change in another variable, but does not necessarily indicate causation.

Participant Observation

When a researcher immerses themselves in a group or social setting to make observations from an 'insider' perspective.

Ethnography

Observing a complete social setting and all that it entails.

Institutional Ethnography

An extension of basic ethnographic research principles that focuses intentionally on everyday concrete social relationships.

Nonreactive Research

Using secondary data without direct contact with subjects, thereby not altering or influencing people's behaviors.

Content Analysis

Applying a systematic approach to record and value information gleaned from secondary data as it relates to the study at hand.

Value Neutrality

The obligation in research to remain impartial while collecting, analyzing, and reporting results.

ASA Code of Ethics

A set of principles for sociological research, including maintaining objectivity, respecting privacy, protecting from harm, preserving confidentiality, seeking informed consent, acknowledging collaboration, and disclosing financial support.

The Tuskegee Experiment

An unethical study where African American men with syphilis were denied treatment for 40 years to observe the disease's progression, leading to deaths and congenital syphilis.

Henrietta Lacks

A primary contributor to biological discoveries whose 'immortal' cells were mass-produced and used in research without her or her family's initial consent or acknowledgment.

Stanford Prison Experiment

An experiment where students playing roles of prisoners and correctional officers experienced extreme distress and ethical concerns due to immersive role-playing.

Milgram Experiment

An experiment where subjects believed they were administering painful electric shocks, leading to extreme distress, highlighting ethical issues related to psychological harm and deception.