Data collections module 1

Casual validity (internal validity)

Exists when a conclusion that A leads to or results in B is correct

Cross-population generalizability

Exists when findings about one group, population, or setting hold true for other groups, populations, or settings

Descriptive research

Research in which social phenomena are defined and described

Evaluation research

Research that describes or identifies the impact of social policies and programs

Explanatory research

Seeks to identify causes and effects of social phenomena and to predict how one phenomenon will change or vary in response to variation in another phenomenon

Exploratory research

Seeks to find out how people get along in the setting under question, what meanings they give to their actions, and what issues concern them

Generalizability

Exists when a conclusion holds true for the population, group setting, or event that we say it does, given the conditions that we specify; it is the extent to which a study can inform us about persons, places, or events that were not directly studied

Illogical reasoning

The premature jumping to conclusions or arguing on the basis of invalid assumptions

Measurement validity

Exists when an indicator measures what we think it measures

Overgeneralization

Occurs when we unjustifiably conclude that what is true for some cases is true for all cases

Resistance to change

The reluctance to change our ideas in light of new information

Sample generalizability

Exists when a conclusion based on a sample, or subset, or a larger population holds true for that population

Science

A set of logical, systemic, documented methds for investigating nature and natural processes; the knowledge produced by these investigations

Selective (inaccurate) observation

Choosing to look only at things that are in line with our preferences or beliefs

Social science

The use of scientific methods to investigate individuals, societies, and social processes; the knowledge produced by these investigations

Validity

The state that exists when statements or conclusions about empirical reality are correct