Social Science Research Methodology

Flashcards for Social Science Research Methodology focusing on types of data, validity, reliability, and data collection methods.

Validity (Research)

The degree to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure. It addresses whether the findings are genuine.

Reliability (Research)

The extent to which a test gives consistent results. It assesses how well the findings can be repeated.

Primary Data

Original data collected specifically for the research, often directly from the field under the investigator's supervision. Typically more recent and collected for the first time.

Secondary Data

Data previously gathered by others. Can be internal (e.g., previous research within an organization) or external (e.g., academic journals, textbooks).

Quantitative Data

Data gathered in numerical form that can be categorized, ranked, or measured. Suitable for creating graphs and tables.

Qualitative Data

Information gathered that is not in numerical form, such as diary accounts, open-ended questionnaires, and unstructured interviews. Typically descriptive and harder to analyze.

Data Collection

The process of preparing and collecting data, including systematic gathering of data from various sources for a particular purpose, which has been systematically observed, recorded, and organized.

Experiments (Quantitative)

A method where researchers manipulate variables to collect quantitative data, often showing cause and effect but potentially being artificial.

Naturalistic Observations

Observing behavior as it occurs in a natural setting. Pros: generalizable to the real world, can be a source of hypotheses. Cons: little control of extraneous variables, cannot test treatments, cannot show cause and effect.

Surveys (Quantitative)

Allows economical collection of much data and for the study of many different questions at once. Cons: problems of self-reports, biased sampling.

Case Studies

Involves detailed study of a particular case, combining qualitative and quantitative data, focusing on unique information. Cons: may be subjective, lack generalizability, time-consuming, expensive.