Define primary data
Information collected by sociologists for their own purposes
What is an advantage of sociologists using primary data
Sociologists might be able to get the information they need for their specific study, instead of relying on previous, generalised research
Define secondary data
Information collected by someone else for their own research purposes that the sociologist can use
What is an advantage of sociologists using secondary research
Quick and cheap way to find research tools
What is a disadvantage of sociologists using secondary data
The information may not be produced with the interests of the sociologist in mind, may not provide the tailored information primary data provides
Define Qualitative data
Qualitative research aims to gather and analyse non-numerical data in order to gain an understanding of individuals' thoughts and feelings
Define quantitative data
Information that is collected in a numerical form and is easier to analyse
What does PERVRTG stand for
Practical
Ethical
Reliability
Validity
Representativeness
Theoretical
Generalisation
What does it mean to operationalise a concept?
Converting a sociological concept into something measurable
Define pilot study
Trying out a draft of a questionnaire on a small sample of people
What is the aim of a pilot study
To find out issues or clarify the wording of questions
Define sample
A subsection of a wider group in society
What is the purpose of sampling
To ensure the people that were included in the study are representative of the general population
Define sampling frame
A list of all the members in the population who you are interested in studying
What is random sampling
Sample is selected purely by chance and everyone has an equal chance of being selected
What is systematic sampling
Every nth person in the sample is selected
What is stratified sampling
The researcher stratifies the population in the sample frame by characteristics, finds out the proportions and then the sample is created based off of those proportions
What is quota sampling?
A method in which researchers create a sample involving individuals that represent a population. Researchers choose these individuals according to specific traits or qualities.