Sociology Research Methods Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the sociological research methods study guide, defining key terms, designs, orientations, and concepts.

Case Study

A study that relies on a single case rather than a population or sample and allows for detailed observations that can extend for a longer time period (research method)

Cause and Effect

A relationship in which change in one variable causes change in another; also referred to as causation

Concept

A mental construct that identifies a part of our social world in a basic form.

Control

The holding constant of all variables except the one to be investigated in order to get a clear picture of a variable's role in a study

Correlation

A relationship in which two (or more) variables change together

Cross-sectional Research

A study of a sample population of different ages who have the same trait/characteristic of interest at a single time (research design)

Cross-sequential Research

A study of a cross-sectional sample population more than once over a specified period of time- combines the cross-sectional with the longitudinal (research design)

Deductive Logical Thought

Reasoning that transforms general theory into specific hypotheses suitable for testing

Dependent Variable

The variable in a study that changes as a result of manipulation of the independent variable by the researcher

Empirical Evidence

A source of knowledge acquired by means of observation or experimentation; information we can verify with our senses

Experiment

A test, trial or tentative procedure done for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle or supposition under highly controlled conditions (research method)

Hawthorne Effect

A change in a subject's behavior brought about by the awareness of being watched

Hypothesis

A proposition to explain phenomenon

Independent Variable

The variable in a study that causes the change that is controlled by the researcher

Inductive Logical Thought

Reasoning that transforms specific observations into general theory

Interview

A meeting for obtaining information by questioning a person or persons (research method)

Longitudinal Research

A study of the same sample population repeatedly over a specified period of time (research design)

Objectivity

Neutrality while conducting a study

Operational Definition

The statement of exactly what is to be measured prior to assigning value to a variable in a sociological study

Participant Observation

A research method in which investigators systematically observe people while joining them in their routine activities (research method)

Population

The people who are the focus of research

Qualitative

Pertaining to or concerned with qualities, traits, or characters; qualitative data is often reported in narrative form

Quantitative

Pertaining to or concerned with quantities, portions, or amounts: quantitative data is often reported in numerical form (charts, graphs, etc.)

Questionnaire

A list of questions submitted for replies that can be analyzed for useful information (research method)

Reliability

Consistency in measurements within a study

Research Design

A systematic plan for conducting research

Research Ethics

A value system adopted by researchers designed to protect the subjects of a study, the authenticity of the study, and the profession overall

Research Method

The systematic procedure for studying a problem

Sample

A part of a population that represents the whole

Scientific Method

A method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data gathered, a hypothesis formulated and the hypothesis is empirically tested

Meta Analysis

The practice of analyzing data that have already been gathered by someone else, often for a distinctly different purpose (research method)

Correlation Does Not Equal Causation

An apparent but false relationship in which two (or more) variables change together

Survey

A sampling or partial collection of facts, figures or opinions taken via questionnaire or oral interview and used to approximate or indicate what a complete collection and analysis might reveal (research method)

Validity

Measuring exactly what is intended to be measured in a study

Variable

Something that may or does vary; a concept whose value changes from case to case.