Chapter 2-Sociological Perspectives and Methods of Social Research (SARs focus)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on sociological perspectives, SARs, and research methods.

Socially Assistive Robots (SARs)

Robots capable of interacting with humans and meeting the cultural and social expectations of the roles they perform; a global phenomenon.

Functionalist Perspective

A sociological theory focusing on order and stability; society is made of interrelated parts that function to maintain the larger social system.

Function (in sociology)

The contribution a social part makes to the existing social order; can be manifest (intended) or latent (unintended).

Manifest Function

An intended or recognized consequence of a social action or structure.

Latent Function

An unintended or hidden consequence of a social action or structure.

Dysfunctions

Elements that disrupt or undermine social stability; can be manifest or latent.

Critique of Functionalism

Argues that all parts may contribute to social order and tend to defend the status quo; may overlook social change.

Conflict Perspective

A theory emphasizing inevitable conflict as central to social change; asks who benefits and at whose expense, and seeks to expose legitimacy.

Facade of Legitimacy

The appearance that social arrangements are just, masking power struggles and inequality.

SARs and Conflict Perspective

View that SAR deployment can be profit-driven (cost-cutting) and may widen social inequality between advantaged and disadvantaged groups.

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

A theory about how people experience, interpret, and respond to interactions; emphasizes sense-making and the role of symbols.

Self-awareness

The capacity to observe and evaluate oneself from others' viewpoints.

Symbol

A sign with shared meaning used in social communication.

Symbol System

A shared set of symbols used to communicate within a group.

Negotiated Order

The sum of existing and newly negotiated expectations, rules, policies, agreements, contracts, and working arrangements in social interaction.

Appearance (in human-robot interaction)

The outward look of a robot that affects how humans perceive and interact with it.

Expressive Traits

Characteristics such as speech patterns that convey personality and influence interaction with humans.

Operational Definitions

Clear, precise definitions and instructions for observing and measuring variables (e.g., what counts as a 'personalized conversation').

Reliability

The extent to which an operational definition yields consistent results across measurements and observers.

Validity

The degree to which an operational definition measures what it claims to measure.

Independent Variable

The variable deliberately manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable (e.g., personalized conversations).

Dependent Variable

The outcome measured in a study (e.g., workers' cooperation with a SAR).

Snackbot

A workplace SAR used in the Lee study to explore interactions; studied through observations, face-to-face interviews, and surveys.

Lee Study (2012)

NSF-funded study by Lee, Kiesler, Forlizzi, and Rybski examining SARs in the workplace.

Hawthorne Effect

Behavior changes that occur because participants know they are being observed.

Self-Administered Questionnaire

A data collection method where respondents complete questions themselves; advantages include larger samples and confidentiality; disadvantages include lack of follow-up and potential errors.

Interviews (Structured and Unstructured)

A data collection method involving direct questioning; advantages include depth and follow-up; disadvantages include time consumption and need for skilled interviewers.

Observations – Participant Observation

A method where researchers observe behavior in real settings; advantages include in-depth data; disadvantages include cultural differences and Hawthorne effect.

Secondary Sources / Archival Data

Existing data used for analysis; advantages include speed; disadvantages include potential lack of needed information.

Generalizability

The extent to which findings from a study can be applied to a broader population.

Case Study vs Random Sample

Case studies analyze a single case or small number in depth; random samples aim for representativeness of a population.

Personalized Conversation

A type of dialogue in which one party references things specific to the other party.

Scientific Method

A carefully planned data-gathering and analysis process, subject to critique and replication, aimed at objectivity.

Research Question

The central question guiding a study, establishing its purpose and scope.

Literature Review

Reviewing prior research to gain knowledge and avoid duplication.

Research Design

The plan or framework for collecting and analyzing data.