Social Research Methods Terminology

Social Constructionism: Concept that reality is created through social processes and interactions.

Sociological Imagination: Ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social influences.

Truth and Reality: Considerations of how truth is perceived in research contexts; reality is subjective.

Paradigms: Frameworks that guide research, shaping the approach and interpretation.

Ethics in Human Subject Research:

• Deception: May be permitted in research if justified.
• Debriefing: Informing participants about the study after participation.
• Anonymity and Confidentiality: Protecting participants' identities and data.
• IRB (Institutional Review Board): Group that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards.
• Belmont Report Principles:
• Respect for Persons: Acknowledging individual autonomy.
• Justice: Fair distribution of research benefits and burdens.
• Beneficence: Minimizing harm and maximizing benefits.
• Informed Consent: Participants must be fully aware of the study’s nature.
• Voluntary Participation: Participation must be voluntary without coercion.

Research Question: Articulates the focus of the study.

Theory and Hypotheses: Frameworks and specific predictions to be tested in research.

Units of Analysis: Entities being studied (individuals, groups, etc.).

Variables:

• DV: Dependent Variable; outcome measured.
• IV: Independent Variable; factor manipulated.
• Control: Factors held constant for valid comparisons.

Logic Types:

• Deductive Logic: Testing hypotheses based on existing theories.
• Inductive Logic: Building theories from observed data.

Research Types:

• Quantitative: Numerical data and statistical analysis.
• Qualitative: Non-numerical data and thematic analysis.

Concept vs. Construct: Distinction between general ideas (concepts) and specific ways they are understood (constructs).

Operationalization: Defining how concepts will be measured in the research.

Reliability: Consistency of research results; methods include:

• Test-Retest Method: Consistency over time.
• Internal Consistency: Items measuring the same construct.
• Inter-Rater Reliability: Agreement between different evaluators.

Validity: Accuracy of measurement; types include:

• Face Validity: Appears to measure what it claims to.
• Content Validity: Covers the entire concept.
• Construct Validity: Matches the theoretical construct.
• Convergent Validity: Correlation with similar measures.

Sampling:

• Population: Entire group being studied.
• Census: Data collected from the entire population.
• Sample: Subset of the population.
• Random Samples: Selection methods ensuring every member has a chance.
• Non-Random Sample: Selection based on specific criteria.
• Coverage Error: Biases arising from excluded groups.
• Non-Response Bias: Differences between responders and non-responders.
• Key Informants: Individuals with specific knowledge.

Research Methods:

• Case Study: In-depth investigation of a specific instance.
• Surveys: Questionnaires to collect data from respondents.
• Content Analysis: Systematic examination of content.
• Interviews: Direct engagement to gather qualitative data.
• Focus Groups: Group discussions to obtain opinions.
• Meta-Analysis: Combining data from multiple studies.

Generalizability: Extent to which findings can apply to wider populations.

Descriptive Statistics:

• Mean: Average value.
• Median: Middle value.
• Mode: Most frequent value.

Data Types:

• Nominal Data: Categories without a specific order.
• Ordinal Data: Categories with a meaningful order.
• Interval/Ratio Data: Numerical data with fixed intervals.