Sociological Research – Exam Review Notes

Scientific Method Overview

  • Systematic series of steps ensuring objectivity & consistency
  • Core steps: define problem → review literature → formulate hypothesis → select research design & collect/analyze data → develop conclusion → suggest further research

Key Concepts & Definitions

  • \text{Operational\ definition}: precise explanation of an abstract concept for measurement
  • \text{Hypothesis}: speculative statement on relationship between variables
  • \text{Variable}: measurable trait; can change under conditions
    • Independent: presumed cause
    • Dependent: presumed effect
    • Control: held constant to isolate effect
  • \text{Causal\ logic}: one event leads to another
  • \text{Correlation} \neq \text{Causation} (simultaneous change may not imply cause)

Major Research Designs

  • Surveys: interviews or questionnaires; yield quantitative or qualitative data
  • Ethnography: extended fieldwork; includes observation & participant observation
  • Experiments: controlled environment; experimental vs. control groups; beware \text{Hawthorne\ Effect}
  • Existing Sources: secondary analysis & content analysis of pre-collected data

Sampling & Data Quality

  • Representative sample: statistically reflects population
  • Random sample: equal selection chance for every member
  • Snowball (convenience) sample: recruits via networks/online posts
  • \text{Validity}: measure reflects intended phenomenon
  • \text{Reliability}: measure yields consistent results

Basic Statistics

  • Percentage: part per 100
  • \text{Mean}: arithmetic average \left(\frac{\sum x}{n}\right)
  • \text{Mode}: most frequent value
  • \text{Median}: midpoint splitting ordered data into equal halves

Ethics in Sociological Research (ASA Code)

  • Maintain objectivity & integrity
  • Respect privacy & dignity; protect from harm
  • Preserve confidentiality; secure informed consent
  • Acknowledge collaboration; disclose funding sources