PA 2 Vocab - Research Methods

The scientific method - ask a question, research existing sources, formulate a hypothesis, design and conduct a study, draw conclusions, report results

Literature review - a review of any existing similar or related studies

Hypothesis - an explanation for a phenomenon based on a conjecture about the relationship between the phenomenon and one or more causal factors

Independent variable - cause of change

Dependent variable - the effect, or thing that is changed

Reliability - how likely research results are to be replicated if the study is reproduced

Accuracy - how close the results of a measurement or experiment are to the true value

Validity - how well a study measures what it was designed to measure

Operational definition - define each variable in terms of the concrete steps it takes to measure it

Interpretive framework - seeks to understand social worlds from the POV of participants, more descriptive and narrative than the scientific method

Primary source data collection - survey, case study, unobtrusive observations, experiment, etc.

Secondary data analysis - use of existing resources

Survey - collects data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about behaviors and opinions, often in the form of a questionnaire or interview

Population - people who are the focus of a study

Sample - a manageable number of subjects who represent a larger population

Random sample - every person in a population has the same chance of being chosen for the study

Quantitative data - numerical data

Qualitative data - conveyed through words

Interview - a one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the subject

Field research - gathering primary data from a natural environment

Participant observation - researchers join people and participate in a group's routine activities for the purpose of observing them within that context

Ethnography - the immersion of the researcher in the natural setting of an entire social community to observe and experience their everyday life and culture

Case study - an in-depth analysis of a single event, situation, or individual

Experiment - investigate relationships to test a hypothesis

experimental group - exposed to independent variables

control group - not exposed

Hawthorne effect - when people change their behavior because they know they're being watched as part of a study

nonreactive/unobtrusive research - does not involve direct contact with subjects and will not alter or influence people's behavior

value neutrality - remaining impartial, without judgement or bias, during the course of a study and publishing results

ASA code of ethics:

1. maintain objectivity and integrity

2. respect subjects' rights to privacy and dignity

3. protect subject from harm

4. confidentiality

5. informed consent

6. acknowledge collaboration and assistance

7. disclose sources of financial support