Soc Ch 2

Front 1

Scientific Method

Back 1

A systemic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.

1. Defining the problem

2. Reviewing the literature

3. Formulating the hypothesis

4. Selecting the research design and collecting & analyzing data

5. Developing the conclusion

Front 2

Operational Definitoin

Back 2

Transformation of an abstract concept into indicators that are observable & measurable.

Front 3

Variable

Back 3

A measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions

Ex. income, religion, occupation, gender

Front 4

Hypothesis

Back 4

A testable statement about the relationship b/w two or more variables. Represents an explicit attempt to indicate what we think is happening & why.

Front 5

Casual logic

Back 5

A relationship exists b/w variables in which change in one brings about change in the other

Front 6

Independent Variable

Back 6

Variable in a casual relationship that causes or influences/predicts a change in a second variable

X

Front 7

Dependent Variable

Back 7

Variable that is subject to the influence of another variable

Front 8

Correlation

Back 8

A relationship b/w two variables in which a change in one coincides with a change in the other.

Correlation doesn't equal causation. Maybe due to chance or some other influence.

Front 9

Sample

Back 9

Selection from a large population that is statistically representative of that population

Front 10

Random Sample

Back 10

Sample in which every member of an entire population has an equal chance of being selected

Front 11

Validity

Back 11

The degree to which a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomena under study

Front 12

Reliability

Back 12

Extent to which a measure produces consistent results

Front 13

Control Variable

Back 13

Factor that is held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable

Front 14

Research Design

Back 14

Detailed plan or design for obtaining date scientifically

Front 15

Survey

Back 15

Study typically in the form of an interview or questionnaire that provides researchers w/ info about how people think/act

Front 16

Median, Mode, Mean

Back 16

Median: The midpoint, or number that divides a series of values into 2 groups of equal number values.

Mode: The single most common value in a series of scores.

Mean: A number calculated by adding a series of values and then dividing by the number of values.

Front 17

Quantitative Research

Back 17

Collects and reports date primarily in numbers

Front 18

Qualitative research

Back 18

Relies on what is seen in field or naturalistic setting more than on statistical data

most common is observation

Front 19

Ethnography

Back 19

The study of an entire social setting through extended systemic observation

popular type of qualitative

Front 20

Experiment

Back 20

Artificially created situation that allows a researcher to manipulate variables

Front 21

Experimental Group

Back 21

The subjects in an experiment who are exposed to an independent variable introduced by a researcher.

Front 22

Hawthorne Effect

Back 22

The unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their subjects

Front 23

Secondary Analysis

Back 23

A variety of research techniques that makes use of previously collected & publicly accessible info & data

Front 24

Content Analysis

Back 24

The systemic coding & objective recording of data, guided by some rationale

Front 25

Value Neutrality

Back 25

Max Weber's term for objectivity of sociologists in the interpretation of data.

Front 26

Code of Ethics

Back 26

The standards of acceptable behavior developed by and for members of a profession.