Sociology - Ch.2

Front 1

Causal logic

Back 1

The relationship between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one event leading to the other.

Front 2

Code of ethics

Back 2

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

Front 3

Content analysis

Back 3

The systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale.

Front 4

Control group

Back 4

The subjects in an experiment who are not introduced to the independent variable by the researcher.

Front 5

Control variable

Back 5

A factor that is held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable.

Front 6

Correlation

Back 6

A relationship between two variables in which a change in one coincides with a change in the other.

Front 7

Dependent variable

Back 7

The variable in a causal relationship that is subject to the influence of another variable.

Front 8

Ethnography

Back 8

The study of an entire social setting through extended systematic observation.

Front 9

Experiment

Back 9

An artificially created situation that allows a researcher to manipulate variables.

Front 10

Experimental group

Back 10

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

Front 11

Hawthorne effect

Back 11

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

Front 12

Hypothesis

Back 12

A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables.

Front 13

Independent variable

Back 13

The variable in a causal relationship that causes or influences a change in a second variable.

Front 14

Interview

Back 14

A face-to-face or telephone questioning of a respondent to obtain desired information.

Front 15

Mean

Back 15

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

Front 16

Median

Back 16

The midpoint or number that divides a series of values into two groups of equal numbers of values.

Front 17

Mode

Back 17

The single most common value in a series of scores.

Front 18

Observation

Back 18

A research technique in which an investigator collects information through direct participation and/or closely watching a group or community.

Front 19

Operational definition

Back 19

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

Front 20

Qualitative research

Back 20

Research that relies on what is seen in field or naturalistic settings more than on statistical data.

Front 21

Quantitative research

Back 21

Research that collects and reports data primarily in numerical form.

Front 22

Questionnaire

Back 22

A printed or written form used to obtain information from a respondent.

Front 23

Random sample

Back 23

A sample for which every member of an entire population has the same chance of being selected.

Front 24

Reliability

Back 24

The extent to which a measure produces consistent results.

Front 25

Research design

Back 25

A detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically.

Front 26

Sample

Back 26

A selection from a larger population that is statistically representative of that population.

Front 27

Scientific method

Back 27

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

Front 28

Secondary analysis

Back 28

A variety of research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data.

Front 29

Survey

Back 29

A study, generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire, that provides researchers with information about how people think and act.

Front 30

Validity

Back 30

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

Front 31

Value neutrality

Back 31

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

Front 32

Variable

Back 32

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