Sociology Terms And Theory Ch.2

Front 1

Research steps

Back 1

First, the researcher
needs to determine that the study she or he has in mind has not already been done. Second, the re-
searcher needs to determine how the proposed study will add to what is known about the topic of the
study.

Hint 1

A third goal of a literature review is to see how prior studies were con-
ducted. What research design did they use?

Front 2

unit of analysis

Back 2

The focus of sociological
research, usually a person,
organization, or geographical
region.

Front 3

dependent variable

Back 3

A variable that is influenced by an independent variable

Front 4

independent variable

Back 4

A variable that affects the dependent variable

Front 5

variable

Back 5

Any characteristic that varies
among units of analysis

Front 6

hypothesis

Back 6

A statement of the nature of
the relationship between an
independent variable and a
dependent variable.

Front 7

convenience sample
.

Back 7

A nonrandom sample that is
used because it is relatively
quick and inexpensive to
obtain

Front 8

quota sample

Back 8

A nonrandom sample in
which units in the sample are
chosen according to one or
more characteristics so that
the sample resembles these
characteristics of the
population as closely as
possible

Front 9

sample

Back 9

A subset of a population.

Front 10

random sample

Back 10

A subset drawn from the
larger population in which
every unit in the population
has the same chance of
being included in the subset.

Front 11

spurious relationship

Back 11

A relationship between an
independent variable and a
dependent variable that
exists only because the
effects of a third variable have
not been taken into account.

Front 12

response rate

Back 12

The percentage of a sample
that agrees to be included in
a study, usually a survey.

Front 13

Experimental group

Back 13

In an experiment, the group
that experiences the
experimental condition.

Front 14

control group

Back 14

In an experiment, the group
that does not experience the
experimental condition.

Front 15

participant observation

Back 15

Field research in which the
researcher is an active
member of the group or
setting being observed.

Front 16

nonparticipant observation

Back 16

Field research in which the
researcher merely observes a
group or setting.

Front 17

scientific method

Back 17

The classic steps by which
scientific research is
conducted, including the
formulation of a hypothesis
and the gathering and
analysis of data.

Front 18

generalization

Back 18

A conclusion drawn from
sociological research that is
meant to apply to broad
categories of people but for
which many exceptions will
always exist.