Flashcards
Research Methods Key Terms
Cards in this deck (38)
- 1ValidityThe extent to which data gives a true picture of the subject being studied.
- 2ObjectivityWhen a researchers values do not affect their work.
- 3Primary DataInformation obtained directly by the sociologist.
- 4Secondary ResourcesInformation obtained from other sources and produced by someone other than the sociologist conducting the research.
- 5OperationaliseThe process of defining a concept in a way which makes them measurable.
- 6GatekeeperA person who allows a researcher access to an individual or group
- 7Sample FrameA list of al those from among which the sample will be selected
- 8Random SampleA sample technique where everybody in the sample has an equal chance of selection.
- 9Systematic SampleAny number is chosen at random (n) then every nth person in a sample frame is selected.
- 10Stratified SampleA sample that takes note of and mirrors significant differences in the sample population, for example, gender, age, ethnicity.
- 11Quota SampleAs above but without the possibility of non-response, and with the respondents actually chosen by the fieldworker.
- 12Snowball Samplesample that grows in number via personal relationships
- 13InterpretivismThe belief that all human actions are purposive and need interpreting, 'facts do not speak for themselves'.
- 14PositivismThe method of science
- 15HypothesisA statement that can be tested about the relationship between two or more variables
- 16Lab ExperimentAn experiment conducted in specially built surroundings
- 17Field ExperimentAn experiment conducted in everyday social settings
- 18Hawthorne EffectChanges in behaviour of participants resulting from an awareness that they are taking part in an experiment
- 19Pilot StudyA preliminary study designed to identify any problems with the main study
- 20Interviewer biasThe effect that the interviewer has on the respondent's answers
- 21EthnographyThe study of the way of life of a group of people
- 22TriangulationCombining different research methods and different types of data in order to check the validity and reliability of findings
- 23Going NativeObserver looses their objectivity as a researcher and begins to identify with the group to the point that they become one of them. (the researcher becomes bias)
- 24Event SamplingThis is where the researcher records an event every time it happends, e.g tick a box
- 25Time SamplingThis is where the researcher decided on a time. E.g every minute and records what behaviour is occuring at that selected time.
- 26Unstructured ObservationThis is where the researcher records the behaviour they see- in note form - producing qualitative data.
- 27Structured ObservationThis is here the researcher decidees upon a pre-determined list of behaviours. The researcher uses a coding scheme to systematically catergorise behaviours observed.
- 28Methodological pluralismwhere the sociologist employ more than one method
- 29Independent variableThe variable that is changed/manipulated
- 30Dependent variableThe variable that is measured
- 31Extraneous variablesVariables other than the IV that could affect the DV
- 32Confounding variablesVariables other than the IV that will affect the DV
- 33Control groupDoesn't experience the independent variables
- 34Hawthorne effectResearch participants may behave differently because they know they are being studied/ The presence of the researcher affects the responses of the participant.
- 35Ecological ValidityThe extent to which the conditions of the researcher refelects normal everyday life.
- 36RepresentativenessThe extent to which a sample mirrors the key characterisrics of the target population under study.
- 37GeneralisiablityResults obtained from a sample can be applied to the target populationas a whole. Results can only be generalised if the sample is in some way representative.
- 38Social Desirability BiasRespondents present themselves in a positive light in order to please or impress the researcher
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- Sociology (Research Methods) Flashcards on Research Methods Key Terms, created by littlei101 on 11/03/2014.
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