2.1
variables that cause changes in dependent variables
independent variables
specific explanations of abstract concepts that a researcher plans to study
operational definition
small, manageable number of subjects that represent the population
Sample
gathering data from a natural environment without doing a lab experiment or a survey
field research
in-depth analysis of a single event, situation, or individual
case study
applying a systematic approach to record and value information gleaned from secondary data as it relates to the study at hand
content analysis
a variable changed by other variables
dependent variables
a sociological research approach that seeks in-depth understanding of a topic or subject through observation or interaction; this approach is not based on hypothesis testing
interpretive framework
a study’s participants being randomly selected to serve as a representation of a larger population
random sample
data that are collected directly from firsthand experience
primary data
participating and observing thinking and behavior in a social setting
ethnography
using secondary data, does not include direct contact with research subjects and does not alter or influence people’s behaviors
nonreactive research
the degree to which a sociological measure accurately reflects the topic of study
validity
data that are collected directly from firsthand experience
Primary Source
data collected in numerical form that can be counted and analyzed using statistics
quantitative data
when a change in one variable coincides with a change in another variable, but does not necessarily indicate causation
correlation
the testing of a hypothesis under controlled conditions
experiment
value neutrality
a measure of a study’s consistency that considers how likely results are to be replicated if a study is reproduced
reliability
using data collected by others and applying new interpretations
Secondary Analysis
non-numerical, descriptive data that is often subjective and based on what is experienced in a natural setting
qualitative data
when a researcher immerses herself in a group or social setting in order to make observations from an “insider” perspective
participation observation
when study subjects behave in a certain manner due to their awareness of being observed by a researcher
Hawthorne Effect
Type of questions that asks one to answer in yes or no or multiple choice.
Closed Ended Questions
a scholarly research step that entails identifying and studying all existing studies on a topic to create a basis for new research
literature review
a defined group serving as the subject of a study
population
a one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the subject
interview
collect data from subjects who respond to a series of questions about thinking, behaviors, and opinions, often in the form of a questionnaire
surveys
using data collected by others and applying new interpretations
secondary data analysis
Types of questions that require elaboration or an essay.
Open Ended Questions