research overview
When two variables are related to each other; a change in one variable leads to a change in the other. The relationship may or may not be causal
define causation
when one variable causes another
what is the difference between a close-ended question and an open-ended question?
a close-ended question limits the range of possible responses
an open-ended question allows for a wide range of responses
what type of variable is being controlled and manipulated in an experiment?
the independent variable
define confidentiality
the assurance that the identity of a respondent is only known by the researcher
define replicability
the ability of a study to produce the same/similar results if repeated
what does it mean for a study to have good representativeness?
good representativeness means that a study can be applied to something more broad
what term means: "the idea that the presence of an observer likely affects the interactions and relationships in the group their studying" ?
A) rapport B) reflexivity C) reliability D) observer influence E) grounded theory
B) reflexivity
a control group does not receive the "treatment" (the independent variable)
the experimental group does receive the treatment
what is the most common sampling technique scientists use? define it
scientists often use probability sampling, in which random number generation is used to select participants
define validity
the accuracy/precision of a question or measuring tool
what type of research is a deductive approach associated with?
quantitative research
what are some ways that a question can be written poorly? define them
a negative question, in which respondents are asked what they think instead of what they don't think
a double-barreled question, in which multiple questions are asked at once
a leading question, in which the question suggests a "right answer"
why is the existing sources method considered an unobtrusive method?
it is considered unobtrusive because it does not require the research to intrude or disturb the people in a social context/setting
describe the structure of a Likert scale and give an example
providing a continuum of answers for the respondent to choose from.
i.e, from "Strongly Agree" to "Strongly Disagree"
what type of variable is the cause of spurious correlation?
an intervening variable
what does it mean for a study to be reliable?
reliability means that the same kind of data will be collected each time the same question is asked
what is a disadvantage of ethnography?
it is difficult to test the validity of ethnographic studies
ethnographies are critiqued for their representativeness
what is deception in research, and why do researchers use it?
deception is the extent to which the participants are made aware of a study and/or its goals. researchers often use it because the participants knowing that they are part of a study may produce inauthentic results
what type of sample is most often collected when doing surveys? what is the defining characteristic of this sample type
a simple random sample, in which any member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected
qualitative research is associated with what research approach? define it
associated w/ an inductive approach, which is when data is collected first before a conclusion/generalization is made
outline some steps of the scientific method
1) Identify a problem/ask a question
2) Perform a literature review
3) Form a hypothesis
4) Choose a research design/method
5) Collect & analyze the data
6) Disseminate the findings
what is an advantage of interviews?
allows respondents to speak in their own words and reveal their own thoughts
name three of the advantages/disadvantages of an experiment
Advantages
- Gives researchers a way to manipulate and control the social environment they seek to understand
- Best method for establishing causality
- If done correctly, have high replicability
Disadvantages
- Experiments often use deception on the participants
- Only applicable to types of research that can be measured in a controlled environment
explain the difference between basic research and applied research
basic research is research for its own sake, without an agenda or goal
applied research is research done to gain knowledge that can bring about social change