variables that cause changes in dependent variables
independent variables
specific explanations of abstract concepts that a researcher plans to study
operational definition
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
the degree to which a sociological measure accurately reflects the topic of study
validity
a measure of a study’s consistency that considers how likely results are to be replicated if a study is reproduced
reliability
a scholarly research step that entails identifying and studying all existing studies on a topic to create a basis for new research
literature review