Approaches
The way in which scientists work, by observing, formulating and testing hypotheses, analyzing the results and drawing conclusions
Scientific Method
information and facts that take a numerical form
Quantitative Data
links between different variables, for example, gender, ethnicity or age
Patterns
When two variables change at the same time, suggesting they are connected
Correlation
when research can be repeated to produce similar responses
Reliability
approaches that take a large-scale view of whole societies
Marco Approaches
information (such as attitudes or kinds of actions) that cannot be presented in numerical form
Qualitative Data
changes over time in a particular direction
Trends
When a change in one variable has a direct effect on another variable
Causation
the extent to which research findings reflect reality and give a true picture
Validity
approaches that take a small-scale view of social interaction between individuals and groups in society
Micro Approaches
being open-minded and avoiding bias
Objectivity
allowing a personal point of view to influence understanding and interpretation
Subjectivity
laws, values, customs and other social rules over which individuals have no control
Social Facts
a list of all (or most) members of a target population from which the sample is chosen.
Sampling Frame
the whole group that the research relates to and to whom the findings of the research will be applied.
Target Population
Define participant observation, and list the two types
Participant Observation is when a researcher attempts to research a group by living as they do. This includes immersing themselves in a specific setting and observing people's behavior. The two types are: covert and overt.
Define structured interviews, and list one strength and one weakness
It is an interview conducted with a list of standardized questions and answers to choose from
Strengths include: Interviewer can explain questions, higher response rate than questionnaires, data is reliable, etc
Weaknesses include: Interviewer may influence answers, take more time than questionnaires, etc
the degree to which research findings about one group can be applied to a larger group or similar groups.
Representativeness
the proportion of people in the original sample who actually take part in the research, for example by completing and returning the questionnaire.
Response Rate
List 5 possible ethical issues when conducting research using questionnaires, interviews, and observations
Possible answers:
• People have feelings, so researchers must be careful not to offend or distress them; for example, asking questions about sensitive or personal topics might upset people.
• Researchers must ensure people understand the implications of discussing sensitive topics when they agree to take part.
• Researchers might lie to or deceive people to get the information they want.
• When researching children, it is important to gain consent; consider whether the child is old enough to understand what they are agreeing to, and speak to a parent or guardian if necessary.
• Some research could relate to illegal activities.
• There are issues of confidentiality.
• Covert observation involves deception and subjects cannot give their consent.
List all 5 sampling types, and give examples for two of them
Snowball, random, systematic, stratified, quota
What are the different types of interviews? And what are the differences between them?
A structured interview has a set list of questions, usually closed questions, always asked in the same order, gaining quantitative data. An unstructured interview has few or no set questions, just some themes to discuss using open questions, gaining qualitative data. A semi-structured interview has prepared questions but is open to asking additional follow-up questions. Group interviews are conducted with multiple interviewees at the same time.
a German word used to mean identifying with another person or group and seeing things from their point of view
verstehen
when the findings about a sample can be said to apply to a larger group of people sharing the same characteristics.
Generalisability