Sociology- Qualitative and Quantitative research

Stratified random sampling

Population is divided into strata then a random sample from each is taken

Reliable

Positivists see the theoretical strength of lab experiments as?

Opportunity sampling

Those of easiest access to the researchers are contacted

Structured observation schedule

A pre-determined list of the types of behavior the researcher is interested in. Each time the behavior occurs, it is recorded.

Sampling frame

A list of members from the population being studied.

Sample

A smaller sub-group drawn from the wider population

The Hawthorne effect

Artificial environment means people change behavior knowing it's a study

Thought experiment

Doesn't involve any experimenting from the researcher, relies on secondary data (comparative method)

Strata

Categories which have a similar characteristic

Quasi-random sampling

Chooses a random point and selects every nth member of the population

Snowball sampling

Contacting key individuals who suggest other people who may be researched

Random sampling

Every person has an equal chance of being chosen

The Expectancy effect

Experimenter bias which means what a researcher expects can affect the outcome by consciously or unconsciously influencing subjects

Open-system

Factors are uncontrollable because there are so may involved- unsuitable for studying social phenomena

External validity

How generalizable a finding will be to wider society

Validity

Obtaining an authentic or true picture of how actors construct and experience social reality

Informed consent

Participants must be fully knowing of the details of procedure and findings of the study and agree to participate

Public documents

Produced by organisations such as government departments and include ofsted reports

Quota sampling

Researchers have a set number of data collected from each sample which is the 'right person' for research in each category

Covert observation

The researcher conceals their true identity and purpose, usually posing as a genuine member of the group

Overt observation

The researcher reveals their true identity and purpose to those being studied and asks their permission to observe

Actor tests

Using participants with differences to test the effects of these differences e.g. ethnicity

Validity

What is good about field experiments?

Determinist

Why do interpretivists criticize lab studies?

Standardised

Why do positivists regard lab experiments as reliable?

Correspondence tests

a field-experimental technique used to investigate discrimination in hiring in the labor market