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
