Sociology Ch. 2

Explain the idea of variables in experiments and research.

Variable is any element, factor, or characteristic that is likely to vary or change. Its things which we believe may be important in understanding the issue/situation.

What are the various types of samples in Tepperman and why might someone choose a particular form?

1. Convenience Sampling - taking a sample from people who are easily available to survey or interview 2. Random Sampling - randomly represents population; free of bias of selection = more representative 3. Systematic Sampling - specific method to choose people who represent a variety of different groups 4. Stratified Sample - choosing a sample based on a relation to a specific characteristic 5. Quota Sample - including a specific number of people from groups that have specific characteristics

Define hypothesis:

A statement of theory that can be tested through research.

Why might quantitative and qualitative research sometimes both be useful in answering a question we might have?

Because in the form of quantitative research the questions tend to be structured meaning questions are in the same form and order. Whereas qualitative research the questions are unstructured meaning questions are flexible and open-ended. Thus giving you different ways of getting information or even more information of people.

What is correlation?

Correlation is a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.

How does this related to the way we might develop a research question?

How this relates to developing a research question is that we base our research question off of our theory by coming up with the best theory by asking, if the relationship between variables are true. (ex. x-y-z)

What does correlation analysis have to do with the social research process?

It measures the concurrent relationship between two phenomena (cross-sectional analysis) or associated changes in two phenomena (longitudinal analysis)

What do you think Tepperman means when he says that theories are models of reality?

Meaning theories are used to explain how or why something happens the way it does. We use it in everyday life.

Explain the difference between Quantitative and Qualitative research?

Quantitative: its the things we can measure & made into statistics/numbers Qualitative: reports of people on their ideas, experiences, opinions, positions, feelings (things we can't measure)

What sorts of things can each be used to tell us?

Quantitative: useful at answering what + who questions Qualitative: useful in addressing how questions.

Why is sampling so important in social research (or is it)?

Sampling is important because social research requires it. We choose a sample to represent the population because we won't be able to survey the whole population.

Are there concerns that one should bear in mind when designing social research tool such as surveys and interview questions? What are they and why should we be concerned?

Some of the concerns with surveys + interview questions are that researchers have found that some people are just less willing to be interviews or fill out a questionnaire than others, leading them to wonder if the non-response rate is random or systematic and therefore biased.

What role would theory have in choosing variables that will be investigated in research?

The most important consideration when selecting a variable is its theoretical relevance, which means the goal is trying to understand the relationships between variables.

What are the main forms of Qualitative research used in sociology and other forms of social science?

The two main forms are content analysis and grounded theory.

What does Tepperman mean what he says that "The Research Process begins with Theory"?

Theories are always constructed, debated + revised. If the theory is valid; you provide your theory in which you will try to frame a hypothesis. Then we use observations to test this hypothesis. If the theory is not valid; we have to keep looking for support or else look for an alternative theory.

What are the four different types of categories of quantitative data discussed in the chapter?

a) Nominal - consist of named categories to denote difference b) Ordinal - can be arranged on a scale from least to most c) Interval - uses measures spaced at equal distances (scale 1-7) d) Ratio - what percentage or proportion

Grounded theory =

inductive approach designed to generate theories from data, rather than using data to confirm or disprove hypotheses.

Content analysis =

quantifies (codes) large amounts of qualitative data for hypothesis testing.