Basic Concepts in Social Science Research A goal of sociological research is to discover the similarities, differences, patterns, and trends of a given population.
Scientific Method Scientific Method is a systematic approach to researching questions and problems through objective and accurate Observation Collection and analysis of data Direct experimentation And replication
Process
Subjects Respondents Sample Generalize Random Sample Variable Vocabulary Subjects Respondents Sample Generalize Random Sample Variable
Quantitative vs Qualitative Quantitative Research information collected from respondents is converted into numbers (hint: quantity) Qualitative Research information collected from respondents take the form of verbal descriptions or direct observations of events.
Best is both….
Validity and Reliability Statistics are used to analyze data A collection of mathematical procedures for describing and drawing inferences from data. Inferential – used for making predictions about the population. Descriptive- used for describing the characteristics of the population and respondents.
Variables Independent- a variable (often denoted by x ) whose variation does not depend on that of another. Dependent-a variable (often denoted by y ) whose value depends on that of another.
Variable examples If a scientist conducts an experiment to test the theory that a vitamin could extend a person’s life-expectancy, then: The independent variable is the amount of vitamin that is given to the subjects within the experiment. This is controlled by the experimenting scientist. The dependent variable, or the variable being affected by the independent variable, is life span.
Validity Reliability A study must have: The capacity of a study or test to measure what it is supposed to measure. Reliability The capacity to provide consistent results when administered on different occaisions.
Research Designs Cross Sectional Longitudinal Cross-sequential Study a number of individuals of different ages who have the same trait or characteristic of interest at a single time. Longitudinal Scientists study the same individuals or society repeatedly over a specified period of time. Cross-sequential Scientist test individuals in a cross-sectional sample more than once over a specified period of time.
Types of Research Case Study Survey Observational Correlational Experimental Cross-Cultural Research with existing data, or secondary analysis
Ethics Self regulatory guidelines for making decisions and defining professions.