Research Methods You need to write this down. The state of Texas says we need to review the science-y stuff before we can have any fun.

Surveys: Just ask people! Advantages: Researchers can gather information from large numbers of people Disadvantages: 1. People may be wrong. 2.People may want to change the outcome. 3. People lie.

Testing Convenient Measures specific aspects Does not always provide a complete representation of an individual.

Case Studies Provides insight into specific cases May focus on isolated circumstances or events that cannot be replicated. People interviewed may distort their past experience

Longitudinal Studies Follows one group of participants over a long period of time. Time consuming and expensive Participants may not be available for the entire study.

Cross-Sectional Method Comparing differences and similarities among different groups at the same time. Differences between the groups may not be attributed to age or development.

Naturalistic Observation Observing people or animals in their natural habitat Researchers have no control over the setting or events that occur

Laboratory Observation Enables researchers to precisely control certain aspects of the study. Laboratories cannot duplicate real-life settings.

Causation vs Correlation It is important to remember that Correlation does not necessarily mean Causation. When I give you a quiz, and it starts to rain right at the same time, does it mean that the quiz caused the rain? – Or, does it mean that whenever it rains, Mrs. Rush will give you a quiz?

FINISHED Now. In your groups from yesterday, you will go through the textbook Table of Contents, and make a list of what you want to learn from each chapter, from Chapter 3 through Chapter 19. We will learn at least 2 sections from each chapter. Some are mandatory. Chapters 20 and 21 will be covered in Sociology.