1. Basic Concepts in Social Science Research
A goal of sociological research is to discover the similarities, differences, patterns, and trends of a given population.

2. 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

3. Process

5. Subjects Respondents Sample Generalize Random Sample Variable
Vocabulary
Subjects
Respondents
Sample
Generalize
Random Sample
Variable

6. 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.

7. Best is both….

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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. 

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Types of Research Case Study Survey Observational Correlational
Experimental
Cross-Cultural
Research with existing data, or secondary analysis

14. Ethics
Self regulatory guidelines for making decisions and defining professions.