Sociological Research Approaches

A systematic process of inquiry that involves observation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation to understand and explain phenomena.

A research approach that emphasizes objectivity, measurement, and the use of statistical analysis to test hypotheses.

A research approach that emphasizes understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of individuals within their social contexts.

The consistency of research findings across different studies or repeated measurements.

The extent to which a research study measures what it is intended to measure.

A research method that involves collecting data from a large number of people using questionnaires or interviews.

A research method that involves manipulating variables in a controlled setting to investigate cause-and-effect relationships.

A research method that involves observing social phenomena in their natural settings.

The belief that scientific practices can be applied to study social trends, even though human behavior is complex.

A specific question or idea that guides a research project.

The systematic gathering and analysis of information about a specific topic.

A tentative explanation or prediction about a phenomenon.

The process of testing a hypothesis through experiments, observations, or other methods.

The process of drawing conclusions from the data collected and analyzed.

The process of making results from a research study available to the broader community.

The process of continuing to investigate and build on the findings of previous research.

A review of existing research on a topic to gain comprehensive knowledge and inform the direction of a new research project.

Defined in terms of observable and measurable actions or characteristics. It transforms abstract concepts into quantifiable variables.

A measurable aspect of a concept that can vary in value.

A process of systematically collecting data from a large sample of individuals using questionnaires, interviews, or surveys.

The ability of research to be generalized to larger populations beyond the specific sample studied.

A research approach that uses a step-by-step process to test hypotheses.

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher.

The variable that is measured or observed in response to the independent variable.

A relationship between two variables in which changes in one variable coincide with changes in the other.

The process of translating social phenomena into quantifiable or numerical variables.

The process of identifying a specific research question.

Using existing sources to educate a researcher and refine a study's design.

The relationship between variables where one variable causes a change in the other.

The tendency for people to change their behaviour when they know they are being observed. It can skew research results as participants become self-conscious.

The process of deliberately choosing methods and strategies to collect and analyze data for a specific sociological study. This involves considering ethical concerns, participant interactions, and the nature of the research question.

A research method that involves analyzing existing data sources such as documents, records, texts, or media. It allows researchers to explore patterns and trends over time.

Data that focuses on the subjective meanings, interpretations, and experiences of individuals. It captures the qualitative aspects of social phenomena.

Data that can be measured numerically, typically expressed as quantities or statistical values. It provides quantitative information about social phenomena.

A research method that involves gathering information from individuals through conversations, structured questions, or open-ended discussions. It allows for in-depth exploration of perspectives and experiences.

A type of field research where researchers observe social phenomena directly, often by participating in the activities of the group or setting they are studying. It allows for rich, contextual understanding.

The process of drawing conclusions or interpretations based on the analysis of data collected during a sociological study. It involves making sense of the findings and identifying patterns or trends.

A specific group of people that researchers focus on in a study, for example: university athletes, international students, or teenagers with diabetes.

A smaller group of people chosen from the population that represents the whole group and helps researchers work with a manageable number.

A type of sample where each person in the population has an equal chance of being chosen for the study.

A structured questionnaire where people answer a series of set questions. This is a common tool to gather data for research.

Surveys are not great for capturing what people actually do in social situations.

Surveys gather different types of information from people, such as attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and factual information.

A method of gathering information from a large number of people, typically used for marketing purposes, but not always conducted as scientific studies.

The success of a survey depends on how well the sample represents the larger population.

A low response rate to a survey can threaten its validity because it may not be representative of the entire population.

A research method that involves observing and participating in the lives of a group of people, often for an extended period of time.

A group in an experiment that is exposed to the independent variable(s).

A group in an experiment that is not exposed to the independent variable(s).

An in-depth study of a particular individual, group, event, or situation to gain a deeper understanding.

A research method that combines observational techniques with experimental design, often used to study social phenomena in natural settings.

A research study that aims to understand the reasons or motivations behind people's behavior.

An artificial situation created by researchers to study social phenomena in a controlled setting.

A research study that aims to collect reliable and objective data to support specific policy decisions.

An experiment conducted in a natural setting, where the researcher observes social phenomena without direct manipulation.

A research method that aims to assess the effectiveness of a program or intervention by comparing outcomes between a control group and an experimental group.

A famous sociological experiment that studied the psychological effects of power, authority, and social roles.

A large-scale experiment conducted in Dauphin, Manitoba, to study the effects of a guaranteed annual income on work incentives and social indicators.

A research method that focuses on collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires, surveys, or interviews.

A social science research method that focuses on gaining in-depth understanding of a specific topic through interviews, observations, and document analysis.

A research method that focuses on gathering rich and detailed qualitative data, such as observations, interviews, and documents, to understand the lived experiences of individuals.

A social science research method that uses numerical data and statistical analysis to study social phenomena.

A research method that uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

A set of ethical guidelines that researchers must follow when conducting research on human participants.

A research study that investigates the relationship between two or more variables.

A research study that aims to understand the causes and effects of social phenomena.

A bond formed between friends or intimate partners who share a crack cocaine pipe, often outweighing health risks due to the perceived benefits of connection.

A set of informal rules and practices specific to a social group, guiding behavior and interactions. It influences the decision to share pipes despite health risks.

The motivation to share a crack cocaine pipe driven by the desire to access the remaining residue, outweighing the risks involved in sharing.

A form of participant observation where the researcher's true identity and purpose are concealed from the group being studied.

The advantage of covert participant observation, allowing researchers to access natural behavior without disrupting the group's dynamic.

The challenge of covert participant observation, where gaining access to a group requires careful planning and deception to avoid disrupting their activities.

The process of becoming a part of a social group to conduct participant observation, requiring time, effort, and potentially adopting a new identity.

The need for researchers to maintain their focus on their research purpose even while immersed in a social group, observing patterns and applying a sociological perspective.

The potential for researchers to spend months or years posing as a member of a group to collect data during participant observation.

The final results of a participant observation study presented in an article or book, describing the researcher's experiences and insights.

The process of revising research objectives and focus based on new observations during a field study, as researchers gain deeper understanding of the social phenomenon.

The act of openly disclosing the purpose of the research to the participants, as in the study by John and Helen Lynd in Muncie, Indiana.

A type of ethnographic research that focuses on how everyday life is influenced by institutions and formalized practices, like paperwork and regulations.

A research approach that combines direct observation of individuals' experiences with an analysis of the institutional structures that shape those experiences.

The written documents, procedures, and standardized categories used by institutions to organise information and control actions.

The way in which institutions translate specific details of individuals' experiences into a standardized format that enables them to apply their policies and procedures.

The process of using written documents and bureaucratic practices to coordinate and control everyday life.

The focus on how individuals understand their social standing and their place within a community.

The systematic observation of an entire community to understand its social perspectives and cultural values.

The use of participant observation, where researchers engage in the activities of the group they are studying.

The researcher's commitment to spending a significant amount of time studying all aspects of the chosen location.

Careful note-taking and recording of observations during an ethnographic study.

The researcher's goal of understanding the subjects' perspectives and their interpretation of their own social reality.

The way in which institutions apply standardized procedures and regulations to different local contexts.

The use of ethnographic methods to study the impact of institutions on people's lives.

The process of examining both the local experiences of individuals and the distant institutional structures that shape those experiences.

Researchers must be impartial and avoid letting their personal values influence data interpretation. They strive for objective analysis of data, even if findings contradict their own beliefs.

Researchers must disclose all sources of funding to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure transparency.

Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants and explain the risks and responsibilities involved in a study.

Protecting participants' privacy and confidentiality in research is crucial. Researchers cannot reveal personal information, even if pressured by authorities.

Sociologists strive to remain impartial and avoid bias in their research and the publishing of results.

Researchers must not distort or omit significant data when publishing research findings. They must present a complete and accurate picture of the results.

Jürgen Habermas argues that sociological research has built-in interests, such as promoting control, understanding, or emancipation, which can shape its outcomes.

Researchers must ensure the safety of participants during a study and stop work immediately if a subject is at risk.

Sociologists must acknowledge the influence of their own values on research design, but they should not let this influence interpretation of results.

Sociological research often aims to understand and explain social phenomena through a scientific approach, but it is important to acknowledge the complexity of human behavior.

A set of guidelines established by the Canadian Sociological Association to ensure ethical research practices and responsible scholarship in sociology.

A quantitative approach to textual research that selects an item of textual content (i.e., a variable) that can be reliably and consistently observed and coded, and surveys the prevalence of that item in a sample of textual output.

A study that illustrates the attitudes and values of a particular time period.

Formal guidelines for conducting research involving humans. These guidelines help ensure that research is conducted ethically and protects the rights and welfare of participants.

A research method that does not involve direct contact with subjects and will not alter or influence people's behaviors.

A study that aims to uncover knowledge and understanding about social phenomena, without necessarily intending to directly influence or change social practices.

A study that aims to use sociological knowledge to help improve people's lives and create positive social change.

Using previously published data, which may be qualitative or quantitative, to conduct research.

A powerful tool that can be used to inform policy decisions and shape social change. It can be used to understand social problems and to generate new solutions.

A type of case study where the subject is unique and provides valuable information about a specific topic. For example, a feral child is a rare occurrence that offers insights into child development.

A research method that involves analyzing existing documents, texts, and media to understand patterns, meanings, and trends. It can be used with secondary data.