Sociology Chapter 2 Flashcards

Research Concepts and Methods

• Common Cause: A variable influencing two others simultaneously, creating a false appearance of a causal relationship.
• Concept: An abstract system of meaning that allows perception of phenomena in specific ways.
• Content Analysis: A research method focused on extracting data from written documents, films, and TV programs for analysis.
• Control Group: Group in an experiment not exposed to the independent variable, used as a benchmark.
• Control Variable: A variable included in analysis to examine if a relationship between the independent and dependent variable depends on its level.
• Dependent Variable: The variable that is influenced or changed by another variable.
• Experimental Design: A scientific procedure utilizing at least two matched groups to collect comparative data while differing only in the studied variable.

Hypothesis and Variable Relationships

• Hypothesis: A testable statement regarding the relationship between variables.
• Independent Variable: A variable that causes a change in a dependent variable.
• Indirect Relationship: A connection where a third variable mediates between the independent and dependent variables.
• Interaction: A pattern indicating that the relationship between two variables varies based on a third variable's level.
• Intervening Variable: A variable influenced by the independent variable, affecting the dependent variable.

Measurement and Sampling Techniques

• Mean: Average of a set, calculated by summing figures and dividing by their count.
• Methodology: Procedures and rules guiding research efforts.
• Negative Relationship: An inverse relationship where an increase in one variable leads to a decrease in another.
• Observational Research: Research involving direct observation without interference or modification of activities.
• Operational Definition: A definitional framework that allows measurement of a concept or variable.
• Path Diagram: A visual representation showing causal relationships among variables with arrows indicating direction.

Population and Sampling

• Population: The complete group of individuals or cases a researcher aims to generalize findings about.
• Positive Relationship: A direct relationship where an increase in one variable correlates with an increase in another.
• Proposition: A statement defining the relationship between multiple abstract concepts.
• Qualitative Methods: Collecting and reporting non-numerical data to understand essential characteristics or processes.
• Quantitative Methods: Data gathering based on numerical values or quantities.
• Random Sample: A sample where every population member has an equal chance of selection to ensure representativeness.
• Reliability: Consistency of results across repeated observations of the same phenomenon.
• Representative Sample: A sample reflecting the population's characteristics for valid generalizations.
• Sample: A subset of individuals or cases obtained from the population for research purposes.

Research Methodology Framework

• Scientific Method: A systematic approach involving problem formulation, observational data collection, and hypothesis testing.
• Secondary Analysis: Utilizing pre-existing data originally gathered for other research efforts.
• Spurious Relationship: An apparent relationship between two variables influenced by a third variable, lacking direct causality.
• Stratified Sampling: Dividing the population into groups and randomly selecting subjects from these groups.
• Survey Research: A quantitative approach employing questionnaires to gather information on specific topics.
• Systematic Sampling: Selecting individuals based on a structured selection criterion, such as every nth person in the population.

General Concepts

• Theory: An organized set of interrelated propositions explaining certain processes or phenomena.
• Validity: The accuracy of measurements in representing what they are intended to measure.
• Variable: Any concept with at least two differing values that vary from one case to another.