Sociology Chapter 2 Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why is sociological research necessary, and how does it challenge our commonsense beliefs about pressing social issues such as suicide?

Sociological research provides a factual and objective counterpoint to commonsense knowledge and ill-informed sources of information. It is based on an empirical approach that answers questions through a direct, systematic collection and analysis of data.

How do the deductive and inductive approaches in the theory and research cycle compare?

The deductive approach begins with a theory and then collects and analyzes research to test it, while the inductive approach involves collecting and analyzing data to generate a theory.

How does quantitative research differ from qualitative research?

Quantitative research focuses on data that can be measured numerically, whereas qualitative research focuses on interpretive description and aims to analyze underlying meanings and patterns.

What are the key steps in the quantitative research process?

The key steps are selecting and defining the research problem, reviewing previous research, formulating the hypothesis, developing the research design, collecting and analyzing the data, and drawing conclusions and reporting the findings. Signup and view all the answers

What steps are often taken by researchers using the qualitative approach?

Researchers using the qualitative approach might formulate the problem to be studied, collect and analyze the data, and report the results. Signup and view all the answers

What is survey research, and what are the three types of surveys?

Survey research involves polls used to gather facts about people's attitudes, opinions, or behaviors, and the three types of surveys include self-administered questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and telephone or computer surveys. Signup and view all the answers

How do the following compare: research methods used in secondary analysis of existing data, field research, experiments, and triangulation?

Secondary analysis involves analyzing existing data; field research studies social life in natural settings; experiments study the impact of variables on subjects; and triangulation uses multiple methods in one study. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issues are involved in sociological research, and what professional codes protect research participants?

Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants, and ethical standards are outlined in the American Sociological Association (ASA) Code of Ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is content analysis?

Content analysis is the systematic examination of cultural artifacts or various forms of communication to extract thematic data and draw conclusions about social life. Signup and view all the answers

What is a control group?

In an experiment, the control group contains the subjects who are not exposed to the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is correlation?

Correlation is a relationship that exists when two variables are associated more frequently than could be expected by chance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable?

A dependent variable is assumed to depend on or be caused by the independent variable(s). Signup and view all the answers

What is ethnography?

Ethnography is a detailed study of the life and activities of a group of people by researchers who may live with that group over a period of years. Signup and view all the answers

What is an experiment?

An experiment is a carefully designed situation in which the researcher studies the impact of certain variables. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sociological Research Methods

Sociological research counters commonsense beliefs with factual, objective data through empirical methods involving systematic collection and analysis.

Theory and Research Cycle

Deductive approach starts with a theory, then tests it using collected data.
Inductive approach gathers data first and formulates a theory based on analysis.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Quantitative research involves numerical data, allowing for measurable analysis of trends (e.g., suicide rates).
Qualitative research emphasizes words and descriptive analysis to uncover meanings and social relationship patterns.

Steps in the Quantitative Research Process

Key steps include defining the research problem, reviewing existing literature, formulating hypotheses, designing the research, collecting/analyzing data, and reporting findings.

Qualitative Research Steps

In qualitative research, steps include formulating the study problem, data collection and analysis, followed by result reporting instead of hypothesis creation.

Survey Research

Surveys are key research methods that gather data on people’s attitudes, opinions, or behaviors through questionnaires or interviews.
Data collection can occur via self-administered questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, or through phone/computer methods.

Comparison of Research Methods

Secondary analysis utilizes existing data, such as census statistics or cultural artifacts.
Field research immerses researchers in natural settings through participant observation and interviews.
Experiments investigate variable impacts on subjects.
Triangulation incorporates multiple research methods and data sources for comprehensive analysis.

Ethical Considerations

Informed consent is essential in sociological research, though defining it can be complex.
The American Sociological Association (ASA) Code of Ethics guides researchers in ethical standards for protecting participants.

Key Terms

Content Analysis: Systematic examination of cultural artifacts or communications to extract thematic data.
Control Group: Group in an experiment not exposed to the independent variable, serving as a comparison.
Correlation: Exists when two variables are associated more frequently than expected purely by chance.
Dependent Variable: Variable presumed to be influenced by one or more independent variables.
Ethnography: Detailed study of a group's life and activities, often involving long-term immersion.
Experiment: A structured situation that allows researchers to study the effects of specific variables on subjects.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 2 of Sociology, focusing on sociological research methods. It examines the importance of empirical research in challenging common misconceptions about social issues. Test your understanding of how sociological inquiry shapes our views on critical topics like suicide.