Sociology Flashcards: Qualitative Analysis

Questions and Answers

What is qualitative analysis?

The process of examining qualitative data to derive an explanation for a specific phenomenon.

What is the strength of qualitative analysis?

Provides depth and detail by looking deeper than analyzing ranks and counts.

What does qualitative analysis seek to obtain?

A better understanding through firsthand experience, truthful reporting, and quotations.

What are the 7 goals of social research?

Identifying general patterns, testing theory, making predictions, interpreting significance, exploring diversity, giving voice, advancing new theories. Signup and view all the answers

What does saturation in qualitative research indicate?

Further data collection and/or analysis are unnecessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is an in-depth qualitative data collection method?

Direct, one-on-one engagement with individual participants. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by rich description in qualitative research?

A detailed account of field experiences that reveals patterns of cultural and social relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is ethnography?

A type of qualitative research that gathers observations, interviews, and documentary data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the constant comparative method?

A component of the Grounded Theory Method where observations are compared with one another. Signup and view all the answers

What is theoretical sampling?

Selecting sample members based on earlier interviews to better understand the research topic. Signup and view all the answers

What is triangulation in research?

The use of multiple research methods to produce more reliable empirical data. Signup and view all the answers

What does induction refer to in research?

Generating general statements based on observations or developing theory from empirical data. Signup and view all the answers

What are the strengths of quantitative analysis?

Data can be very consistent Signup and view all the answers

What is quantitative analysis?

The numerical representation and manipulation of observations for the purpose of describing phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

What are the aspects or variables in quantitative analysis?

Independent variables, dependent variables, and control variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is parsimony analysis?

A technique in which the simplest hypothesis is preferred. Signup and view all the answers

What does covariation indicate?

The amount of change in one variable systematically associated with a change in another variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is correlation?

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together. Signup and view all the answers

What is Pearson's R?

A measure of the strength of the linear relationship between two variables. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of correlation?

All the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a variable?

A symbol used to represent a quantity that can change. Signup and view all the answers

What is a categorical variable?

A variable that is exclusively exhaustive, meaning all subjects fit into one category. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualitative Analysis

Involves examining qualitative data to explain specific phenomena.
Strength lies in providing depth and detail, capturing attitudes, feelings, and behaviors beyond mere counts.
Seeks understanding through firsthand experience and actual conversations, focusing on meaning derived from surroundings and its influence on behavior.

Identifies general patterns and relationships.
Tests and refines existing theories.
Aims to make predictions about social phenomena.
Interprets significance within sociological context.
Explores diversity in social experiences.
Provides a voice to marginalized or less-heard communities.
Advances the development of new theories.

Key Concepts in Qualitative Research

Saturation: Indicates that no new information is being obtained, suggesting further data collection is unnecessary.
In-depth Method: Involves personal, one-on-one engagement for qualitative data collection.
Rich Description: Offers detailed accounts of field experiences, contextualizing cultural and social relationships.
Ethnography: Gathers observations, interviews, and documentary data for comprehensive insights into social phenomena.
Constant Comparative Method: Compares observations to develop an evolving inductive theory.
Theoretical Sampling: Chooses sample members based on previous interviews to enhance understanding of the research topic.
Triangulation: Uses multiple research methods to generate more reliable empirical data.

Induction in Research

Serves as a foundation for generating general statements from observations.
Contributes to theory development based on empirical data.

Quantitative Analysis

Represents and manipulates observations numerically to describe and explain phenomena.
Strengths include ease of analysis and consistency of data.
Limitations involve difficulty in understanding context and explaining complex issues.

Variables in Quantitative Research

Independent Variables: Can be controlled or manipulated.
Dependent Variables: Expected to change in response to independent variable alterations.
Control Variables: Held constant to maintain experimental integrity.

Correlation and Covariation

Covariation: Measures the change in one variable associated with changes in another.
Correlation: Assesses the degree to which two factors vary together and predict each other.
Pearson's R: Quantifies the strength of the linear relationship between two variables.

Types of Correlation

Positive Correlation: Both variables increase together (e.g., height and shoe size).
Negative Correlation: One variable increases while the other decreases (e.g., studying vs. video game time).
No Correlation: No relationship between variables (e.g., video game scores and shoe size).

Variables Defined

Variable: Represents a quantity that can change.
Categorical Variable: Describes mutually exclusive categories where each subject fits into one category only.

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Description

Explore key concepts of qualitative analysis in sociology with this flashcard quiz. It covers definitions, strengths, and objectives, providing a deeper understanding of the qualitative approach to research. Perfect for students aiming to enhance their sociological knowledge.