Sociology Research Methods Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is an example of non-reactive research? (Select all that apply)

Gathering data from government studies (correct)

Educating classrooms on the necessities of safe sex

Interviewing heroin addicts and providing them with clean needles

Volunteering at a local food bank and interacting with homeless persons

Which of the following is not a purpose of the American Sociological Association's code of ethics?

To maintain value neutrality

To foster professionally responsible scholarship in sociology

To guarantee the safety of their participants

To ensure the financial gain of the researchers (correct)

What is value neutrality?

A practice of remaining impartial, without bias or judgment during the course of a study and in publishing results.

How is reliability defined in research?

A measure of a study's consistency that considers how likely results are to be replicated if a study is reproduced. Signup and view all the answers

Vitamin C is the ____ in Kendra's research.

Independent variable Signup and view all the answers

What research method is Tyson using by going undercover at a local high school?

Field research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a step in the scientific method?

Receive corroboration from the field Signup and view all the answers

Kevin's study had a high level of _____ if he found consistent customer enjoyment outcomes.

Reliability Signup and view all the answers

Carmen's participation in the sorority is an example of ____.

Participant observation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a sociological hypothesis?

The more CDs Jamilla buys, the less money she has in her bank account. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research is Miguel conducting on New York City's Stone Wall riots?

Case study Signup and view all the answers

Kyle's collection of newspaper clippings represents which type of data?

Secondary data Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of interpretive framework?

It leads to in-depth knowledge of a participant's social world. Signup and view all the answers

What does normative refer to?

Ideological way of thinking Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Examples of Research Methods

Non-reactive research utilizes methods like gathering data from government studies, which do not involve participant interaction.
Field research, exemplified by Tyson's undercover observation in a high school, aims to observe social contexts directly.

American Sociological Association's Code of Ethics

The code promotes participant safety and nurturing responsible scholarship in sociology, while emphasizing value neutrality.
It does not prioritize financial gain for researchers.

Value Neutrality

Defined as the practice of maintaining impartiality without bias or judgment throughout research and publishing processes.

Reliability in Research

Refers to the consistency of a study, indicating how likely results are to be replicated in repeated studies.
An example includes Kevin's study on customer satisfaction at Starbucks, where similar results by another researcher indicate high reliability.

Independent and Dependent Variables

In Kendra's study on vitamin C, vitamin C acts as the independent variable affecting test-taking ability.

Scientific Method Steps

Common steps include researching existing sources, formulating hypotheses, and reporting results.
"Receiving corroboration from the field" is not typically listed as a step in the scientific method.

Participant Observation

Carmen's involvement in sorority pledging illustrates participant observation, allowing her to gain firsthand insights into the social process.

Sociological Hypotheses

Examples of sociological hypotheses quantify relationships between variables, like studying the impact of study halls on student performance.
Buying CDs impacting bank account balance is not a sociological hypothesis.

Case Studies and Data Types

Miguel's examination of the Stone Wall riots showcases a case study approach, integrating interviews and historical materials.
Kyle's collection of newspaper clippings represents secondary data, sourced from past records rather than original research.

Interpretive Framework

Important for gaining profound understanding of participants' social worlds, enhancing qualitative insights.

Ideological Thinking

Normative refers to an ideological way of thinking, shaping beliefs and values within social contexts.

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Description

This quiz covers various research methods in sociology, including non-reactive research and field research. It also discusses the American Sociological Association's code of ethics, the concept of value neutrality, and the importance of reliability in research. Test your understanding of these fundamental principles in sociological research.