Sociology Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is required for participants to have informed consent in an experiment?

All potential risks must be detailed to the participants beforehand.

Participants need to understand enough about the experiment to make a decision. (correct)

The experiment's purpose must be shared openly with the participants.

Participants must be given a complete list of the experiment's procedures.

Which of the following must be ensured to protect participants in an experiment?

Participants must be allowed to communicate their thoughts during the experiment.

Participants should not experience harm or significant discomfort. (correct)

Participants should be rewarded only if they complete the experiment.

Participants must be kept fully unaware of any experimental deceptions.

What type of study involves natural environments but maintains some controlled variables?

Observational study

Lab experiment

Meta-analysis

Field experiment (correct)

What defines the essential characteristic of a theory?

It must be testable. Signup and view all the answers

Which method aims to understand a group or culture through observation without biases?

Observational method Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the level of agreement between independent observers coding a data set?

Interjudge reliability Signup and view all the answers

What method assesses the relationship between two systematically measured variables?

Correlational method Signup and view all the answers

What are derived from observations or existing frameworks and help guide research?

Theories Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the observational method?

Understanding cultural phenomena Signup and view all the answers

What does interjudge reliability indicate in observational studies?

The level of agreement among observers Signup and view all the answers

In a correlational study, if two variables are positively correlated, which statement best describes their relationship?

Both variables move in the same direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically assessed using the correlational method?

Predictions based on the relationship of two variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a negative correlation?

More hours of television leading to lower academic performance Signup and view all the answers

What question does the experimental method primarily seek to answer?

Is variable X a cause of variable Y? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a limitation of observational methods?

The observations may be subject to bias. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can the observational method be defined?

As a way to analyze cultural phenomena without bias. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of social psychologists in developing theories?

To identify causes and possible solutions Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for a theory to be considered valid?

It must be testable through research Signup and view all the answers

How do hypotheses contribute to the process of testing theories?

They generate specific predictions to be tested Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes facts from theories in scientific research?

Facts are observations with consensus, theories summarize those facts Signup and view all the answers

What types of research methods are explicitly mentioned as part of social psychology?

Observational Method, Correlational Method, Experimental Method Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary feature of a hypothesis in social psychology research?

It provides a basis for making new observations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the observational method?

It allows for direct observation of behavior in a natural setting Signup and view all the answers

Which area is NOT mentioned as being related to social psychology's focus on phenomena?

Mathematics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the independent variable in an experimental research method?

It is manipulated to observe changes in the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a field experiment?

A study in a natural environment with some controlled variables. Signup and view all the answers

What does replication in research refer to?

Repeating a study to confirm its findings. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of meta-analysis, what is its primary purpose?

To combine results from multiple studies for broader insights. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical consideration is emphasized for participants in an experiment?

Participants should be treated with respect and engagement to avoid psychological distress. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of a poorly designed experiment?

Erroneous conclusions that do not reflect reality. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a reason participants do not mind being deceived in experiments?

They believe the deception advances scientific knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the dependent variable is correct?

It is the variable being observed for changes resulting from the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Research?

Research is a systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Research helps us learn more about the world.

How Sociologists Test Theories

Sociologists study “big” phenomena and develop theories to explain them.
Theories involve identifying constructs and variables relevant to the question.
Sociologists seek to understand the antecedents of these phenomena.
Theories are not only about what the phenomenon is, but also about what causes it and possible solutions.
Theories must be testable.

Forming and Testing Theories

Theories arise from observations, intuitions, or existing frameworks.
Theories emphasize the need for testability using the scientific method.
Theories must generate specific predictions called hypotheses, which can be tested through research.

Facts vs Theories

Facts are observations with consensus within the scientific community.
Theories are comprehensive explanations that summarize and provide context for observed facts.

Hypotheses

Crucial for testing theories.
Guide research, suggest areas of exploration and have practical applications.

Research Design

Researchers use three types of methods: observational, correlational and experimental.

Observational Method

Researchers attempt to understand a group or culture by observing it from the inside without imposing preconceived notions.
This method provides a description of phenomena.
Researchers use interjudge reliability to ensure observations are not subjective.

Correlational Method

Researchers systematically measure two variables and assess their relationship.
Enables prediction of one variable from the other.
Positive correlation indicates a direct relationship between variables.
Negative correlation indicates an inverse relationship between variables.

Experimental Method

Researchers manipulate an independent variable and observe changes in a dependent variable.
This method allows researchers to determine causality.

Field Experiment

A study conducted in natural environments but with some controlled variables.

Replication and Meta-Analysis

Replication: Repeating a study to confirm its findings.
Meta-Analysis: Combining results from multiple studies to get a broader understanding.

Ethics of Experimentation

Experiments must engage participants in real psychological processes.
Experimenters must inform participants and make sure they leave feeling at least as good as when they arrived.
Experimenters must use deception only if essential, justified, and not about aspects that would affect participation. Participants must be protected from harm and discomfort, and their information must be treated confidentially.
Experiments must be fully explained afterwards, including any deception, unless feedback would be distressing.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of research in sociology, including how sociologists formulate and test theories. This quiz covers the differences between facts and theories and highlights the importance of systematic investigation in understanding societal phenomena.