AS Level Sociology - Unit 2 Research Methods Key Words

Flashcards for the key words for Research Methods, unit 2 sociology.

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Sample
A selection from the research population
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Sampling unit
A number from the research population
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Sampling frame
A list of members of the research population
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Snowball sample
Numbers of a sample selecting each other
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Sample attrition
Reduction of size of a sample during a longitudinal study
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Random sample
A sample which gives every member of the sampling frame an equal chance of being selected
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Stratified sample
Sample which attempts to relfect particular characteristics of the research population. Population is divided into strata e.g. age, gender and the sample is randomly drawn from each stratum
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Quota sample
A stratified sample in which selection from the strata is not random
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Volunteer sample
Members of the sample are self selected e.g. they choose to respond to a questionnaire
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Systematic sample
A systematic selection of people from the sampling frame e.g. every 10th member
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Questionairres
List of questions
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Closed question
Questions in which the range of responses is fixed by the researcher
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Open question
Questions which allow the respondent to answer in their own words
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Response rate
The rate of the sample that participates in the research
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Postal questionnaires
Questionnaire which is mailed to respondents with a request to mail it back after completion
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Non directive interviewing
Interviewing techniques seeking to avoid leading or directing respondents to answer in particular ways
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Rapport
A friendly, trusting and understanding relationship
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Leading questions
Questions that 'lead' the respondent towards a desired response
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Coding
Classifing answers into various categories
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Pilot studies
A preliminary study designed to identify any problems with the main studies
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Biographies
Life story written by someone else
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Autobiography
Life story written by the actual person
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Case studies
A study of a particular case/instance of something e.g. an individual
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Longitudinal studies
Research carried out over a long period of time using the same group of people
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Cross cultural studies
Studies based on a number of different cultures
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Ethnography
Study of a way of life of a group of people
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Content analysis
Method seeking to analyse the content of a document
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Comparative method
Studies which make comparisons between different societies, between different groups within the same society and groups over time e.g. Durkheim's suicide rate
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Methodological pluralism
Combining different research methods and different kinds of data in order to check the validity and reliability of findings
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Triangulation
Combining different research methods and different kinds of data in order to check the validity and reliability of findings
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Experiment
Research that is carried out in a controlled place
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Laboratory experiment
Experiment conducted in specially built surroundings
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Field experiment
Experiment conducted in everyday social settings
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Hypothesis
Statement that can be tested about the relationships between 2 variables
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Hawthorne effect
Changes in behaviour of participants resutling from an awareness that they are taking part in an experiment
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Ethics
Moral principles - belief about what is right and wrong
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Positivism
Research method that provides quantifiable data and explains behaviour in terms of cause and effect
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Interpretivism
Research method that provides qualitative data, focuses on the meanings and definitions which guide and direct behaviour
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Credibility
Is the source credible or is there misleading information/a distortion of evidence?
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Validity
Data that provides a true and accurate picture/measurement or description
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Reliability
Data that is reliable
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Quantitive data
Data that is based on quantity (numbers)
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Qualitive data
Data that is based on opinions
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Authenticity
Is the source genuine or forgery?
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Representativeness
Does it represent what actually is the case?
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Primary data
Data produced by researchers using methods such as questionnaires and interviews
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Secondary data
Data that already exists e.g. letters, diaries, legal documents
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Sampling unit

Back

A number from the research population

Card 3

Front

Sampling frame

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Snowball sample

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Sample attrition

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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