Research methods 0.0 / 5 ? SociologySociological research methodsA2/A-levelOCR Created by: GemmaLCreated on: 03-04-14 11:22 Validity The extent to which the findings are a true picture of the social reality of those 1 of 20 Reliability Whether the method produces similar results that can be repeated under the same conditions by the same or another researcher. 2 of 20 Representativeness Whether the sample mirrors the characteristics of the target population e.g. age, gender etc. 3 of 20 Generalisability Whether the findings can be applied to the target population e.g. is the sample true for the whole population. 4 of 20 Target population The particular group/ people that is the interest, however this group is usually to large so a sample is drawn from this instead. 5 of 20 Quantitative methods Generates numerical/ statistical data that can identify cause and effect as well as patterns and trends. 6 of 20 Qualitative methods Written data that is usually a personal account which explores thoughts, feelings and experiences in depth. 7 of 20 Rapport A trusting and friendly relationship that develops between the researcher and participant(s). 8 of 20 Verstehen When a researcher gains an empathic understanding of participants and are able to see the world through their eyes. 9 of 20 Mixed methods Use of more than one method of data collection; it can be either quantitative or qualitative and can also be a mixture of both. 10 of 20 Primary data Data that has been collected by the researcher for their own research purposes. 11 of 20 Secondary data Information collected by someone else that can then be used by another sociologist in their research. 12 of 20 Objectivity Ensuring that researchers own views/ beliefs don't influence the research process in order to keep it free from bias. 13 of 20 Sample frame A sample frame is a list of members in the target populations from which a sample can be selected e.g. electoral register, postcode address file. 14 of 20 Pilot study A test run of a study in order to check for any potential problems that may arise. 15 of 20 Ethical issues British Sociological Association (BSA) sets out the guidelines that should be adhered to... CAPRI. 16 of 20 Case studies Detailed in depth studies of a group, individual, organisation or event. 17 of 20 Researcher effect When people know they are being researched and then due to this may alter their behaviour, answers etc. 18 of 20 Reflexivity The willingness of the researcher to consider and reflect upon the extent to which their own values may be affecting the research. 19 of 20 Content analysis Mainly used to analyse the mass media and historical documents; it is secondary data that is used to produce primary data. 20 of 20
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