Chapter Preview Section 1 Research Methods Section 2

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Chapter Preview Section 1: Research Methods Section 2: Causation in Science Section 3: Procedures

Chapter Preview Section 1: Research Methods Section 2: Causation in Science Section 3: Procedures and Ethics in Research

Chapter Preview · Section 1 Research Methods (pages 38– 49) When sociologists do quantitative

Chapter Preview · Section 1 Research Methods (pages 38– 49) When sociologists do quantitative research, they generally use either surveys or precollected data. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Field studies are best used when interaction needs to be observed in a natural setting, and when indepth analysis is needed. The case study is the most popular approach to field research.

Chapter Preview · Section 2 Causation in Science (pages 50– 57) Causation in science

Chapter Preview · Section 2 Causation in Science (pages 50– 57) Causation in science is the idea that one event leads to another event. Scientists assume that all events have causes, or determinants. Sociologists work to discover these causes. Three standards must be met before causation can be proved.

Chapter Preview · Section 3 Procedures and Ethics in Research (pages 58– 62) The

Chapter Preview · Section 3 Procedures and Ethics in Research (pages 58– 62) The research process is made up of several distinct steps. These steps represent an ideal for scientific research. It is not always necessary or even possible that they always be strictly followed. Researchers have an ethical obligation to protect participants’ privacy and to avoid deceiving or harming them. Preserving the rights of subjects is sometimes weighed against the value of the knowledge to be gained.

When sociologists do quantitative research, they generally use either surveys or precollected data. Each

When sociologists do quantitative research, they generally use either surveys or precollected data. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Qualitative research uses descriptive rather than numerical data. Field studies are best used when interaction needs to be observed in a natural setting, and when indepth analysis is needed. The case study is the most popular approach to field research.

 • survey • closed-ended questions • population • open-ended questions • sample •

• survey • closed-ended questions • population • open-ended questions • sample • secondary analysis • representative sample • field research • questionnaire • interview • case study • participant observation

How difficult would it be to conduct research in the area of sociology? A.

How difficult would it be to conduct research in the area of sociology? A. Very difficult B. Somewhat difficult C. Not very difficult D. Not difficult at all A. B. C. D. A B C D

Doing Research in the Social Sciences • Sociologists must conduct research in a realworld

Doing Research in the Social Sciences • Sociologists must conduct research in a realworld setting as opposed to a laboratory. • Sociologists rely on quantitative and qualitative research. • Quantitative research uses numerical data, while qualitative research uses narrative or descriptive data, such as surveys or precollected data.

Which type of research uses numerical data? A. Quantitative B. Qualitative C. Hypothesis D.

Which type of research uses numerical data? A. Quantitative B. Qualitative C. Hypothesis D. Laboratory A. B. C. D. A B C D

Survey Research • A survey is a research method in which people are asked

Survey Research • A survey is a research method in which people are asked to answer a series of questions. • It is the most widely used method of research in sociology. • A population consists of the people with the characteristics a researcher wants to study.

Survey Research (cont. ) • Sociologists survey a sample, or a limited number of

Survey Research (cont. ) • Sociologists survey a sample, or a limited number of cases drawn from a larger population. • A representative sample has the same basic characteristics as the population and is chosen at random.

Survey Research (cont. ) • A questionnaire is a written set of questions that

Survey Research (cont. ) • A questionnaire is a written set of questions that survey participants answer themselves. • During an interview a trained interviewer asks questions and records the answers.

Survey Research (cont. ) • Closed-ended questions are those that a person answers by

Survey Research (cont. ) • Closed-ended questions are those that a person answers by choosing from a limited, predetermined set of responses. • Open-ended questions ask the person to answer in his or her own words. Closed-ended and Open -ended Questions Closed-ended Survey Research

Why must sociologist use samples? A. Most populations being studied are too large. B.

Why must sociologist use samples? A. Most populations being studied are too large. B. The cost of studying an entire population would be too much. C. Sociologists don’t have enough time to study an entire population. D. All of the above A. B. C. D. A B C D

Secondary Analysis (Precollected Data) • Secondary analysis is the method of using precollected information,

Secondary Analysis (Precollected Data) • Secondary analysis is the method of using precollected information, such as: – Government reports – Company records – Voting lists – Prison records – Other reports by social scientists Secondary Analysis

One of the most important sources of precollected data for sociologists is A. The

One of the most important sources of precollected data for sociologists is A. The U. S. President B. The U. S. Department of Commerce C. The U. S. Census Bureau D. The U. S. Department of Labor A. B. C. D. A B C D

Field Research • Field research looks closely at aspects of social life that cannot

Field Research • Field research looks closely at aspects of social life that cannot be measured quantitatively and that are best understood within a natural setting. • A case study is a thorough investigation of a single group, incident or community.

Field Research (cont. ) • Researchers often become a member of the group being

Field Research (cont. ) • Researchers often become a member of the group being studied, either with or without the group’s knowledge (also known as participant observation). Investigating School Violence and School Funding Summary of Research Methods

Do you think it is possible to collect valid information about a group that

Do you think it is possible to collect valid information about a group that knows you are present ? A. Yes B. No C. Not sure 1. A 2. B 3. C

Causation in science is the idea that one event leads to another event. Scientists

Causation in science is the idea that one event leads to another event. Scientists assume that all events have causes, or determinants. Social events are so complex, however, that many factors may be identified as causes. Three standards must be met before causation can be proved.

 • causation • dependent variable • multiple causation • intervening variable • correlation

• causation • dependent variable • multiple causation • intervening variable • correlation • quantitative variable • spurious correlation • qualitative variable • independent variable

Can you think of any newsworthy events, good or bad, that were predictable? A.

Can you think of any newsworthy events, good or bad, that were predictable? A. Yes B. No 1. 2. A B

The Nature of Causation • Causation is a concept that means that events occur

The Nature of Causation • Causation is a concept that means that events occur in predictable, nonrandom ways. • Sociologists believe that an event occurs as a result of several factors working in combination, or multiple causation.

What do you think is the main cause of crime? A. Neglectful parents B.

What do you think is the main cause of crime? A. Neglectful parents B. Drugs C. Violence on TV D. Hopeless poverty A. B. C. D. A B C D

Variables and Correlations • A variable is a characteristic that is subject to change.

Variables and Correlations • A variable is a characteristic that is subject to change. • Quantitative variable—one that can be measured and given a numerical value. • Qualitative variable—one that is identified by membership in a category (“either/or” or “yes/no” category). The Wired World

Variables and Correlations (cont. ) • An independent variable causes something to occur. •

Variables and Correlations (cont. ) • An independent variable causes something to occur. • A dependent variable results from the change in the independent variable. • An intervening variable influences the relationship between the independent and the dependent variable.

Variables and Correlations (cont. ) • A correlation is a measure of how things

Variables and Correlations (cont. ) • A correlation is a measure of how things are related to one another. – Positive correlation—if both the independent and dependent variable change in the same direction. – Negative correlation—if the variables change in the opposite direction. Positive and Negative Correlations

Whether a variable is dependent or independent can change depending on the situation. A.

Whether a variable is dependent or independent can change depending on the situation. A. Always B. Sometimes C. Never D. Not sure A. B. C. D. A B C D

Standards for Showing Causation • Standard 1: Two variables must be correlated. • Standard

Standards for Showing Causation • Standard 1: Two variables must be correlated. • Standard 2: All other possible factors must be taken into account; the fact that two events are correlated does not mean that one causes the other.

Standards for Showing Causation (cont. ) • Spurious correlation is an apparent relationship between

Standards for Showing Causation (cont. ) • Spurious correlation is an apparent relationship between two variables that is actually caused by a third variable affecting both of the other variables. • Standard 3: A change in the independent variable must occur before a change in the dependent variable can occur, or the cause must occur before the effect. A Spurious Correlation

Which statement best defines a spurious correlation? A. Two variables must be correlated. B.

Which statement best defines a spurious correlation? A. Two variables must be correlated. B. A third variable may affect the other two variables. C. A cause must occur before the effect. D. One variable causes the other to occur. A. B. C. D. A B C D

The research process is made up of several distinct steps. These steps represent an

The research process is made up of several distinct steps. These steps represent an ideal. It is not always necessary or even possible that they be strictly followed. Researchers have an ethical obligation to protect participants’ privacy and to avoid deceiving or harming them. Preserving the rights of subjects must be weighed against the value of the knowledge to be gained.

 • scientific method • hypothesis

• scientific method • hypothesis

How large a role do you think ethics should play when scientists conduct research?

How large a role do you think ethics should play when scientists conduct research? A. Always B. Sometimes C. Never A. A B. B C. C

Steps for Doing Research • The scientific method involves the pursuit of knowledge in

Steps for Doing Research • The scientific method involves the pursuit of knowledge in a systematic way. Most sociologists follow this method, but not always mechanically. Secondary Analysis: A Model for Research

Steps for Doing Research (cont. ) • The steps are as follows: – Identify

Steps for Doing Research (cont. ) • The steps are as follows: – Identify the Problem—the researcher chooses an object or topic to study. – Review the Literature—she then conducts a literature search. – Formulate Hypotheses—she forms a hypothesis, or testable statement of relationships among well-defined variables.

Steps for Doing Research (cont. ) – Develop a Research Design—the researcher then states

Steps for Doing Research (cont. ) – Develop a Research Design—the researcher then states the procedures she will follow for collecting and analyzing data. – Collect Data—this involves either asking people questions, observing behavior, or analyzing existing materials and records. – Analyze Data—at this point, the researcher determines if the hypothesis can be supported.

Steps for Doing Research (cont. ) – State Findings and Conclusions—finally, she shares her

Steps for Doing Research (cont. ) – State Findings and Conclusions—finally, she shares her methods and findings with others so that they too can learn. Steps in the Research Process

How important it for scientists to follow the scientific method? A. Very important B.

How important it for scientists to follow the scientific method? A. Very important B. Not important at all C. Not sure A. A B. B C. C

Ethics in Social Research • The American Sociological Association has published guidelines for conducting

Ethics in Social Research • The American Sociological Association has published guidelines for conducting research. • Conducting ethical research means: – Showing objectivity – Using superior research standards – Reporting findings and methods truthfully – Protecting the rights, privacy, integrity, dignity, and freedom of research subjects

Do you agree that the matter of ethics in conducting sociology research is difficult?

Do you agree that the matter of ethics in conducting sociology research is difficult? A. Yes B. No C. Not sure D. Sometimes A. B. C. D. A B C D

Secondary Analysis: A Model for Research Sources: (left) National Vital Statistics Reports, from the

Secondary Analysis: A Model for Research Sources: (left) National Vital Statistics Reports, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005. (right) U. S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2004– 2005.

The Wired World Source: United Nations Development Programme, 2004.

The Wired World Source: United Nations Development Programme, 2004.

Positive and Negative Correlations

Positive and Negative Correlations

A Spurious Correlation

A Spurious Correlation

Steps in the Research Process

Steps in the Research Process

Sociology Chapter Transparencies Wheel of Science How Variables Are Related Mode, Mean, and Median

Sociology Chapter Transparencies Wheel of Science How Variables Are Related Mode, Mean, and Median of Salaries

survey research method in which people respond to questions

survey research method in which people respond to questions

population a group of people with certain specified characteristics

population a group of people with certain specified characteristics

sample a group of people that represents a larger population

sample a group of people that represents a larger population

representative sample a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population as a

representative sample a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population as a whole

questionnaire a written set of questions to be answered by a research participant

questionnaire a written set of questions to be answered by a research participant

interview a survey method in which a trained researcher asks questions and records the

interview a survey method in which a trained researcher asks questions and records the answers

closed-ended questions a person must answer by choosing from a limited, predetermined set or

closed-ended questions a person must answer by choosing from a limited, predetermined set or responses

open-ended questions a person is to answer in his or her own words

open-ended questions a person is to answer in his or her own words

secondary analysis using precollected information for data collection and research purposes

secondary analysis using precollected information for data collection and research purposes

field research that takes place in a natural (nonlaboratory) setting

field research that takes place in a natural (nonlaboratory) setting

case study intensive study of a single group, incident, or community

case study intensive study of a single group, incident, or community

participant observation a case study where the researcher becomes a member of the group

participant observation a case study where the researcher becomes a member of the group being studied

causation the belief that events occur in predictable ways and that one event leads

causation the belief that events occur in predictable ways and that one event leads to another

multiple causation the belief that an event occurs as a result of several factors

multiple causation the belief that an event occurs as a result of several factors working in combination

variable a characteristic that is subject to change

variable a characteristic that is subject to change

quantitative variable a characteristic that can be measured numerically

quantitative variable a characteristic that can be measured numerically

qualitative variable a characteristic that is defined by its presence or absence in a

qualitative variable a characteristic that is defined by its presence or absence in a category

independent variable a characteristic that causes something to occur

independent variable a characteristic that causes something to occur

dependent variable a characteristic that reflects a change

dependent variable a characteristic that reflects a change

intervening variable a variable that changes the relationship between an independent and a dependent

intervening variable a variable that changes the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable

correlation a measure of the relationship between two variables

correlation a measure of the relationship between two variables

spurious correlation a relationship between two variables that is actually caused by a third

spurious correlation a relationship between two variables that is actually caused by a third factor

scientific method the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through

scientific method the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of a hypotheses

hypothesis testable statement of relationships among variables

hypothesis testable statement of relationships among variables

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