Letti17

Methods

Research methods

Approaches that social scientists use for investigating the answers to questions

Quantitative methods

Methods that seek to obtain information about the social world that is already in or can be converted to numeric form

Qualitative methods

Methods that attempt to collect information about the social world that cannot be readily converted to numeric form.

Deductive approach

A research approach that starts with a theory, forma s hypothesis, makes empirical observations, and then analyzes the data to confirm, reject, or modify the original theory.

Inductive approach

A research that starts with empirical observations and then works to form a theory.

Correlation or association

Simultaneous variation in two variables

Causality

The notion that a change in one factor results in corresponding change in another

Three factors are needed: correlation, time order, and ruling out alternative explanations

Reverse causality

A situation in which the researcher believes that A results in a change in B, but B, in fact, is causing A.

Dependent variable

The outcome that the researcher is trying to explain

You should always have one dependent variable

Independent variable

A measured factor that the researcher believes has a causal impact on the dependent variable

You should always have one or more of these

Hypothesis

A proposed relationship between two variables

Operationalization

The process of assigning a precise method for measuring a term being examined for use in a particular study

Validity

The extent to which an instrument measures what it is intended to measure

Reliability

Likelihood of obtaining consistent results using the same measure

Generalizability

The extent to which we can claim our findings inform us about a group larger than the one we studied

Reflexivity

Analyzing and critically considering our own role in, and affect on, our own research

Population

An entire group of individual persons,...