SOCI 205 1nd Edition Lecture 5 Outline of Last Lecture I. Research and theoryII. Defining research methodsIII. Causality vs correlationOutline of Current Lecture II. Variables III. HypothesisIV. ResearchV. Data CollectionVI. FlawsVII. EthicsCurrent Lecture Variableso Dependent variables—outcome that a researcher is trying to explaino Independent variable—measured factor that the researcher believes has a causalimpact on the dependent variable Hypothesiso Proposed relationship between two variables, represented by either the null hypothesis or an alternative hypothesiso Hypotheses—statements about what one expects to find in their research—can not be proven or disproven—they can only be accepted or rejected Research proves nothing—It only demonstrates that a relationship may exist between two factors at some level Researcho Research should have: Validity—the extent to which an instrument measures what it is intended to measure Reliability—likelihood of obtaining consistent results using the same measureThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute. Generalizability—the extent to which we can claim our findings inform us about a group larger than the one we studied Data Collectiono Participant observation—qualitative research method that seeks to uncover the meanings people give their behavior by observing social actions in practiceo Interviews—collect qualitative datao Survey research—ordered series of question intended to elicit information form respondentso Comparative research—two or more entities which are similar in many dimensions but differ on one questiono Experimentation—seek to alter the social landscape in a very specific way for a given sample of individualso Content analysis—systematic analysis of the content rather than the structure of a communication; such as written work, speech, or filmo Historical methods—ethnography Flawso Biaso Poor methodologyo Misanalysis of findingso Statistical conclusionso Misinterpretation of results Ethicso Researchers must meet codified standardso Must guard against causing any form of harmo Informed consent and voluntary participation are