Sociologists are committed to the use of the scientific method in their research efforts. In this chapter we examined the basic principles of the scientific method and studied various techniques used by sociologists in conducting research.

1. There are five basic steps in the scientific method: defining the problem, reviewing the literature, formulating the hypothesis, collecting and analyzing the data, and developing the conclusion.

2. Whenever researchers wish to study abstract concepts, such as intelligence or prejudice, they must develop workable operational definitions.

3. A hypothesis states a possible relationship between two or more variables.

4. By using a sample, sociologists avoid having to test everyone in a population.

5. According to the scientific method, research results must possess both validity and reliability.

6. An important part of scientific research is devising a plan for collecting data, called a research design. Sociologists use four major research designs: surveys, observation, experiments, and existing sources.

7. The two principal forms of survey research are the interview and the questionnaire.

8. Observation allows sociologists to study certain behaviors and communities that cannot be investigated through other research methods.

9. When sociologists wish to study a causeandeffect relationship, they may conduct an experiment.

10. Sociologists also make use of existing sources in secondary analysis and content analysis.

11. The Code of Ethics of the American Sociological Association calls for objectivity and integrity in research, confidentiality, and disclosure of all sources of financial support.

12. Max Weber urged sociologists to practice value neutrality in their research by ensuring that their personal feelings do not influence their interpretation of data.

13. Technology plays an important role in sociological research, whether it be a computer database or information from the Internet.

14. Despite failure to obtain government funding, researchers developed the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS) to better understand the sexual practices of adults in the United States.