| Causal logic | The relationship between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one event leading to the other.
|
 |
|
|
| Code of ethics | The standards of acceptable behavior developed by and for members of a profession.
|
|
|
|
| Content analysis | The systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale.
|
|
|
|
| Control group | The subjects in an experiment who are not introduced to the independent variable by the researcher.
|
|
|
|
| Control variable | A factor that is held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable.
|
|
|
|
| Correlation | A relationship between two variables in which a change in one coincides with a change in the other.
|
|
|
|
| Dependent variable | The variable in a causal relationship that is subject to the influence of another variable.
|
|
|
|
| Ethnography | The study of an entire social setting through extended systematic observation.
|
|
|
|
| Experiment | An artificially created situation that allows a researcher to manipulate variables.
|
|
|
|
| Experimental group | The subjects in an experiment who are exposed to an independent variable introduced by a researcher.
|
|
|
|
| Hawthorne effect | The unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their subjects.
|
|
|
|
| Hypothesis | A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
|
|
|
|
| Independent variable | The variable in a causal relationship that causes or influences a change in a second variable.
|
|
|
|
| Interview | A face-to-face or telephone questioning of a respondent to obtain desired information.
|
|
|
|
| Mean | A number calculated by adding a series of values and then dividing by the number of values.
|
|
|
|
| Median | The midpoint or number that divides a series of values into two groups of equal numbers of values.
|
|
|
|
| Mode | The single most common value in a series of scores.
|
|
|
|
| Observation | A research technique in which an investigator collects information through direct participation and/or closely watching a group or community.
|
|
|
|
| Operational definition | Transformation of an abstract concept into indicators that are observable and measurable.
|
|
|
|
| Qualitative research | Research that relies on what is seen in field or naturalistic settings more than on statistical data.
|
|
|
|
| Quantitative research | Research that collects and reports data primarily in numerical form.
|
|
|
|
| Questionnaire | A printed or written form used to obtain information from a respondent.
|
|
|
|
| Random sample | A sample for which every member of an entire population has the same chance of being selected.
|
|
|
|
| Reliability | The extent to which a measure produces consistent results.
|
|
|
|
| Research design | A detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically.
|
|
|
|
| Sample | A selection from a larger population that is statistically representative of that population.
|
|
|
|
| Scientific method | A systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.
|
|
|
|
| Secondary analysis | A variety of research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data.
|
|
|
|
| Survey | A study, generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire, that provides researchers with information about how people think and act.
|
|
|
|
| Validity | The degree to which a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study.
|
|
|
|
| Value neutrality | Max Weber's term for objectivity of sociologists in the interpretation of data.
|
|
|
|
| Variable | A measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions.
|