Sociology 101 Lecture 12 PDF

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Sociology 101 Lecture Notes 12...

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Comparative and historical methods methods that use existing sources to study relationships between elements of society in various regions and time periods. Content analysis a method in which researchers identify and study specific variables--such as words--in a text, image, or media message.

Experiments Formal tests of specific variables and effects, performed in a controlled setting where all aspects of the situation can be controlled.

Control In an experiment, the process of regulating all factors except for the independent variable.

Experimental group The part of a test group that receives the experimental treatment.

Control group The part of the test group that is allowed to continue without intervention so that it can be compared with the experimental group.

Independent variable factor that is predicted to cause change

Dependent variable factor that is changed (or not) by the independent variable.

Value-free sociology An ideal whereby researchers identify facts without allowing their own personal beliefs or biases to interfere.

Basic research The search for knowledge without any agenda or desire to use that knowledge to effect change

Applied research Research designed to gather knowledge that can be used learned to create some sort of change Objectivity Impartiality, the ability to allow the facts to speak for themselves.

Reactivity The tendency of people and events to react to the process of being studied....