Sociology 100 Final Exam (Chapters 2 & 3)
Ethnography
A qualitative research method in which a researcher observes a social setting to provide descriptions of a group, society, or organization.
Scientific Method
A procedure involving the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses based on systematic observation, measurement, and/or experiments
Theory
An abstracted, systematic model of how some aspect of the world works
Reverse Causality
A situation in which the researcher believes that A results in a change in B, but B, in fact, is causing A
Hypothesis
A proposed relationship between two variables, usually with a stated direction
Operationalization
How a concept gets defined and measured in a given study
"White Coat" Effect
The phenomenon wherein a researcher’s presence affects her subjects’ behavior or response, thereby disrupting the study
Reflexivity
Analyzing and critically considering our own role in , and effect on, our research
Participant Observations
A qualitative research method that seeks to uncover the meanings people give their social actions by observing their behaviour in practice
Surveys
An ordered series of questions intended to elicit information from respondents
Qualitative Methods
Methods that attempt to collect information about the social world that cannot be readily converted to numeric form
Quantitative Methods
Methods that seek to obtain information about the social world that is already in or can be converted to numeric form
Deductive Approaches
A research approach that starts with a theory, forms a hypothesis, makes empirical observations, and then analyzes the data to confirm, reject, or modify the original theory
Inductive Approaches
A research approach that starts with empirical observations and then works to form a theory
Causality
The notion that a change in one factor results in a corresponding change in another
Correlation
When two variables tend to track each other positively or negatively
Dependent Variables
The outcome that the researcher is trying to explain
Independent Variables
A measured factor that the researcher believes has a casual impact on the dependent variable
Validity
The extent to which an instrument measures what it is intended to measure
Reliability
The 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
Culture
The sum of the social categories and concepts we embrace in addition to beliefs, behaviours, and practices; everything but the natural environment around us
Ethnocentrism
The belief that one's own culture or group is superior to others, and the tendency to view all other cultures from the perspective of one’s own
Cultural Lag
The time gap between the appearance of a new technology and the words and practices that give it meaning
Code Switch
To flip fluidly between two or more languages and sets of cultural norms to fit different cultural contexts
Culture Shock
Doubt, confusion, or anxiety arising from immersion in an unfamiliar culture
Ideology
A system of concepts and relationships; an understanding of cause and effect
Cultural Relativism
Taking into account the differences across cultures without passing judgment or value
Cultural Scripts
Modes of behavior and understanding that are not universal or natural
Reflection Theory
The idea that culture is a projection of social structures and relationships into the public sphere, a screen onto which the film of the underlying reality of social structures of a society is projected
Hegemony
A condition by which a dominant group uses its power to elicit the voluntary “consent” of the masses
Consumerism
The steady acquisition of material possessions, often with the belief that happiness and fulfillment can thus be achieved
Material Culture
Everything that is a part of our constructed, physical environment, including technology
Nonmaterial Culture
Values, beliefs, behaviours and social norms