Solutions Manual for SOC Canadian 3rd Edition by
Witt
, CHAPTER
2 SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
CHAPTER OUTLINE
STEPS IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS Observation
Defining the Problem Experiments
Reviewing the Literature Use of Existing Sources
Formulating the Hypothesis RESEARCH ETHICS
Collecting and Analyzing Data Confidentiality
Developing the Conclusion Research Funding
In Summary: The Research Process Value Neutrality
MAJOR RESEARCH DESIGNS Feminist Methodology: Learning
Quantitative and Qualitative Research from our Oversights
Surveys
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the different steps in the research process.
2. Gain an understanding of the different kinds of research sociologists conduct and the
designs used to do so.
3. Identify the techniques sociologists use to collect data.
4. Recognize the importance of validity and reliability in research findings.
5. Assess the ethics of social research.
IM-
Full all chapters instant download please go to Solutions Manual, Test Bank site: downloadlink.org
CHAPTER SUMMARY
IM-
,Sociologists are committed to the use of the scientific method in their research. The basic steps
in the scientific method are: defining the problem, reviewing the literature, formulating the
hypothesis, selecting the research design, and collecting and analyzing the data. Finally, the
researcher develops a conclusion based on the findings of the research.
An operational definition transforms an abstract concept into indicators that are observable and
measurable, allowing researchers to assess the concept. A review of the literature concerning the
problem under study helps refine the problem and reduce avoidable mistakes. A hypothesis is a
testable statement about the relationship between two or more factors known as variables.
Variables are measurable traits or characteristics that are subject to change under different
conditions. The variable hypothesized to cause or influence another variable is called the
independent variable. The variable that is changed by or dependent on the independent variable
is called the dependent variable. A correlation exists when a change in one variable coincides
with a change in the other.
In most studies, social scientists carefully select a sample. A sample is a selection from a larger
population that is statistically representative of the population. In a random sample, every
member of the population being studied has the same chance of being selected for the study.
The scientific method requires both validity and reliability. Validity refers to the degree to which
a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study. Reliability refers to the extent to
which a measure produces consistent results. Sociological studies sometime fail to support the
original hypothesis and researchers must reformulate their conclusions. Control variables are
those factors that are held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable.
A research design is a detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically. Surveys are a
common method of quantitative research used by researchers to collect data. Surveys may
consist of oral interviews or written questionnaires. Observation is a qualitative research
method, which allows researchers to collect data through everyday interaction with a group or
community under study. Experiments are artificially created situations in which researchers can
manipulate variables. Typically, an experimental group is exposed to the independent variable
and the control group is not. Analyzing existing data that has been previously collected is called
secondary analysis. Content analysis involves the systematic coding and objective recording of
data, such as using newspapers, periodicals, and other common documents or venues to interpret
and test the significance of data. All researchers must abide by a code of ethics to ensure that
researchers are not causing harm or violating a person’s privacy. Most research seeks to remain
value neutral in its judgments when interpreting research results. Sociologists using the feminist
perspective have had the greatest impact on the current generation of social researchers. Feminist
theorists reject the notion that work and family are separate spheres, and have drawn attention to
researchers’ tendency to overlook women in sociological studies.
LECTURE OUTLINE
I. Steps in the Research Process (LO 1, LO 4)
• The scientific method is a systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum
objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.
• Requires adherence to a series of steps designed to ensure the accuracy of the results.
A. Defining the Problem
• An operational definition is required to assess the concept. Example: using
membership in exclusive social clubs as an operational definition of status.
IM-
, B. Reviewing the Literature
• Refines the problem under study, clarifies data collection techniques, and
eliminates or reduces avoidable mistakes.
C. Formulating the Hypothesis
• A hypothesis is a testable statement about the relationship between two or more
factors known as variables (a measurable trait or characteristic).
• Independent variables cause or influence change in dependent variables.
• Dependent variables are changed by the independent variables or are dependent
on them.
• Causal logic involves the relationship between a condition or variable and a
particular consequence, with one event leading to the other. Example: Time
spent studying may result in a higher grade on an exam.
• Correlation is a relationship between two variables in which a change in one
coincides with a change in the other. Correlations may be positive or negative.
Correlation does not equal causation. Sociologists seek to identify the causal
link between variables.
D. Collecting and Analyzing Data • Research designs
guide researchers in collecting data.
1. Selecting the Sample
• A sample is a statistically representative selection from a larger
population.
• A random sample occurs when every member of an entire population
has the same chance of being selected for the study.
2. Ensuring Validity and Reliability
• Validity refers to the degree to which a measure or scale accurately
reflects the phenomenon under study.
• Reliability refers to the extent to which a measure produces consistent
results.
E. Developing the Conclusion
• Conclusion represents both an end and a beginning in research.
1. Supporting Hypotheses
• Some studies refute a hypothesis, which leads to reformulations about a
conclusion and adjustments in research designs.
2. Controlling for Other Factors
• A control variable is a factor held constant to test the relative impact of
the independent variable. Example: surveying neighbourhood crime rates.
F. In Summary: The Research Process
• The data support or refute the hypothesis
• Research is cyclical: the studies researchers produce become part of the
literature review for the next project.
II. Major Research Designs (LO 2) • A detailed plan or
method for obtaining data scientifically.
IM-
Witt
, CHAPTER
2 SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
CHAPTER OUTLINE
STEPS IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS Observation
Defining the Problem Experiments
Reviewing the Literature Use of Existing Sources
Formulating the Hypothesis RESEARCH ETHICS
Collecting and Analyzing Data Confidentiality
Developing the Conclusion Research Funding
In Summary: The Research Process Value Neutrality
MAJOR RESEARCH DESIGNS Feminist Methodology: Learning
Quantitative and Qualitative Research from our Oversights
Surveys
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the different steps in the research process.
2. Gain an understanding of the different kinds of research sociologists conduct and the
designs used to do so.
3. Identify the techniques sociologists use to collect data.
4. Recognize the importance of validity and reliability in research findings.
5. Assess the ethics of social research.
IM-
Full all chapters instant download please go to Solutions Manual, Test Bank site: downloadlink.org
CHAPTER SUMMARY
IM-
,Sociologists are committed to the use of the scientific method in their research. The basic steps
in the scientific method are: defining the problem, reviewing the literature, formulating the
hypothesis, selecting the research design, and collecting and analyzing the data. Finally, the
researcher develops a conclusion based on the findings of the research.
An operational definition transforms an abstract concept into indicators that are observable and
measurable, allowing researchers to assess the concept. A review of the literature concerning the
problem under study helps refine the problem and reduce avoidable mistakes. A hypothesis is a
testable statement about the relationship between two or more factors known as variables.
Variables are measurable traits or characteristics that are subject to change under different
conditions. The variable hypothesized to cause or influence another variable is called the
independent variable. The variable that is changed by or dependent on the independent variable
is called the dependent variable. A correlation exists when a change in one variable coincides
with a change in the other.
In most studies, social scientists carefully select a sample. A sample is a selection from a larger
population that is statistically representative of the population. In a random sample, every
member of the population being studied has the same chance of being selected for the study.
The scientific method requires both validity and reliability. Validity refers to the degree to which
a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study. Reliability refers to the extent to
which a measure produces consistent results. Sociological studies sometime fail to support the
original hypothesis and researchers must reformulate their conclusions. Control variables are
those factors that are held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable.
A research design is a detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically. Surveys are a
common method of quantitative research used by researchers to collect data. Surveys may
consist of oral interviews or written questionnaires. Observation is a qualitative research
method, which allows researchers to collect data through everyday interaction with a group or
community under study. Experiments are artificially created situations in which researchers can
manipulate variables. Typically, an experimental group is exposed to the independent variable
and the control group is not. Analyzing existing data that has been previously collected is called
secondary analysis. Content analysis involves the systematic coding and objective recording of
data, such as using newspapers, periodicals, and other common documents or venues to interpret
and test the significance of data. All researchers must abide by a code of ethics to ensure that
researchers are not causing harm or violating a person’s privacy. Most research seeks to remain
value neutral in its judgments when interpreting research results. Sociologists using the feminist
perspective have had the greatest impact on the current generation of social researchers. Feminist
theorists reject the notion that work and family are separate spheres, and have drawn attention to
researchers’ tendency to overlook women in sociological studies.
LECTURE OUTLINE
I. Steps in the Research Process (LO 1, LO 4)
• The scientific method is a systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum
objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.
• Requires adherence to a series of steps designed to ensure the accuracy of the results.
A. Defining the Problem
• An operational definition is required to assess the concept. Example: using
membership in exclusive social clubs as an operational definition of status.
IM-
, B. Reviewing the Literature
• Refines the problem under study, clarifies data collection techniques, and
eliminates or reduces avoidable mistakes.
C. Formulating the Hypothesis
• A hypothesis is a testable statement about the relationship between two or more
factors known as variables (a measurable trait or characteristic).
• Independent variables cause or influence change in dependent variables.
• Dependent variables are changed by the independent variables or are dependent
on them.
• Causal logic involves the relationship between a condition or variable and a
particular consequence, with one event leading to the other. Example: Time
spent studying may result in a higher grade on an exam.
• Correlation is a relationship between two variables in which a change in one
coincides with a change in the other. Correlations may be positive or negative.
Correlation does not equal causation. Sociologists seek to identify the causal
link between variables.
D. Collecting and Analyzing Data • Research designs
guide researchers in collecting data.
1. Selecting the Sample
• A sample is a statistically representative selection from a larger
population.
• A random sample occurs when every member of an entire population
has the same chance of being selected for the study.
2. Ensuring Validity and Reliability
• Validity refers to the degree to which a measure or scale accurately
reflects the phenomenon under study.
• Reliability refers to the extent to which a measure produces consistent
results.
E. Developing the Conclusion
• Conclusion represents both an end and a beginning in research.
1. Supporting Hypotheses
• Some studies refute a hypothesis, which leads to reformulations about a
conclusion and adjustments in research designs.
2. Controlling for Other Factors
• A control variable is a factor held constant to test the relative impact of
the independent variable. Example: surveying neighbourhood crime rates.
F. In Summary: The Research Process
• The data support or refute the hypothesis
• Research is cyclical: the studies researchers produce become part of the
literature review for the next project.
II. Major Research Designs (LO 2) • A detailed plan or
method for obtaining data scientifically.
IM-
