SOCIOL 110 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Dependent And Independent Variables, Operationalization, Informed Consent

• School: UMASS-Amherst
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOCIOL 110
• Professor: Paul Knudson

Document Summary

Research methods: a set of standard approaches that we follow in investigating our questions. What we use to explain various social phenomena: numbers, qualitative methods. Information that cannot be put in numerical form. Two ways to approach research: deductive approach: theory > hypothesis > make empirical observations > analyze data. Reckless tendencies - outside variables that affect the variables that are being studied. Causality - the change in one factor causes a change in another. Reverse causality - when you think a is causing b when b is actually causing a. Establishing causality - correlation, time order, and ruling out alternative explanations. Dependent variable - the outcome you are trying to explain. Independent variable - measured factors that may have a casual impact on the dependent variable. Operationalization - a precise method for the study. Validity - an instrument measures what it"s supposed to measure.