SOCL 2001 Chapter : Chapter 2
Document Summary
Paradox: if we successfully answer one question, it only spawn"s others. There is no moment when a social scientists work is done. A deductive approach to research: starts with a theory, develops a hypothesis, makes empirical observations, analyzes the data collected through observation to confirm, reject, or modify the original theory. An inductive approach to research: starts with empirical observation, then works to form a theory, determines if a correlation exists by noticing is a change is observed in two things simultaneously. Sociologists conduct research to try to prove causation. Causality is the idea that a change in one factor results in a corresponding change in another factor. To prove causation, correlation and time order are established and alternative explanations are ruled out. Correlation exists when there is simultaneous variation in variables: alternative explanations (skills networking, still logical, spurious explanations (no logical explanation for some things so there"s another reason, climate, the seasons)
