SOC 302 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Abstract Theory, Criterion Validity, Nominal Level
Document Summary
In deductive research, conceptualization helps translate portions of an abstract theory into testable hypotheses involving specific variables. In inductive research, conceptualization is an important part of the process used to make sense of related observations. Variables and constants: constant- a number that has a fixed value in a given situation; a characteristic or value that does not change, variables are not fixed things. Operations- a procedure for identifying or indicating the value of cases on a variable. Operationalization- the process of specifying the operations that will indicate the value of cases on a variable. Using available data: we cannot assume that available data are accurate, even when they appear to measure the concept. Content analysis-a research method for systematically analyzing and making inferences from text. Combining measurement operations: triangulation- the use of multiple methods to study one research question. Level of measurement- the mathematical precision with which the values of a variable can be expressed.
