Research Methods

6. method A rigorous procedure for collecting data across disciplines
8. Research that transforms data into numbers and often informs qualitative research
9. Study of people within their own environment in order to understand more about their perspectives
10. A research method that allows for research participants to answer questions more extensively and in their own words
13. Preconceived ideas or opinions held by the researcher that potentially affect all kinds of data collection
15. group A comparison group of research participants that do not receive the intervention under study

1. variable Factor predicted to create change in dependent variable
2. Formed to address an opportunity for new understanding of a particular area of research. Usually has an if/then format.
3. observation Similar to ethnography but the researcher becomes a member of the social group under study
4. question Formed before a scientist conducts a literature review
5. variable Can make two correlated variables appear to have a causal relationship
7. The group responsible for approving research within the university
11. resource Any material previously produced and available that can be sampled and studied
12. A limitation of this type of data is that questions are often close-ended and "forced choice"
14. research A profitable area of nonacademic sociological study