1. Sociology

2. Sociology is a science because it uses the same techniques as other sciences Explaining social phenomena is what sociological theory is all about

3. 1. Descriptive studies designed to find out what is happening to whom, where, and when. 2. Explanatory studies answer the questions  why  and  how. 

4. What is the Scientific Method? Systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem

6. Scientific Method? Defining the Problem State as clearly as possible what you hope to investigate Operational Definition: explanation of abstract concept that is specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the concept Reviewing the Literature Refines the problem under study Helps us decide what questions to ask.

7. Formulate a Hypothesis A tentative assumption. A statement that speculates the relationship between two or more variables. Variable - A trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions.

8. Types of Variables Independent variable: variable hypothesized to cause or influence another Dependent variable: action depends on the influence of the independent variable to affect its action

9. What is the Scientific Method?

10. Causal Logic: Involves relationships between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one event leading to the other Correlation does not necessarily indicate causation. correlations not based on causal connections are called spurious correlations

11. Correlation is when a change in one variables is associated in some way with a change in another variable. Positive versus Negative Correlations

12. Collecting Data: Selecting the Sample Research Design Detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically

13. Sample: selection from a larger population that is statistically typical of that population Random Sample: when every member of an entire population has the same chance of being selected

14. Surveys █ Study, generally in form of an interview or questionnaire, that provide sociologists with information about how people act or think  Interview researcher obtains information through face- to-face or telephone questioning  Questionnaire researcher uses a printed or written form to obtain information from a respondent

15. Surveys █ Quantitative research: Collects and reports data primarily in numerical form █ Qualitative research: Relies on what is seen in field and naturalistic settings; often focuses on small groups and communities

16. Observation █ Collecting information through direct participation and/or by closely watching a group or community  Participant observation: when sociologist joins a group for a period to get an accurate sense of how it operates  Ethnography: efforts to describe entire social setting through extended systematic observation

17. Experiments █ Artificially created situation that allows researcher to manipulate variables  Experimental group: exposed to independent variable  Control group: not exposed to independent variable  Hawthorne Effect: unintended influence of observers or experiments on subjects

18. Use of Existing Sources Secondary Analysis: research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data A. Uniform Crime Reports - The annual publication of the FBI presenting official statistics on the rates and trends in crime in the USA.

19. Developing the Conclusion █ Supporting the Hypothesis  Sociological studies do not always generate data that support the original hypothesis  Controlling for Other Factors Control Variable: factor that is held constant to test the impact of the independent variable

20. Impact of a College Education on Income

21. Existing Sources Used in Sociological Research

22. Major Research Designs

23. Ethics of Research █ Code of Ethics (ASA, 1997) 1.Maintain objectivity and integrity in research 2.Respect subjects’ right to privacy and dignity 3.Protect subjects from personal harm 4.Preserve confidentiality 5.Seek informed consent 6.Acknowledge collaboration and assistance 7.Disclose sources of financial support

24. Ethics of Research █ Confidentiality █ Research Funding █ Value Neutrality █ Feminist Methodology

25. Technology and Sociological Research █ Extends range and capability to conduct research █ Allows researchers to store and analyze large amounts of information █ Web-based surveys in early stages, but initial results promising

26. █ Percentage: Shows portion of 100 Using Statistics █ Mean: Average; sum of a series of values divided by the number of values █ Mode: Single most common value in a series of values █ Median: Midpoint that divides a series of values into two groups with equal numbers of values

27. █ Tables allow social scientists to display data and make it easier to develop conclusions Reading Graphs and Tables –Cross-tabulation: Shows relationship between two or more variables Graphs are often easier for the general public to understand

28. Changing Attitudes toward Legalization of Marijuana

29. Changing Attitudes toward Legalization of Marijuana by Gender and Age

30. █ Finding Information Writing a Research Report –Check textbooks –Use library catalog –Use computerized periodical indexes –Examine government documents –Use newspapers –Ask people, organizations, and agencies –Consult instructor

31. █ Writing the Report Writing a Research Report –Focus on topic –Develop an outline –Work ahead of deadline –Read paper aloud █ Including Citations and References