SOC Research: Key term definitions Flashcards

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Aim

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The main purpose or goal of the research — what you want to find out.

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Hypothesis

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A clear guess or prediction about what you think will happen in your research.

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Validity

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How truthful and accurate the research is — does it really measure what it says it will?

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Reliability

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How consistent the results are — if the study was repeated, would it get the same results?

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Generalisability

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Whether the results can be applied to the whole population, not just the sample.

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Bias

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When personal opinions or beliefs affect the research and make the results less accurate.

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Pilot Study

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A small test run of the research to see if the method works before doing the full study.

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Peer Review

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When other experts check your research to make sure it’s good quality and accurate.

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Practical Problems

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Real-life issues like not enough time, money, skills, or access that can affect your research.

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Access

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Whether you can actually reach and contact the people you want to study.