research method review

What is correlation?

• when two variables change at the same time, suggesting they are connected

• when a change in one variable has a direct effect on another variable

• links between different variables, for example, gender, ethnicity or age

• changes over time in a particular direction

What is causation?

• links between different variables, for example, gender, ethnicity or age

• when two variables change at the same time, suggesting they are connected

• changes over time in a particular direction

• when a change in one variable has a direct effect on another variable

What is reliability?

• being open-minded and avoiding bias

• the way in which scientists work, by observing, formulating and testing hypotheses, analysing the results and drawing conclusions

• when research can be repeated to produce similar responses

• links between different variables, for example, gender, ethnicity or age

What is subjectivity?

• when research can be repeated to produce similar responses

• the extent to which research findings reflect reality and give a true picture

• allowing a personal point of view to influence understanding and interpretation

• being open-minded and avoiding bias

What is validity?

• detailed and extensive

• allowing a personal point of view to influence understanding and interpretation

• underlying reasons for individuals’ behaviour

• the extent to which research findings reflect reality and give a true picture

what is qualitative data?

• information (such as attitudes or kinds of actions) that cannot be presented in
  numerical form

• information and facts that take a numerical form

•  a large-scale view of whole societies

• a small-scale view of social interaction between individuals and groups in society

he researcher uses a sampling frame consisting of names and addresses of people from a particular town. The sample is generated by selecting every tenth name on the list

• systematic

• quota

• snowball

• random

• stratified

The researcher selects participants by approaching people in a busy town centre, ensuring they choose a representative number of males and females from different age groups.

• systematic

• random

• quota

• snowball

• stratified

Two individuals with the required characteristics are approached to take part in the research,
then asked to pass on the details to other similar people they know.

• systematic

• quota

• snowball

• random

• stratified

The names of all potential participants are put into a hat and the required number of names is chosen at random.

• systematic

• quota

• snowball

• random

• stratified