Research Methods and Scientific Principles

The video tutorial explores sociological research, emphasizing the scientific method's role in ensuring objectivity and consistency. It outlines the five steps of the scientific method: defining the problem, reviewing literature, formulating hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. The tutorial distinguishes between correlation and causation, using examples to clarify these concepts. It also discusses major research designs, including surveys, observation, experiments, and the use of existing sources, highlighting their advantages and limitations.

What distinguishes sociology as a science?

• It focuses on individual experiences.

• It is based on common sense.

• It uses the scientific method.

• It relies on personal opinions.

What is the first step in the scientific method?

• Collecting data

• Formulating a hypothesis

• Reviewing literature

• Defining the problem

Why is reviewing literature important in research?

• To formulate a hypothesis

• To define the problem

• To collect data

• To avoid previous mistakes

What is a hypothesis?

• A literature review

• A random guess

• A testable statement

• A proven fact

What is the difference between correlation and causation?

• Causation is a coincidental relationship.

• Correlation implies causation.

• Correlation is a proven relationship.

• Causation implies correlation.

Which research design allows for proving causation?

• Surveys

• Observation

• Use of existing sources

• Experiments

What is a major downside of using surveys?

• They are time-consuming.

• They are not systematic.

• They may not be honest.

• They are expensive.

What is the Hawthorne effect?

• A type of survey

• A research design

• An influence on study results

• A method of data collection

What is secondary analysis?

• Analyzing existing data

• Collecting new data

• Performing surveys

• Conducting experiments

Why is it beneficial to combine research designs?

• To save time

• To increase reliability

• To simplify the process

• To reduce costs