Introduction into social science
How many steps are there, in the scientific method? -
5. Give me at least 3 definitions of a hypothesis?
6. What is the difference between a correlation and significance?
7. What is the ultimate goal of the scientific method?
8. 5 ways social scientist collect data?
9. What is the difference between norms and deviance?
10. What is the difference between manifest and latent function?
11. What is the Hawthorne effect?
12. Define what an experiment is?
The scientific method typically involves the following steps:
1. Observation: This is the initial step where scientists observe and identify a phenomenon or problem to be investigated.
2. Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a testable explanation or prediction about the relationship between variables. It is an educated guess that is based on existing knowledge and observations.
3. Experimentation: Scientists design and conduct experiments to test their hypothesis. This involves manipulating variables and collecting data to analyze and draw conclusions.
4. Data Analysis: Once the data is collected, it is analyzed and interpreted to determine whether the results support or reject the hypothesis.
5. Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the data, scientists draw conclusions about the validity of their hypothesis. They may also suggest further research or modifications to their hypothesis.
Definitions of a hypothesis could include:
- A proposed explanation or prediction about a phenomenon or relationship between variables that can be tested through experimentation.
- A tentative statement that explains or predicts a particular observation or phenomena.
- A supposition that can be tested and potentially proven or disproven based on evidence and experimentation.
Correlation refers to a statistical relationship between two variables, where a change in one variable is associated with a change in the other variable. However, correlation does not imply causation. Significance, on the other hand, refers to the statistical significance of a relationship or difference observed in the data. It indicates the likelihood that the observed relationship or difference is not due to chance.
The ultimate goal of the scientific method is to gain knowledge and understanding about the natural or social world through systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis. It seeks to uncover the truth and make valid predictions based on evidence and data.
Social scientists collect data using various methods. Some common methods include:
- Surveys: Researchers devise questionnaires or interviews to collect data from individuals or groups.
- Observations: Researchers directly observe and record behaviors or phenomena in natural or controlled settings.
- Experiments: Researchers manipulate variables in controlled conditions to observe and analyze their effects.
- Interviews: Researchers conduct structured or unstructured interviews to gather in-depth information from participants.
- Existing data: Researchers analyze and interpret data that have already been collected by others, such as government records or historical documents.
Norms are social expectations or rules that guide behavior in a particular culture or society. They define what is considered typical or appropriate behavior within a given social context. Deviance, on the other hand, refers to behavior that violates or goes against these social norms.
Manifest functions are the intended, recognized, and deliberate consequences of social actions or institutions. These functions are readily apparent and often positive in nature. Latent functions, on the other hand, are the unintended or unrecognized consequences that may arise from social actions or institutions.
The Hawthorne effect is a phenomenon where individuals modify or improve their behavior because they are aware of being observed or studied. It refers to the alteration of behavior due to the knowledge of being monitored rather than any specific treatment or intervention.
An experiment is a scientific method in which researchers manipulate variables under controlled conditions to observe and analyze the effects on other variables. It involves systematically testing hypotheses by creating specific conditions and measuring the outcomes.