Cambridge IGCSE Sociology
Unit 1: Theory and Methods Worksheet 1 Methods: key terms
Sociologists use a range of different terms when discussing the methods used to study society. Draw a line linking each of the methods below with its correct definition. Positivism
the extent to which a method gives consistent and repeatable results
Interpretivism
the extent to which a research method represents the social phenomenon it claims to measure
Reliability
when two variables are related to each other
Generalisability
how a researcher may influence the behaviour of respondents
Validity
using several methods to check the findings
Response rate
this is carried out at intervals over a long period
Triangulation
the view that the social world is very different from the natural world, and should be studied using non-scientific methods
Correlation
the view that the social world is made up of facts which can be studied in a scientific way
Sampling frame
the proportion of survey forms that are returned to the researcher
Longitudinal survey
carrying out a small-scale test of a research tool such as a questionnaire
Hawthorne/Observer Effect
whether the results of research can be said to apply to a wider group than those directly taking part
Pilot study
a list of people from whom a sample is chosen
Š Cambridge University Press 2014 Cambridge IGCSE Sociology
Unit 1: Worksheets and Answers
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