SOC 150 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Null Hypothesis, Afro-Latin Americans, Statistical Inference
Document Summary
Sociologists use a variety of methods to collect daand answer research questions. In most cases researchers want to determine what factors (variables) cause or affect a particular outcome. Because humans are so complex, there are multiple factors influencing any social behavior or social outcome. Therefore, any one variable will only partially explain a particular outcome. Research based on deductive reasoning begins with formulating a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement of the predicted relationship between variables (independent and dependent variables). For instance, a researcher may hypothesize: white job applicants are more likely to be offered jobs than are black job applicants. One variable is the race of the job applicant and the other variable is whether (or not) the applicant will be offered a job. The researchers must be able to observe and measure the variables specified in the hypothesis. They must be able to conclude, in this test, whether the hypothesis is confirmed or refuted.
