SOC222H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Categorical Variable, Gini Coefficient, Interval Ratio
Document Summary
Modern science is about specific ways of finding things out, these things have to e observable world (not just theoretically) Empirical: that which can be observed (interchangeable with observable) But the phenomenon doesn t have to be directly observable. Once we have a research question, we have to phrase the question, as well as the s the question, using standard terms and practices. Concept: a label that is applied to things with similar characteristics or attributes can be grouped together. Problem: concepts, like racism/trust are not directly observable/measurable. Construct: things that we know exist empirically, but cannot be directly observed. Operationalization - definition of a concept that lends itself to being measureabl. Example - concept of power: power is the ability to produce intended effects. Power is a construct (we cannot see it) But, we need to be able to measure power power has to be turned into a va.
