Sociology 2206A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Science Studies, Falsifiability, Structural Functionalism

• School: Western University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: Sociology 2206A/B
• Professor: Joseph Michalski

Document Summary

Time dimension: cross-sectional studies: observations of sample or cross section of population of phenomenon at one point in time, longitudinal studies: observations of same phenomena over extended period of time. Cohort studies: changes within specific subpopulation or cohort over time. Panel studies: studies of exact same individuals or groups over time. Interviews, focus groups, field research, historical, comparative research. The winner is the man (sic) who can deduce the largest variety of empirical findings from the smallest number of general propositions, with the help of a variety of given conditions. High-quality scientific theories: logical and logically integrated , testable (falsifiable, explanatory power (generality, parsimonious (simplicity, validity (orders available facts, predictive capacity (probability), innovative. Criteria for causality: x and y must be correlated, x must precede y, both temporally and logically, covariation between x and y must endure even after the effects of other variables have been. Objective: discover natural laws aimed at predicting behaviours.