Sociology 3306A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Operationalization, Dependent And Independent Variables, Social Theory

• School: Western University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: Sociology 3306A/B
• Professor: Teresa Abada

Document Summary

Hypothesis: generated by the expectations of a theory, a tentative statement about the relation b/w 2 or more variables, ex. arrest for spouse abuse reduces the risk of repeat offences. Independent variables (arrest for spouse: dependent variables (repeat offences) Empirical generalizations: analysis of data leads to generalized statements about findings which can be applied to other theories and can be compared to the hypothesis. Deduction vs induction: deduction is the process of moving from a generalized concept (like a theory) towards a specific concept of this theory (like a hypothesis) Induction is the process of moving from specific observations towards broader generalizations and theories. There is not one way to do social research. There exist multiple paradigms and perspectives: paradigms fundamental frames of reference we use to organize our observations and reasoning. Positivism: we can study and explain social behaviour, precise measures, test theories, importance of replication, science should be objective.