Sociology 2206A/B Study Guide - Final Guide: Comparative Historical Research, Qualitative Property, Contingency Table

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

Document Summary

Two variables are said to be associated when they vary together, when one changes as the other changes. If variables are associated, score on one variable can be predicted from the score of the other variable. The stronger the association, the more accurate the predictions. Association can be important evidence for causal relationships, particularly if the association is strong. To detect association within bivariate tables: calculate percentages within the categories of the independent variable, compare percentages across the categories of the independent variable. When independent variable is the column variable (as is generally, but not always, the case): calculate percentages within the columns (vertically). Column percentages are conditional distributions of y for each value of x: compare percentages across the columns (horizontally). In weak relationships, there is little or no change in column percentages. In strong relationships, there is marked change in column percentages. In positive relationships, the variables vary in the same direction.