Sociology 2206A/B Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Mechanical Engineering, Hawthorne Effect, The Bell Curve

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

Document Summary

Science is communication of how the world works". Scientific method- research wheel (know the function of each stage) An organized series of steps, ensures objectivity (no bias or preassumptions) and consistency (reliability, predictability) A abstract ideas to describe data, theorizing is developing ideas that allow us to explain empirical observations, explains aggregates, not individuals. States a probability, change, tendency, not an absolute causal relationship. Concepts: abstract ideas expressed in words, clearly defined, may or not be quantifiable. Variables: concepts that take on a range of values, quantities or categories eg. years of schooling. Assumptions: unobservable/untestable statement, hidden or understated, starting point. Meso: social organizations, and social institutions (family, labour force) Generated by the expectations of a theory, a tentative statement about the relation between 2 or more variables (independent- causal variable that produces the effect and dependent- effect/outcome variable that results from the causal variable) Arrest for spouse abuse reduces the risk of repeat offenses.