Experiments

• What are the learning objectives of the experiments section?

  Features and strengths of experiments
• What is an experiment?

  A controlled situation isolating variables' influence
• What do the independent and dependent variables represent in an experiment?

  IV is manipulated; DV is measured
• What does an experimental hypothesis involve?

  A prediction about IV's effect on DV
• If a person has no sleep, what might be predicted about their reaction speed?

  Slower speed of reaction
• What are the two types of experiments sociologists can use?

  • Laboratory experiments
  • Field experiments
• What is a key feature of laboratory experiments?

  Involves control and experimental groups
• What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

  Provides a baseline measure without manipulation
• Why is controlling other variables important in experiments?

  Ensures valid and reliable results
• How are results typically presented in experiments?

  In the form of numbers
• What is the advantage of using a standard measurement system in experiments?

  Reduces reliance on investigator's judgment
• What is a common design in laboratory experiments?

  Experimental group vs. control group comparison
• What is a field experiment?

  Conducted in natural settings with less control
• What was the focus of Sissons' (1970) field experiment?

  Effect of social class on interactions
• What did Sissons (1970) vary in his field experiment?

  The actor's dress from businessman to laborer
• What is the Pygmalion Effect related to in social studies?

  Power of positive expectations
• How does the comparative method differ from laboratory and field experiments?

  It is a thought experiment without real subjects
• What was Durkheim's hypothesis regarding suicide rates?

  Low integration causes high suicide rates
• What did Durkheim compare to test his hypothesis?

  Suicide rates of Catholics and Protestants
• What is the main focus of experiments in studying education?

  Teacher expectations and classroom interactions
• What are the key terms related to experiments in sociology?

  • Hypothesis
  • Variables
  • Replication
  • Correlation
  • Laboratory experiment
  • Field experiment
  • Experimental effect
  • Hawthorne effect
  • Experimenter bias
• What is the Hawthorne effect?

  Changes in behavior due to awareness of being studied
• What is replication in the context of experiments?

  Repeating an experiment under the same conditions
• What does the term 'experimental effect' refer to?

  Unintended effects of the experiment on participants
• How can the comparative method help in sociology?

  Identifies key social practices affecting issues
• How could you find out why older people attend church more than younger people?

  Conduct a comparative analysis of attendance
• What might you investigate regarding why girls outperform boys in education?

  Compare educational practices and expectations
• How could you explore why lower social classes play the National Lottery more?

  Analyze social class attitudes towards gambling