Key terms

• Data - a collection of recorded observations gained from research from which inferences are drawn through analysis
• Hypothesis - an untested theory or explanation as a statement
• Objectivity - The absence of bias and preconceived ideas. Looking at things without beliefs or values getting in the way.
• Subjectivity- where the individuals personal viewpoint influences their perception or judgement.
• Pilot study - A small-scale trial run of a study conducted before the main study to identify any issues and give the researcher confidence in their method before using it.
• Primary research - information collected first-hand by individuals, such as sociologists, for their own research purposes.
• Secondary research- information collected by others but used by sociologists for their research purposes.
• Qualitative data - information usually expressed in words and/or audio recordings about people's thoughts and feelings, motivations, attitudes and values.
• Quantitative data - information presented in numerical form, such as graphs, statistics etc.
• Reliability - research which produces the same result every time the experiment is conducted using the same methods. 
• Validity - the capacity of a research method to measure what it aims to; a true or genuine picture of what something is really like.
• Sample - a smaller group selected from the population to take part in research.
• Representative - Typical ; a cross-section which allows findings to be generalised.
• Theory - A way to explain different aspects of social interactions and social structures.