A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested and is favoured by positivists as they emulate the natural sciences.
Research questions are a question that the sociologist wants to answer by collecting evidence from the research. This is favoured by interpretivists as it provides rich and detailed data, rather than simply proving whether a statement is true or false.
Operationalisation means clearly defining a key term and how it can be measured
Operationalising raises validity and reliability as it gives more accurate answers and means the research can be repeated. It raises objectivity as it means the definition is well thought out and not a reflection of the researchers own views.
A pilot study is a small scale study that is carried out to test the feasibility of a larger study and boosts the validity
Reflexivity means the researcher continually reflects upon their values to check they have been as value-free as possible. This raises objectivity and validity
