Variables, Values, and Measurement in Sociological Research
1.2. Variables and Values
In research, we focus on particular characteristics of the object of study, which is the population under observation. These characteristics are called variables. Research Methods and Techniques
The elements of a population differ from one another and exist in different states, which can be configured within a variable. These different states are called variable values. Each element of the population will assume a value for a given variable.
Example: A population (P) consisting
Read MoreThe Art of the Interview: Techniques and Strategies for Effective Communication
The Interview: A Qualitative Research Technique
Setting the Stage: The Interview Situation
While qualitative research design and in-depth interviews offer flexibility, thorough preparation is crucial. As Kvale emphasizes, “advance preparation is essential for the interaction and the outcome of the interview. A very important part of the investigation should have been done before turning on the recorder.” The interviewer must contextualize the situation for the interviewee, fostering a communicative
Read MoreSocial Work Methods: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
Social work often faces the challenge of addressing passivity among clients who may view social workers as mere facilitators. To overcome this, social workers must transcend their traditional roles and adopt an interdisciplinary approach that fosters a holistic understanding of the social context within which they operate. This involves addressing both macro-level (societal) and micro-level (individual) aspects of social issues.
The Interplay of Theory and Practice
Social work draws upon
Read MoreSocial Work Intervention: A Holistic Approach
An activity often leads to only managing the rooting of passivity among customers, who see workers as mere consequences. To overcome this encystment, one must transcend the role: manager-educator developing interdisciplinary groups that will move us to a holistic understanding of reality in which social work takes place. One must also address more specific aspects of the social achievements (micro-level). The interpretation of this interaction between macro and micro social levels determines the
Read MorePsychological Models of Criminal Behavior
ITEM 9. Psychological Models of Criminal Behavior
Psychological models offer a framework for understanding criminal behavior through the lens of normal and pathological mental processes. Let’s delve into some prominent models:
I. Psychoanalytic Theory or Psychodynamic Models
This model, pioneered by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), posits that criminal behavior stems from unresolved psychological conflicts and unconscious drives. Key features include:
- Biological Determinism: The unconscious mind significantly
Psychology Unit 3: Cognition, Language, Problem-Solving, and Intelligence
Psychology Unit 3
ITEM 1: Basic Concepts and Units of Thought
– Cognition: The action and effect of knowing.
– Thinking: The action and effect of thinking.
– Mental Representations: Parts of our knowledge and the main elements of knowledge, such as symbols and signs.
– Category: A class that is a classification of attributes.
– Definition: A mental representation of an event, object, attribute, etc.
– Dialectic: A method to solve problems that are carried out by comparing, contrasting, and opposing facts
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