Eduqas GCSE Sociology key terms

Prejudice or discriminatory treatment based on a person's perceived race or ethnic background.

A feminist approach which sees patriarchy as the fundamental source of women’s oppression and argues that legal reform alone cannot remove deeply rooted male power.

A sample selected by chance, with each member of the sampling frame having an equal chance of selection.

A sampling technique in which each member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected.

A trusting, comfortable relationship between a researcher and a participant that can encourage cooperation and open discussion.

Authority accepted because it rests on recognised laws, rules and official positions, rather than on the individual holding the position.

Information collected during research before it has been organised, summarised and interpreted.

An approach to sociological research that seeks to uncover the underlying social structures, mechanisms and processes that produce observable events.

A change to facilities, equipment or working arrangements that removes or reduces a disadvantage faced by a disabled person.

A family formed when partners bring together children from one or more previous relationships; also called a blended family.

A feeling of disadvantage arising from comparison with other people’s living standards or opportunities.

Having resources so far below the usual standard in a society that participation in its normal way of life is restricted.

The extent to which a research procedure produces consistent results when repeated under comparable conditions.

A system of beliefs and practices concerning the sacred or divine, often shared by a community.

Unfair treatment of a person because of their actual or perceived religion or beliefs.

The extent to which a sample reflects the relevant characteristics of the population being studied.

A statement of the purpose of a study: what the researcher intends to investigate.

The topic or aspect of social life that a sociologist chooses to investigate, such as gender inequality in education.

The money available to pay for a research project.

The overall plan for carrying out a study, including the methods used and the people involved.

Principles guiding how researchers should treat participants and use research information responsibly.

A systematic way of collecting evidence to investigate a sociological question, such as a questionnaire, interview or observation.

A person who takes part in a research study or whose experiences or behaviour are studied.

A person who answers questions in a questionnaire or interview.

Benefits attached to a social position, such as pay, prestige and privileges, which can encourage people to seek and perform that role.

A participant’s freedom to stop taking part in research without being penalised.

The expected behaviour and responsibilities associated with a social position.