Sociology key terms

The extent to which the people studied reflect the relevant characteristics of the wider population.

A sample reflecting the relevant characteristics of the wider population being studied.

The maintenance of existing workers and the raising of future generations of workers.

The preparation of new generations with the capacities and attitudes needed to work in the economy.

Investigation involving the collection and analysis of information using methods such as questionnaires, interviews or observation.

A statement outlining what a researcher intends to investigate.

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

A financial plan setting out the money available for a study and its expected costs.

The plan for a sociological investigation, including its aims, methods, participant selection and approach to analysing data.

The influence of a researcher's expectations or views on how information is collected or interpreted.

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 behaviour is studied.

A person who answers questions in a research study.

Merton’s response in which an individual abandons both conventional success goals and the approved means of achieving them.

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

The right of a convicted person to challenge a verdict through the appropriate legal procedure.

A participant’s freedom to refuse or stop taking part in research without pressure or penalty.

Merton’s response in which an individual abandons conventional success goals but continues to follow approved rules and routines.

The pattern of behaviour expected of someone occupying a particular social position.

The process of matching people to positions in society. Effective role allocation places people in roles they are best able to perform.

A clash between the demands of different social roles, such as schoolwork conflicting with responsibilities within the family.

A person whose behaviour or achievements provide an example that others may aspire to follow.

Ideas that justify the ruling class’s dominance and present the existing social order as fair, normal or inevitable.

Relating to countryside areas, which are generally less densely populated than towns and cities.

Protecting the welfare and safety of people, especially children or vulnerable groups.

A family headed by a same-sex couple, who may be married, civil partners or cohabiting. AQA uses the term 'single sex' for this family form.

A subgroup selected from a population for research.

A tendency for the way participants are selected to favour some members of the target population over others.

A complete list of the members of the population from which a sample can be selected, such as a school register.