Final answer:
The first three steps of the scientific method in sociological research are to develop a research question, do some research, and formulate a hypothesis. Accuracy refers to the closeness of measurements or observations to the true value, validity assesses if a study measures what it intends to measure, and reliability refers to the consistency of measurements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Approaches to Sociological Research
- Develop a research question: Begin by formulating a question about the broad topic of interest, such as ethnic diversity in a college.
- Do some research: Find credible articles or books related to the topic. For example, search for publications on ethnic diversity in colleges.
- Formulate a hypothesis: Based on the research, create a hypothesis that can be tested. This could involve predicting the impact of ethnic diversity on student outcomes.
Correlation between accuracy, validity, and reliability
Accuracy: Refers to the closeness of measurements or observations to the true or accepted value. It indicates whether the data collected aligns with reality.
Validity: Refers to the extent to which a research study measures what it intends to measure. It assesses whether a study truly captures the concept or phenomenon of interest.
Reliability: Refers to the consistency and stability of measurements or observations. It indicates whether the same results would be obtained if the study was repeated.