Which term describes the established scholarly method that includes asking a question, researching sources, forming a hypothesis, designing and conducting a study, drawing conclusions, and reporting results?

Which term describes the established scholarly method that includes asking a question, researching sources, forming a hypothesis, designing and conducting a study, drawing conclusions, and reporting results?

• A. Scientific Method
• B. Operational Definition
• C. Validity
• D. Reliability

Answer: (A)

The scientific method is the established scholarly approach used to investigate questions about society. It starts with a question and a review of existing research to understand what’s already known. A hypothesis is formed as a testable statement about what might be true. A study is then designed and carried out to collect evidence through careful observation or experimentation. The data are analyzed, leading to conclusions about the question. Finally, the results are reported so others can evaluate the methods and findings and build on them. This systematic, empirical process is what underpins rigorous sociological inquiry. The other terms relate to aspects of research but not the entire methodological sequence: an operational definition specifies exactly how a variable will be measured, while validity and reliability concern the accuracy and consistency of measurements or instruments.

The scientific method is the established scholarly approach used to investigate questions about society. It starts with a question and a review of existing research to understand what’s already known. A hypothesis is formed as a testable statement about what might be true. A study is then designed and carried out to collect evidence through careful observation or experimentation. The data are analyzed, leading to conclusions about the question. Finally, the results are reported so others can evaluate the methods and findings and build on them. This systematic, empirical process is what underpins rigorous sociological inquiry.

The other terms relate to aspects of research but not the entire methodological sequence: an operational definition specifies exactly how a variable will be measured, while validity and reliability concern the accuracy and consistency of measurements or instruments.