Systematic error, or 'bias' is of particular importance in any epidemiological investigation, and should be avoided wherever possible. Biases will reduce the validity of any results obtained, whether it be by overestimating or underestimating the frequency of disease in a population or the association between an exposure and disease. The forms of bias covered here can only be minimised through careful study design and execution - they cannot be accounted for in the analysis. Although confounding is considered by many authors as a form of bias, it can be accounted for during analysis, and so is covered separately.

The main topics of study considered in light of the above learning outcomes are:Research philosophy (e.g. positivism, empiricism, naturalism)Formulating empirical research questions and conceptual research modelsCausality effects and relationshipsValidity and ReliabilityScales of measurement (e.g. nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)Sampling methods (e.g. experiment, survey, observations) and measure instruments (e.g. Likert scales, semantic differential, event versus time sampling)Experimental design (e.g. within and between-subjects, factorial design, counter-balancing, Latin square)Biases in empirical research approaches (e.g. confounding variables, statistical power)Data preparation (e.g. standardization of data, reliability analysis, Inter-rater reliability)Hypothesis testing, t-test, (M)ANOVA, correlation, regression analysisNon-parametric approaches to data analysis

Introduction to Sociology 2e adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical, one-semester introductory sociology course. It offers comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories, which are supported by a wealth of engaging learning materials. The textbook presents detailed section reviews with rich questions, discussions that help students apply their knowledge, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways. The second edition retains the book’s conceptual organization, aligning to most courses, and has been significantly updated to reflect the latest research and provide examples most relevant to today’s students. In order to help instructors transition to the revised version, the 2e changes are described within the preface.

Define and describe the scientific method
Explain how the scientific method is used in sociological research
Understand the function and importance of an interpretive framework
Define what reliability and validity mean in a research study

This course provides an introduction to critical thinking, informal logic, and a small amount of formal logic; its purpose is to provide students with the basic tools of analytical reasoning. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Understand what critical thinking is and why it is valuable; Distinguish between good and bad definitions, Recognize the differences between explicit and implicit meaning, and remove ambiguities of meaning from unclearly worded statements; Recognize arguments in writing, pick out good and bad arguments by their form, and construct sound arguments of their own; Diagnose the most common reasoning errors and fallacies, as well as identify ways of improving them; Understand the basics of sentential and predicate logic and gain practice manipulating meaning symbolically; Understand the rudiments of scientific methodology and reasoning; Evaluate arguments that rely on specific types of visual representation; Understand the basics of strategic reasoning and problem solving; Understand the particular challenges involved in reasoning about values and morality; Diagnose fallacies and evaluate arguments about values and morality. (Philosophy 102)

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain what a correlation coefficient tells us about the relationship between variables
Recognize that correlation does not indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between variables
Discuss our tendency to look for relationships between variables that do not really exist
Explain random sampling and assignment of participants into experimental and control groups
Discuss how experimenter or participant bias could affect the results of an experiment
Identify independent and dependent variables