S690S08 – Midterm mIRC

<Jerry> Good evening everyone

<Lizzy> hello

<David> Evening

<Alex> Good evening

<bourd-zilla> ih

<esther> tyler is having some technical difficulties...

<raphael> hello

<Jerry> I see that we have most of you here tonight...

<Jerry> Thanks..

<Alex> Thank you

<Jerry> A word about protocol...

<Jerry> this is a 'moderated' chat...

<Jerry> so, if you want to ask a question, just type a ?...

<Jerry> and I will call on you...

<Jerry> If you want to make a comment, type a ! and I will do the same...

<Jerry> If I want one of you, in particular, to answer a question, I will call on you by name..

<Jerry> If you are typing a longer than one line answer, type several.... at the end of a line...

<Jerry> and press enter. That will tell us you have more to say and we will wait..

<Jerry> Okay, let's begin...

<Jerry> I want to take this time to accomplish three things..

<Jerry> 1) make sure you understand the format of the exam..

<Jerry> 2) that you have a firm understanding of the

types of content and questions

<Jerry> 3) that I answer any of your questions before we leave...

<Jerry> So let's start with the first one...

<Jerry> (BTW, if you use your first name for your nickname, I will be able to place you better)

<Jerry> Okay, the format...

<Jerry> I have decided to make this more like the comps we are currently giving...

<Jerry> since I believe I gave you a copy of the exam with a choice of 4 of 5 questions (no?)...

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<David> Yes

<Jerry> I need to explain what we will be doing Wednesday. ..

<Jerry> I will be giving you only four questions, of which you will answer three...

<Jerry> This is what we have decided to do with the timed methods portion of the comps...

<Jerry> more recently, so I want to emulate what you will find there...

<Jerry> So, the exam will be four essay questions; you will answer three..

<Jerry> I may require one to be answered (as we now do on the comps), but have not decided yet.

<Lizzy> ?

<Jerry> Lets talk about how to write a methods essay...

<Jerry> Don't mean to be preaching to the choir...

<Jerry> but it is worth some review..

<Jerry> An essay should always contain a introductory paragraph...

<Jerry> in which you tell the reader what is going to be argued or articulated...

<Jerry> The body of the answer should contain 2-4 major points, each following from the previous point..

<Jerry> that means you should use transition sentences between these paragraphs..

<Jerry> Finally, you should have a summary paragraph to tell the reader what you just articulated..

<Jerry> Let's talk about an example...

<Jerry> If the question asks about what is and when do we use reliability and when do we use validity...

<Jerry> You would want an introductory paragraph about measurement and how reliability and validity..

<Jerry> is related to measurement...

<Jerry> You would then talk about the two types of reliability, in two separate paragraphs,...

<Jerry> with a transition between them, such as...

<Jerry> "Because giving the same measurement multiple times can produce what Campbell and Stanley...

<Jerry> call "experience", we often use a second type of reliability measure using one point in time."

<Jerry> Obviously, your writing style may dictate different wording, but hopefully you get the idea..

<Jerry> You will have 150 minutes to answer the exam...

<Jerry> it will be given to you electronically, via the web page...

<Jerry> I would suggest you cut and paste each question onto your Word page before answering it...

<Jerry> That way I will instantly know which question you are answering, and you will have a record of it...

<Jerry> when I return the tests..

<Jerry> You may email it to me through your CSUN account, or submit a disk if your email is not working...

<Jerry> Either way, I will check it with you before you leave to insure that I have received your test..

<Jerry> As mentioned before, I will use "track changes

<Jerry> to annotate your exam, before sending it back to you.

<Alex> So we could save it on a jump drive, right?

<Jerry> You are free to save it anywhere for your own use. ...

<Jerry> However, I will need a copy, either from your email or a disk..

<Alex> Thanks

<Jerry> Okay, does any one have a question about the format or logistics of the exam??

<Jerry> Good...

<Jerry> than let's talk about substance...

<tywadew> are the questions similar to that of the sheet you handed out wednesday?

<Jerry> I assume by now, you have all had the chance to read, if not write, from the midterm handed out last week...

<Jerry> The questions will be similar in two ways...

<Jerry> 1) they will cover the same material;

<Jerry> 2) they will be written in a similar fashion

<Jerry> re: 1), notice that one question dealt with epistomology...

<Jerry> a second with measurement...

<Jerry> a third with procedure...

<Jerry> and a fourth and fifth with collection techniques...

<esther> ?

<Jerry> This is the typology I will use on this week's test, as well.

<Jerry> esther

<esther> I noticed that in your example, you utilized a citation. Can we do the same?

<Jerry> Absolutely, I encourage it.

<Jerry> re: 2) above, I am writing these largely into three parts..

<esther> thanks

<Jerry> allow me articulate those three parts...

<Jerry> the first part is a statement regarding the subject matter...

<Jerry> the second is a request regarding what I want you to answer...

<Jerry> the third is a conjuntive statement, bringing in another subject...

<Jerry> that is relevant to the request and, thereby, asking you to integrate the two..

<Jerry> let me ask you to recognize that in my sample questions...

<Jerry> Ian, what is the statement in question #1?

<ian> It has been argued that all epistemologies can be divided into two types.

<Jerry> good...

<Jerry> David, what is the request?

<David> PLease distinguish these two perspectives, giving exampls of each type.

<Jerry> good...

<Jerry> Alex, what is the conjunctive request?

<Alex> Where does the scientific method fit?

<Jerry> good..

<Jerry> Let's try this with one other question...

<Jerry> Esther, what is the statement in question #2

<esther> Concepts become variables and propositions become hypotheses through the application of measurement...

<esther> to observations.

<Jerry> okay...

<esther> (sorry, my keyboard froze.)

<Jerry> no problem..

<Jerry> Raphael...

<Jerry> what is the request in question #2

<Raphael> Provide a typology of ways in which numbers can be used as measurements in empirical research adn discuss the resulting types of variables.

<Jerry> good..

<Jerry> and Jesus, what is the conjunctive request?

<Jesus1> How do the concepts of reliability and validity provide controls

<Jesus1> for this process of measurement

<Jerry> alright...

<Jerry> Does anyone have a question about what I mean by these three parts to the question?

<Raphael> It is really clear now

<tywadew> I concur

<Jerry> Each of the questions on this exam are written this way...

<Jerry> each of the ones this Wednesday will be written this way...

<Jerry> and I dare say, your comp questions will be written this way...

<Lizzy> good to know

<Jerry> I bring this up only because I find many students will answer the request...

<Jerry> but miss the conjunctive request...

<Jerry> i.e. that blow off the last part of the question...

<Jerry> make that "..they blow off..."

<Jerry> not recognizing the entire question will get points taken off.

<Alex> Thanks, it helps to know that

<Jerry> Okay, so let's talk content for Wednesday...

<Jerry> I will ask you a question about science, either its epistomology, its procedure, its assumptions...

<Jerry> etc, or some combination thereof...

<Jerry> please review our class notes and your outside readings, in light of my question format...

<Jerry> and you should be fine...

<Jerry> In particular, however, do understand how Comte, Poper and Kuhn fit into this discussion..

<Jerry> I also will ask you a question about measurement, either its levels their meaning, ...

<esther> .

<Jerry> the consistency and accuracy of same, or the debate behind the concept of a variable..

<Jerry> comment esther, or just not wanting to be knocked off the chat?

<Jerry> I'll assume the latter...

<Jerry> so check your notes and outside readings on this as well.

<Jerry> I also will ask you a question about procedure, the difference between external and internal validation...

<Jerry> how that manifests itself in sampling vs. experimental procedures, the adequacy of same, etc..

<Jerry> since these are two very different ways to control exogenous variables, please spend some time on this..

<Jerry> Finally, I will ask you a question about data collection, the types, their utility, drawbacks and advantages...

<Jerry> etc., and, of course, to be able to give an example of each..

<Jerry> Does anyone have a question about these four topics, their boundaries, examples, etc.?

<Lizzy> Is this open book/notes

<esther> ?

<Jerry> Liz, it is not open book...

<Alex> ?

<Jerry> I find that actually slows down a student's response..

<Jerry> esther

<esther> professor, do you have any suggestions for allocating our time properly?

<Jerry> each question is equally weighted...

<Jerry> however, I would divide it up in to four sections..

<Jerry> 1/4 time for the outlining of each question...

<Jerry> and 1/4 time for each of the three answers..

<Jerry> don't know if that helps, but I find that if I take some time to organize, I become less redundant in my answers..

<Jerry> Alex

<esther> thank you

<Alex> How detailed should the examples be? That is, when should we be prepared to move on to a next example or be satisfied that it is clear enough?

<Jerry> Example need only highlight the point...

<Jerry> If they become essays in and of themselves, you have gone too far..

<Jerry> make sense?

<Alex> Yes. Thank you.

<Jerry> Any other specific questions?

<Jerry> Well, I would like to hear how you have outlined these sample questions...

<Jerry> Who would like to pick a question and tell us how you would outline it...

<Jerry> before I have to call on one of you.

<ian> !

<Jerry> ian

<ian> difference in a priori and a posteriori as logic vs. experience...

<ian> Decartes Rationalism vs Comte's Positivism and Hume’s Empiricism

<ian> ..

<ian> the scientific method as connected to a posteriori and positivism...

<ian> Distinguish between Poper and Kuhn based on meaning and approaches of finding or constituting it

<Jerry> I like the start...

<Jerry> Of course it depends on how you flesh out these comments...

<Jerry> But it shows a flow...

<Jerry> I would offer this thought (to all of you) in looking at this distinction...

<Jerry> the scientific method is more closely tied to empiricism,...

<Jerry> yet empiricism, by its very nature is tied to measurement...

<Jerry> yet isn't measurement, by definition, the result of logic?...

<Jerry> i.e. one can only derive measurement from the internal logic of the number system itself...

<Jerry> just a thought while you are working through this question...

<Jerry> good job, ian...

<ian> !

<Jerry> who else would like to offer their thoughts

<Jerry> ian

<ian> The library is closing, I have to leave, Ive taken notes to this point can someone takes notes for the rest and then send them to me (mull0295@gmail.com).

<Jerry> we will post this on the mIRC page of the web site.

<ian> thanks, goodnight everyone

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<Jerry> so, who else would like to tackle a question?

<David> !

<Jerry> David

<David> question 3

<Jerry> okay

<David> the two types of statistical controls are statistical and experimental, discuss which form of validity each represent and how they are accomplished

<David> distinguish types of sampling, pros and cons of each, and examples of when you might use them

<David> distinguish between experiment designs, particulars of each design

<David> overall what types of sampling techniques or experiment designs are useful for what type of reasearch

<Jerry> this is a question begging for examples...

<David> and then tackling E validity and I validity

<Jerry> before we go too far, understand that sampling people with particular attributes...

<Jerry> allows us to statistically control for their effects in an analysis...

<Jerry> whereas experimental design assumes that we can control the environment so that those characteristics cease to matter as exogenous variables..

<Jerry> Hence, the concept of statistical "control" is more likely used in sampling than in experimental design.

<Jerry> Notwithstanding that, you seem to have a handle on the question...

<Jerry> Just make sure you separate the discussion into paragraphs that deal with no more than one idea..

<Jerry> But a good start...

<David> roger

<Jerry> Let's try one more...

<Jerry> Who would like to take the floor?

<Jesus1> !

<Jerry> Jesus

<Jesus1> so I'll do question 4

<Jerry> okay

<Jesus1> begin with the three types of surveys

<Jerry> how about begin with a definition of survey research?

<Jerry> then go into the three types.

<Jerry> Did I lose you Jesus?

<tywadew> i'm afraid i do have to depart. Thank you professor this was helpful!

<Jerry> You are welcome

<Jesus1> a self report system involving a systematic sampling

<Jesus1> of a population

<Jerry> okay, so we have the definition and the three types, what next?

<Jesus1> discuss the difference in procedure

<Jesus1> and the questionnaire construction stage

<esther1> !

<Jerry> esther

<esther1> My wireless is going in and out. I will try to restart. Sorry

<Jerry> no problem

<Jerry> Jesus, please, keep going.

<Jesus1> discussing the types of questions used and then

<Jesus1> the staffing and response rate for each type of survey technique

<Jesus1> and then giving some alternative examples

<Jerry> so how would you answer the question as to why surveys have become the dominant collection technique?

<Jesus1> surveys have become the dominant form of collection technique because of the resources needed to carry out each form of survey

<Jerry> I would think more resources would mean less willingness to use surveys, no?

<Jesus1> that would seem right

<Jerry> I am not picking on you; I just want to make sure you all answer the question and not stray...

<Jerry> into a lengthy discussion without coming to an answer..

<Jerry> so how about this...

<Jerry> sociology deals with larger populations of people...

<Jerry> larger populations dictate that we can both sample and access larger numbers more rapidly...

<Jerry> sampling gets us to the people..

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<Jerry> and surveys allow for rapid deployment and turnaround...

<Jerry> in particular, for all the reasons you would tell us, Jesus, that evolution has come to mean telephone surveys, in particular...

<Jerry> because of the more rapid deployment and turnaround...

<Jerry> Do you all see the difference...

<Jerry> One discussion articulates what surveys are...

<Jerry> the other uses what surveys are to argue for why sociology uses them..

<Jerry> a subtle distinction, but worth the time to discuss it, as it gets more closely to the heart of the question.

<Jerry> So, Jesus, you can say all of the things you just mentioned, but do so in a framework that addresses the question.

<Jerry> Does that make any sense?

<Jesus1> yes

<Jerry> good..

<Jesus1> so its basically making an argument for

<Jesus1> surveys being the dominant form in sociology and why

<Jerry> Yes.

<Jerry> Look people, the good news is that you sound like you are attacking the subject matter, so...

<Jerry> I am encouraged by this discussion...

<Jerry> Let me just conclude by asking if you have any other substantive or logistical type questions before we sign off here?

<Jerry> Alex

<Jerry> Do you have any other questions?

<Alex> I do...

<David> ?

<Jerry> yes Alex, go ahead

<Alex> On the first question, I was wondering about where the scientific method fits because it seems to be a posteriori, but you also mentioned that the logic of the number system has characteristics of a priori

<Alex> Am I not understanding this correctly?

<Jerry> I brought that up to allow you to think about the difference between ...

<Jerry> substance and form...

<Jerry> empiricism relies on verification through the

"senses"...

<Jerry> measurement is not the senses, but an index of the senses...

<esther1> ?

<Jerry> hence we can talk of the empirical verification of a concept independent of the logic of the measurement system used to measurement it

<Jerry> esther

<esther1> so measurement, in that sense, is the quantification of experience?

<Jerry> yes it is..

<Jerry> but not the experience itself.

<Jerry> that is, in part, Blumer's argument.

<esther1> thanks

<Jerry> Does that make sense, Alex?

<Alex> Yes. Thanks.

<Jerry> Any other question?

<Jerry> How about you David?

<David> I was just wondering if there was any expected length of response, or just so long as we get what we need to get at

<Jerry> No minimum length...

<Jerry> As a practical matter, I would think you would not do justice to any of these answers..

<Jerry> in less than three pages (double spaced), minimum..

<Jerry> but that is not a requirement, simply a practicality.

<Jerry> Any other question David?

<Jerry> How about you Esther

<Jerry> Okay, how about you Jesus?

<esther1> I think I need to forcus on outlining the central arguments of each question so I do not write

nonsense.

<Jerry> Good advice..

<Jerry> That is the first think we look at in the comps...

<Jerry> are people writing "nonsense"

<Jerry> Jesus, any other questions?

<Jesus1> no i/m good just need to be better organized

<Jerry> Lizzy, you have been quiet. Do you have any questions?

<Lizzy> No we are having a study session tomorrow

<Jerry> Okay, Raphael, you are the man; any questions?

<Jerry> Hearing none, I will assume we have done it for the evening...

<Raphael> Question about 5

<Jerry> okay, Raphael, what is it?

<Raphael> At the end of question 5 you say give an example from the literature. What literature are you exactly talking about? Book? Outside text?

<Jerry> When the term "literature" uses lower case, it refers to the global sociological literature..

<Jerry> what I mean is to give an example from the global sociological literature of when these techniques have been combined.

<Jerry> as a practical matter, that means any article, book or data set..

<Jerry> that you might be familiar with.

<Jerry> make sense?

<Raphael> That's what I thought. Thanks.

<Jerry> Any other question?

<Jerry> Okay, see you all on Wednesday!

<Alex> Thank you for your help

<David> Thank you, goodnight everyone

<esther1> thanks!

<Jesus1> yes thank you

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<Raphael> Good luck everyone and thanks

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<Jesus1> good night all

<Alex> Good night. See you Wed.

<Lizzy> Night y'all