TO: Hard working students in CJ 160 - 001
FROM: R. B. Taylor
DATE: 9/15/05
RE: Answers to some of your questions
I have gone through the questions you left behind after class yesterday, and have attempted to answer a few of them that seemed pretty common, and that - mostly - link to items I know will be on the test.
Good luck; hope this helps
Q: What is causal logic?
A: A statement implying that something causes something else.
For example: Because I backed by vintage 1970 "Judge" Pontiac GTO out of my narrow driveway at 25 miles an hour after having had an argument with my spouse about the artistic merits of "Barney Miller" re-runs, that CAUSED me to run over my next door neighbor, Mrs. Sprightly, who was 80 years old, and break both her hips and crush her Pekinese named "Buddy". To put the point more generally: high speed backing out of driveways can cause pedestrian and/or vehicle and/or pet damage.
Q: How do you pick out the differences between concepts and variables
A: Variables can be measured; concepts cannot. Variables are operationalized constructs; there are "operating instructions" about how to collect those data. A specific survey variable has operating instructions - you read it and choose the response category and then mark your answer. Simply saying "your attitude toward police" is a concept - WHAT about your attitude toward police?
Q: Why haven't we reviewed the readings from Jacobs?
A: See syllabus. There is no guarantee we will be reviewing specific assigned readings. If you have questions, bring them. The last time I taught this course, I spent more time on Jacobs for this course section, and less on the RMCJ readings. Students complained. I guess I just can't win, but I'll keep trying!
Q: Where is the hypothesis in the diagram:
Cx ==> Cy
Vx ==> Vy
A: It is the second arrow, that connects the two variables.
Q: Are we taking everything Jacobs is saying to be the truth?
A: Great question. If this was a nice, small seminar we could debate many of his points. I would love to! But, alas, this is not the case. So at this point all I can say is: Jacobs is way smarter than I am, and it would be easiest just to "accept" -- for the purposes of the test only -- what he says. The papers will give you opportunities to develop your ideas more fully -- and I am sure you have lots of them. I am looking forward to hearing them. Further, if there are specific points where you disagree with something he says, bring that thought to class and raise your hand.
Q: What are the outcome concepts and what are the predictor concepts
A: Predictor concepts cause outcome concepts. Example:
Concept 1: How much time you spend playing online games (Texas Studly Video Poker, Doom Master Turbo WarLord, etc)
Concept 2: Getting high or low grades on assignments
Notice neither concept has yet been operationalized as a specific variable.
Q: What are the most important details I need to concentrate on especially during exam time?
A: Your own paper and your own answers.
Q: How come everyone can have the same BAC level?
A: I do NOT think I said this! The LAWS specify one BAC threshold as the legal definition of DUI - anything ABOVE that threshold gets you a DUI. THis is how things stand subsequent to the adoption of per se laws for DUI.
Q: What is the difference between concepts and constructs?
Q: There is none - they are the same thing; the terms are inter-changeable; you can treat them as synonyms!
Q: How do I tell is something is a concept or a variable?
A: A variable can be measured.