research Flashcards
(157 cards)
1
Q
What is sociology?
A
The study of society, social institutions, and social relationships.
2
Q
True or False: Sociology only focuses on individual behavior.
A
False
3
Q
Define qualitative research in sociology.
A
A research method that focuses on understanding the meaning and experiences of social phenomena.
4
Q
Which research method involves collecting numerical data?
A
Quantitative research
5
Q
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective in sociology emphasizes the role of power and inequality in social structures.
A
conflict
6
Q
What does the term ‘socialization’ refer to?
A
The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society.
7
Q
What is the main focus of functionalism?
A
Understanding how various elements of society contribute to social stability and order.
8
Q
True or False: Ethnography is a qualitative research method.
A
True
9
Q
What is a hypothesis in sociological research?
A
A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
10
Q
Which theory suggests that society is composed of different groups competing for resources?
A
Conflict theory
11
Q
Fill in the blank: The __________ theory focuses on the symbolic meanings that individuals attach to social interactions.
A
symbolic interactionism
12
Q
What is a variable in sociological research?
A
Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted.
13
Q
What does the term ‘operationalization’ mean?
A
The process of defining how a concept will be measured in a study.
14
Q
True or False: A case study is a method that studies a single unit in depth.
A
True
15
Q
What is the purpose of a literature review in sociological research?
A
To summarize existing research and identify gaps in knowledge.
16
Q
What does the term ‘sampling’ refer to?
A
The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a population for study.
17
Q
Which research method uses surveys to gather data?
A
Quantitative research
18
Q
Fill in the blank: __________ is an approach that uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
A
Mixed methods
19
Q
What is the significance of ethics in sociological research?
A
To ensure the protection of participants’ rights and welfare.
20
Q
True or False: Participant observation is a method where the researcher does not engage with the subjects.
A
False
21
Q
What is the primary goal of sociological research?
A
To understand and explain social phenomena.
22
Q
What does the term ‘dependent variable’ refer to?
A
The variable that is being tested and measured in an experiment.
23
Q
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective examines how individuals create and interpret social meaning.
A
symbolic interactionist
24
Q
What is a cross-sectional study?
A
A study that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.
25
True or False: Longitudinal studies collect data at multiple points over time.
True
26
What does the term 'social stratification' refer to?
The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on wealth, power, and status.
27
What is the purpose of a control group in research?
To provide a baseline for comparison against the experimental group.
28
Fill in the blank: __________ is a method of collecting data through direct interaction with participants.
Interviews
29
What is the difference between primary and secondary data?
Primary data is collected firsthand, while secondary data is previously collected by others.
30
What is the concept of 'anomie'?
A state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms in society.
31
True or False: The survey method is not suitable for studying attitudes and opinions.
False
32
What is the role of a research question?
To guide the focus and direction of a research study.
33
What does 'validity' refer to in the context of research?
The degree to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure.
34
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the consistency of a measure across time and different contexts.
Reliability
35
What is the significance of peer review in academic research?
To ensure the quality and credibility of research before publication.
36
What is a theoretical framework in sociological research?
A structure that guides research by providing a clear perspective on the topic.
37
True or False: Surveys can only be conducted in person.
False
38
What is the concept of 'social mobility'?
The ability of individuals or groups to move within a social hierarchy.
39
What is the main focus of feminist theory in sociology?
Examining gender inequalities and advocating for women's rights.
40
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective emphasizes the importance of social context in shaping individual behavior.
sociocultural
41
What does 'operational definition' mean?
A specific description of how a variable will be measured in a study.
42
What is the role of a sociologist?
To study social behavior and societal structures to understand how they influence human interactions.
43
True or False: All sociological research is qualitative.
False
44
What is a longitudinal study?
A research design that involves repeated observations of the same variables over long periods.
45
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of collecting and analyzing data to answer a research question.
Research methodology
46
What is a sample in sociological research?
A subset of individuals selected from a larger population for study.
47
What does 'generalizability' refer to in research?
The extent to which findings from a study can be applied to a broader population.
48
What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?
A theory is a broad explanation of phenomena, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction.
49
True or False: Qualitative research results are typically presented in numerical form.
False
50
What is the purpose of a research design?
To outline the plan for collecting and analyzing data.
51
Fill in the blank: __________ is the act of gathering information through observation, surveys, or experiments.
Data collection
52
What does the term 'social construct' refer to?
An idea or concept that is created and accepted by society.
53
What is the focus of postmodern theory in sociology?
Challenging established narratives and emphasizing the fluidity of social identities.
54
True or False: Correlation implies causation.
False
55
What is the role of a research assistant?
To support researchers in the collection and analysis of data.
56
What does 'field research' involve?
Collecting data outside of a laboratory setting, often in natural environments.
57
Fill in the blank: __________ is a method that involves analyzing existing data, such as government reports or historical records.
Secondary analysis
58
What is the significance of social theories in sociology?
To provide frameworks for understanding and interpreting social phenomena.
59
What is the concept of 'cultural relativism'?
The practice of evaluating a culture by its own standards rather than judging it by the standards of another culture.
60
True or False: All sociological theories are equally applicable to all societies.
False
61
What is the main contribution of Emile Durkheim to sociology?
Establishing sociology as a distinct academic discipline and studying social cohesion.
62
What does 'social change' refer to?
The transformation of cultural, social, economic, or political institutions over time.
63
Fill in the blank: __________ is a method of data collection that involves asking participants to respond to a set of questions.
Survey
64
What does the term 'norms' refer to in sociology?
Social rules that govern behavior within a society.
65
What is the focus of critical theory?
Examining and critiquing the power structures and ideologies that shape society.
66
True or False: The scientific method is not used in sociological research.
False
67
What is the significance of the Chicago School in sociology?
It contributed to urban sociology and emphasized the study of social behavior in urban settings.
68
What is the concept of 'role conflict'?
The tension that arises when an individual faces conflicting expectations from different roles.
69
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the established patterns of behavior and social relationships within a society.
Social structure
70
What is the role of a sociological theorist?
To develop and articulate theories that explain social phenomena.
71
What does 'deviance' refer to in sociology?
Behavior that violates social norms or expectations.
72
True or False: Social facts are subjective and vary from person to person.
False
73
What is the primary focus of social psychology?
Understanding how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others.
74
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which individuals learn and adopt the behaviors and norms of their culture.
Cultural assimilation
75
What is the concept of 'status' in sociology?
A social position that an individual occupies within a group or society.
76
What does 'peer review' ensure in sociological research?
The quality and rigor of research before it is published.
77
True or False: A research proposal outlines the entire study before it begins.
True
78
What is the definition of sociology?
The study of society, social relationships, and social institutions.
79
True or False: Qualitative research methods focus on numerical data.
False
80
What is a hypothesis in research?
A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
81
Fill in the blank: ________ research involves collecting non-numeric data.
Qualitative
82
What is the primary goal of quantitative research methods?
To quantify the problem and understand how prevalent it is by looking for statistical relationships.
83
Which of the following is a common qualitative research method? (a) Surveys (b) Interviews (c) Experiments
b) Interviews
84
What does 'sampling' refer to in research?
The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a population to participate in a study.
85
True or False: A longitudinal study examines data at a single point in time.
False
86
What is the purpose of a literature review in research?
To summarize and synthesize existing research on a topic.
87
Fill in the blank: ________ is a method of collecting data through structured questions.
Survey
88
What is a case study?
An in-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases.
89
Which research method allows for the exploration of social phenomena in natural settings?
Field research
90
True or False: Correlation implies causation.
False
91
What is operationalization in research?
The process of defining the measurement of a phenomenon that is not directly measurable.
92
What does 'ethnography' involve?
The systematic study of people and cultures from the point of view of the subject.
93
Fill in the blank: A ________ is a systematic plan for conducting research.
Research design
94
What is the difference between a dependent variable and an independent variable?
The dependent variable is what is being measured, while the independent variable is what is manipulated.
95
Which of the following is NOT a type of qualitative research? (a) Focus groups (b) Surveys (c) Observations
b) Surveys
96
What is the main focus of sociological research?
To understand social behavior and the structures that influence it.
97
True or False: Random sampling ensures every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected.
True
98
What is a variable in research?
Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted.
99
Fill in the blank: ________ validity refers to whether a study accurately reflects the concept it is intended to measure.
Construct
100
What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
To provide a baseline for comparison against the experimental group.
101
Which type of research design is used to explore the relationship between variables?
Correlational research
102
True or False: A mixed-methods approach uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
True
103
What is the significance of ethical considerations in sociological research?
To ensure the rights and welfare of research participants are protected.
104
Fill in the blank: A ________ is a group of individuals selected for a study.
Sample
105
What is the role of a researcher in qualitative research?
To interpret and analyze the data collected from participants.
106
Which of the following is a strength of qualitative research? (a) Generalizability (b) Depth of understanding (c) Objectivity
b) Depth of understanding
107
What does the term 'fieldwork' refer to in sociology?
Research conducted outside of a laboratory, often involving participant observation.
108
True or False: Surveys can only be conducted in person.
False
109
What is a longitudinal study?
Research that follows the same subjects over a period of time.
110
Fill in the blank: ________ is a method of data collection that involves observing subjects in their natural environment.
Participant observation
111
What is the purpose of qualitative coding?
To categorize and interpret qualitative data.
112
Which of the following is a limitation of qualitative research? (a) Subjectivity (b) Large sample sizes (c) Statistical analysis
a) Subjectivity
113
What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Qualitative research focuses on understanding meaning, while quantitative research focuses on measuring and analyzing numerical data.
114
True or False: The observer effect refers to changes in behavior when individuals know they are being observed.
True
115
What is a cross-sectional study?
Research that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.
116
Fill in the blank: A ________ is a visual representation of the relationship between variables.
Graph
117
What is triangulation in research?
Using multiple methods or data sources to enhance the credibility of research findings.
118
Which of the following is NOT a data collection method? (a) Interviews (b) Analysis (c) Surveys
b) Analysis
119
What is the purpose of a pilot study?
To test the feasibility and design of a research project before the main study.
120
True or False: A research question should be vague and open-ended.
False
121
What is the significance of peer review in research?
To ensure the quality and credibility of research before publication.
122
Fill in the blank: ________ is the systematic investigation of a phenomenon to establish facts.
Research
123
What does a sociologist aim to understand through research?
Patterns of social behavior and the factors that influence them.
124
Which type of research is primarily exploratory and seeks to generate hypotheses?
Qualitative research
125
True or False: Descriptive statistics summarize data without making inferences.
True
126
What is a focus group?
A small group of people discussing a specific topic to gather qualitative data.
127
Fill in the blank: In research, ________ refers to the consistency of a measure.
Reliability
128
What is participant observation?
A qualitative research method where the researcher immerses themselves in the group being studied.
129
Which research method is best for establishing cause-and-effect relationships?
Experimental research
130
True or False: Surveys are typically used for qualitative research.
False
131
What is the role of the researcher in quantitative research?
To collect and analyze numerical data to test hypotheses.
132
Fill in the blank: The ________ variable is manipulated in an experiment.
Independent
133
What is secondary data analysis?
The analysis of data collected by someone else for a different purpose.
134
Which type of research design is most appropriate for exploring complex social phenomena?
Qualitative research design
135
True or False: Ethical approval is not necessary for sociological research.
False
136
What is a research proposal?
A document outlining a planned research project, including objectives and methodology.
137
Fill in the blank: ________ sampling involves selecting participants based on specific characteristics.
Purposive
138
What does the term 'generalizability' refer to in research?
The extent to which findings from a study can be applied to other contexts.
139
Which of the following is a qualitative data analysis method? (a) Statistical analysis (b) Content analysis (c) Regression analysis
b) Content analysis
140
What is the significance of informed consent in research?
To ensure that participants are fully aware of the research and its potential risks before agreeing to participate.
141
True or False: A variable can have multiple levels or categories.
True
142
What is the main focus of action research?
To solve an immediate problem while simultaneously contributing to theoretical knowledge.
143
Fill in the blank: ________ data is collected through direct observation and interaction.
Primary
144
What is the purpose of using a Likert scale in surveys?
To measure attitudes or opinions on a continuum.
145
Which research method is best suited for hypothesis testing?
Quantitative research
146
True or False: Sociological research can only be conducted in urban settings.
False
147
What is the significance of coding in qualitative research?
To identify and categorize themes within the data.
148
Fill in the blank: The ________ is the group exposed to the treatment in an experiment.
Experimental group
149
What is a mixed-methods research design?
An approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
150
True or False: Observational research can be both structured and unstructured.
True
151
What does 'data triangulation' involve?
Using multiple data sources to enhance the validity of research findings.
152
Fill in the blank: A ________ is a systematic approach to answering a research question.
Methodology
153
What is the role of statistics in sociological research?
To analyze and interpret quantitative data.
154
Which of the following is a qualitative data collection method? (a) Surveys (b) Interviews (c) Experiments
b) Interviews
155
True or False: A control variable is a variable that is held constant in an experiment.
True
156
What is the purpose of a research question?
To guide the focus and direction of a research study.
157
Fill in the blank: A ________ study examines the same subjects over time.
Longitudinal
