research methods

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of sociological research?

Answer 1

To understand social behavior and the structures that influence it.

Question 2

Define quantitative research.

Answer 2

Research that focuses on quantifying relationships, behaviors, or phenomena using statistical methods.

Question 3

What is qualitative research?

Answer 3

Research that seeks to understand social phenomena through in-depth interviews, observations, and analysis of texts.

Question 4

True or False: Surveys are a common method of quantitative research.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 5

A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: In research, a __________ is a variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on another variable.

Answer 6

independent variable

Question 7

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 7

The variable that is measured in an experiment to see how it is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Question 8

Define sampling in research.

Answer 8

The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a population to represent the entire population.

Question 9

What is the difference between random sampling and stratified sampling?

Answer 9

Random sampling selects individuals randomly, while stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups and samples from each.

Question 10

True or False: A case study is a qualitative research method.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

What is the purpose of a literature review?

Answer 11

To summarize and evaluate existing research on a topic to identify gaps and inform new research.

Question 12

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a data collection method? A) Interviews B) Surveys C) Theoretical Frameworks D) Observations

Answer 12

C) Theoretical Frameworks

Question 13

What is ethnography?

Answer 13

A qualitative research method that involves the in-depth study of people in their natural environment.

Question 14

Define participant observation.

Answer 14

A research method where the researcher actively engages in the daily lives of the participants.

Question 15

True or False: Validity refers to the accuracy of a measurement.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

What is reliability in research?

Answer 16

The consistency of a measure or instrument over time.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a detailed description of a research study’s methods and procedures.

Answer 17

methodology

Question 18

What is a pilot study?

Answer 18

A small-scale preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility of a research approach.

Question 19

Multiple Choice: Which type of research design is best for establishing cause-and-effect relationships? A) Descriptive B) Correlational C) Experimental D) Qualitative

Answer 19

C) Experimental

Question 20

What is the significance of ethical considerations in research?

Answer 20

To protect the rights and welfare of research participants.

Question 21

True or False: Informed consent is not necessary for observational research.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

What is a focus group?

Answer 22

A qualitative research method involving guided discussions with a small group of people.

Question 23

Define secondary data.

Answer 23

Data that has been collected by someone else for a different purpose and is used in new research.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: __________ analysis involves examining existing data to draw new conclusions.

Answer 24

Secondary data

Question 25

What is a longitudinal study?

Answer 25

A research study that follows the same subjects over a period of time to observe changes.

Question 26

True or False: Cross-sectional studies analyze data from a population at a single point in time.

Answer 26

True

Question 27

What is the difference between correlation and causation?

Answer 27

Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, while causation implies that one variable directly affects the other.

Question 28

Multiple Choice: What type of sampling involves selecting individuals based on specific characteristics? A) Random B) Systematic C) Purposive D) Snowball

Answer 28

C) Purposive

Question 29

Define operationalization.

Answer 29

The process of defining the measurement of a phenomenon that is not directly measurable.

Question 30

What is a control group?

Answer 30

A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: __________ sampling involves selecting every nth individual from a list.

Answer 31

Systematic

Question 32

True or False: Qualitative data can be analyzed using statistical methods.

Answer 32

False

Question 33

What is a variable?

Answer 33

Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted.

Question 34

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an advantage of qualitative research? A) Generalizability B) Depth of understanding C) Speed of data collection D) Objectivity

Answer 34

B) Depth of understanding

Question 35

What does the term 'bias' refer to in research?

Answer 35

A systematic error that affects the validity of the results.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: __________ validity assesses whether a study measures what it claims to measure.

Answer 36

Construct

Question 37

What is triangulation in research?

Answer 37

The use of multiple methods or data sources to enhance the credibility of research findings.

Question 38

True or False: A mixed-methods approach combines both qualitative and quantitative research.

Answer 38

True

Question 39

What is the purpose of a research question?

Answer 39

To guide the direction and focus of the research study.

Question 40

Define the term 'operational definition.'

Answer 40

A clear and precise definition of how a variable will be measured in a study.

Question 41

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a disadvantage of surveys? A) Cost-effective B) Quick data collection C) Limited depth of responses D) High response rates

Answer 41

C) Limited depth of responses

Question 42

What is a field experiment?

Answer 42

An experiment conducted in a natural setting rather than a laboratory.

Question 43

Fill in the blank: __________ ethics ensure that participants are treated fairly and with respect.

Answer 43

Research

Question 44

True or False: Secondary analysis can provide new insights into existing data.

Answer 44

True

Question 45

What is the main goal of descriptive research?

Answer 45

To provide a detailed account of a phenomenon without manipulating variables.

Question 46

Define 'social desirability bias.'

Answer 46

The tendency of respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others.

Question 47

Multiple Choice: Which type of interview allows for the most flexibility in responses? A) Structured B) Semi-structured C) Unstructured D) Focus group

Answer 47

C) Unstructured

Question 48

What is the role of a researcher in qualitative research?

Answer 48

To interpret and analyze data while acknowledging their own biases and perspectives.

Question 49

Fill in the blank: __________ is a measure of how well a study's findings can be generalized to a larger population.

Answer 49

External validity

Question 50

True or False: Observational research can be conducted without the knowledge of the participants.

Answer 50

True

Question 51

What is the purpose of a research proposal?

Answer 51

To outline the planned research, including objectives, methods, and significance.