Research Methods Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is positivism in sociology?
A philosophical approach that emphasizes empirical evidence and scientific methods in understanding social phenomena.
True or False: Interpretivism focuses on the subjective meanings and experiences of individuals.
True
Fill in the blank: Qualitative research methods are often associated with __________.
Interpretivism
What is the main goal of sociological research methods?
To systematically study social behavior and society.
Which research method is characterized by the collection of numerical data?
Quantitative research
What type of research design uses surveys and experiments?
Quantitative research design
True or False: Positivism rejects the use of qualitative data.
False
What is a key feature of interpretive research?
Emphasis on understanding the meanings individuals attach to their actions.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a qualitative research method? A) Interviews B) Surveys C) Focus groups D) Ethnography
B) Surveys
What is a common criticism of positivism?
It may overlook the complexity of human behavior by focusing solely on observable phenomena.
What is the primary focus of quantitative research?
To quantify relationships and test hypotheses using statistical methods.
True or False: Mixed methods research incorporates both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
True
What type of data is primarily used in interpretivist research?
Qualitative data
What is the role of a researcher in interpretivist studies?
To understand and interpret the subjective experiences of participants.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the positivist approach? A) Subjective interpretation B) Objective measurement C) Emotional understanding D) Cultural analysis
B) Objective measurement
What methodology is often used by positivists to gather data?
Surveys and experiments
Fill in the blank: In interpretivism, the researcher aims to uncover the __________ of social actions.
Meaning
What is the significance of reliability in quantitative research?
It ensures that the results can be consistently replicated under similar conditions.
True or False: Case studies are exclusively a quantitative research method.
False
What does the term ‘social phenomena’ refer to?
Observable patterns of behavior within society.
What is a major strength of qualitative research?
It provides in-depth insights into participants’ thoughts and feelings.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common data collection method in qualitative research? A) Questionnaires B) Experiments C) Interviews D) Statistical analysis
C) Interviews
What is the importance of context in interpretivist research?
Context helps to understand the social and cultural factors influencing behavior.
__________ is a technique often used in qualitative research to gather detailed information.
In-depth interviews
