Question 1

Laboratory experiments and surveys are more susceptible to reactive measurement effects than are other research approaches.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 2

One problem with composite measures is that adding items together can magnify random measurement error.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 3

Explain how the concept of triangulation is applied in measurement with respect to (a) operational definitions, (b) reliability assessment, and (c) validity assessment.

Accepted Answer

Triangulation is a research method that involves using multiple sources or methods to gather data in order to gain a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of a phenomenon. In measurement, triangulation can be applied in various ways with respect to operational definitions, reliability assessment, and validity assessment.

(a) Operational definitions: Triangulation can be applied in measurement by using multiple operational definitions to ensure that the concept being measured is accurately captured. For example, if we are measuring "job satisfaction," we can use a combination of self-reported surveys, supervisor evaluations, and behavioral observations to triangulate the operational definition of job satisfaction. This helps to ensure that the measurement is comprehensive and not reliant on a single method or source.

(b) Reliability assessment: Triangulation can also be used to assess the reliability of a measurement tool. By comparing the results of different measurement methods or sources, researchers can determine the consistency and stability of the measurement. For example, if a survey, interview, and observation all yield similar results for a particular construct, it provides evidence for the reliability of the measurement.

(c) Validity assessment: Triangulation is also important for assessing the validity of a measurement. By using multiple methods or sources to measure the same construct, researchers can cross-validate their findings and ensure that the measurement accurately captures the intended concept. For example, if a measurement of "leadership effectiveness" is supported by both self-reported surveys and peer evaluations, it provides evidence for the validity of the measurement.

In summary, the concept of triangulation is applied in measurement by using multiple sources or methods to ensure comprehensive operational definitions, assess reliability, and validate the measurement of a particular construct. This approach helps to enhance the accuracy and credibility of the measurement process.

Question 4

The items included in an index are always assumed to be of equal importance.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

In contrast to a Guttman scale, in a summated ratings or Likert scale (Box 13.1),

Accepted Answer

A)  scale items are added together to arrive at a total score. 
B)  total score on the scale indicates the values or responses for every scale item. 
C)  each scale item reflects the underlying continuum of the concept to the same degree. 
D)  the set of items comprising the scale is ordered and cumulative. 
A)  scale items are added together to arrive at a total score. 
B)  total score on the scale indicates the values or responses for every scale item. 
C)  each scale item reflects the underlying continuum of the concept to the same degree. 
D)  the set of items comprising the scale is ordered and cumulative.

Question 6

Probability sampling from a specified target population is common in __________ but rarely found in __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  experiments; field research 
B)  field research; available data research 
C)  field research; experiments 
D)  available data research; surveys 
E)  surveys; experiments 
A)  experiments; field research 
B)  field research; available data research 
C)  field research; experiments 
D)  available data research; surveys 
E)  surveys; experiments

Question 7

Scales differ from indexes in terms of

Accepted Answer

A)  what they are used to measure. 
B)  how items are selected and combined to create the measure. 
C)  the type of indicators or survey items included in the measure. 
D)  how their relationships with other variables can be analyzed. 
A)  what they are used to measure. 
B)  how items are selected and combined to create the measure. 
C)  the type of indicators or survey items included in the measure. 
D)  how their relationships with other variables can be analyzed.

Question 8

Which of the following is not an advantage of composite measures over single-item measures?

Accepted Answer

A)  increased reliability 
B)  lower measurement error 
C)  greater variability 
D)  easier to interpret research results 
A)  increased reliability 
B)  lower measurement error 
C)  greater variability 
D)  easier to interpret research results

Question 9

Meta-analysis uses a statistical approach to draw inferences about a set of independent studies.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Which of the following is not true of meta-analysis?

Accepted Answer

A)  Variables are measured by coding different characteristics of studies. 
B)  Variation in study quality may explain differences in study results. 
C)  Researchers use their personal judgment to synthesize the results of previous studies. 
D)  It tends to share the weaknesses and strengths of the studies included in the analysis. 
A)  Variables are measured by coding different characteristics of studies. 
B)  Variation in study quality may explain differences in study results. 
C)  Researchers use their personal judgment to synthesize the results of previous studies. 
D)  It tends to share the weaknesses and strengths of the studies included in the analysis.

Question 11

Which basic approach to social research produces the strongest inferences about causal relationships?

Accepted Answer

A)  experimentation 
B)  survey research 
C)  field research 
D)  available-data research 
A)  experimentation 
B)  survey research 
C)  field research 
D)  available-data research

Question 12

Triangulation strengthens the conclusion that a finding is not due to measurement error or uncontrolled extraneous variables.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Which of the following is true about replications in social research?

Accepted Answer

A)  They are frequently reported in the social science literature. 
B)  They are most commonly found in experimental research. 
C)  They duplicate the exact conditions of the original study. 
D)  They are regarded as cost-effective investments of time and money. 
A)  They are frequently reported in the social science literature. 
B)  They are most commonly found in experimental research. 
C)  They duplicate the exact conditions of the original study. 
D)  They are regarded as cost-effective investments of time and money.

Question 14

The study of the effects of abuse on marriage and cohabitation combined survey research with the analysis of available data.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Meta-analysis is a form of which approach to social research?

Accepted Answer

A)  experimentation 
B)  survey research 
C)  field research 
D)  analysis of available data 
A)  experimentation 
B)  survey research 
C)  field research 
D)  analysis of available data

Question 16

Which of the following is not an example of triangulation?

Accepted Answer

A)  using three different questions to measure the same concept 
B)  replicating an experiment with a different manipulation of the independent variable 
C)  asking the same question to a large sample of respondents 
D)  using both experimentation and the analysis of available data to test the same hypothesis 
E)  using a team of investigators in field research 
A)  using three different questions to measure the same concept 
B)  replicating an experiment with a different manipulation of the independent variable 
C)  asking the same question to a large sample of respondents 
D)  using both experimentation and the analysis of available data to test the same hypothesis 
E)  using a team of investigators in field research

Question 17

In a meta-analysis, the researcher

Accepted Answer

A)  obtains the raw data from and replicates the data analysis in selected previous studies. 
B)  uses all four approaches to test the same hypothesis. 
C)  synthesizes the results of previous studies on a research question. 
D)  investigates two or more hypotheses regarding the same social phenomenon. 
A)  obtains the raw data from and replicates the data analysis in selected previous studies. 
B)  uses all four approaches to test the same hypothesis. 
C)  synthesizes the results of previous studies on a research question. 
D)  investigates two or more hypotheses regarding the same social phenomenon.

Question 18

Checks on reliability and validity are more readily available in field research than in other research approaches.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

The choice of a research strategy should be determined primarily by what the researcher has been trained best to do.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

Surveys are the strongest approach in terms of internal validity.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Laboratory experiments and surveys are more susceptible to reactive measurement effects than are other research approaches.

One problem with composite measures is that adding items together can magnify random measurement error.

Explain how the concept of triangulation is applied in measurement with respect to (a) operational definitions, (b) reliability assessment, and (c) validity assessment.

The items included in an index are always assumed to be of equal importance.

In contrast to a Guttman scale, in a summated ratings or Likert scale (Box 13.1),

Probability sampling from a specified target population is common in but rarely found in .

Scales differ from indexes in terms of

Which of the following is not an advantage of composite measures over single-item measures?

Meta-analysis uses a statistical approach to draw inferences about a set of independent studies.

Which of the following is not true of meta-analysis?

Which basic approach to social research produces the strongest inferences about causal relationships?

Triangulation strengthens the conclusion that a finding is not due to measurement error or uncontrolled extraneous variables.

Which of the following is true about replications in social research?

The study of the effects of abuse on marriage and cohabitation combined survey research with the analysis of available data.

Meta-analysis is a form of which approach to social research?

Which of the following is not an example of triangulation?

In a meta-analysis, the researcher

Checks on reliability and validity are more readily available in field research than in other research approaches.

The choice of a research strategy should be determined primarily by what the researcher has been trained best to do.

Surveys are the strongest approach in terms of internal validity.

Introduction

The Nature of Science

Research Ethics

Elements of Research Design

Measurement

Sampling

Experimentation

Experimental Designs

Survey Research

Survey Instrumentation

Field Research

Research Using Available Data

Data Processing and Elementary Data Analysis

Multivariate Analysis

Writing Research Reports

Filters

Exam 13: Multiple Methods

Laboratory experiments and surveys are more susceptible to reactive measurement effects than are other research approaches.

One problem with composite measures is that adding items together can magnify random measurement error.

Explain how the concept of triangulation is applied in measurement with respect to (a) operational definitions, (b) reliability assessment, and (c) validity assessment.

The items included in an index are always assumed to be of equal importance.

In contrast to a Guttman scale, in a summated ratings or Likert scale (Box 13.1),

Probability sampling from a specified target population is common in __________ but rarely found in __________.

Scales differ from indexes in terms of

Which of the following is not an advantage of composite measures over single-item measures?

Meta-analysis uses a statistical approach to draw inferences about a set of independent studies.

Which of the following is not true of meta-analysis?

Which basic approach to social research produces the strongest inferences about causal relationships?

Triangulation strengthens the conclusion that a finding is not due to measurement error or uncontrolled extraneous variables.

Which of the following is true about replications in social research?

The study of the effects of abuse on marriage and cohabitation combined survey research with the analysis of available data.

Meta-analysis is a form of which approach to social research?

Which of the following is not an example of triangulation?

In a meta-analysis, the researcher

Checks on reliability and validity are more readily available in field research than in other research approaches.

The choice of a research strategy should be determined primarily by what the researcher has been trained best to do.

Surveys are the strongest approach in terms of internal validity.

Introduction

The Nature of Science

Research Ethics

Elements of Research Design

Measurement

Sampling

Experimentation

Experimental Designs

Survey Research

Survey Instrumentation

Field Research

Research Using Available Data

Data Processing and Elementary Data Analysis

Multivariate Analysis

Writing Research Reports

Filters

Probability sampling from a specified target population is common in but rarely found in .