Exam 4: Factors Influencing the Research Process

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

A study within the critical social science paradigm focuses on understanding and challenging power dynamics, social inequalities, and oppressive structures within society. This paradigm often utilizes qualitative research methods such as interviews, participant observation, and critical discourse analysis to uncover the complexities of social issues.

However, if a study within the critical social science paradigm were to incorporate research methods associated with the positivist paradigm, it would need to carefully consider the potential limitations and implications of doing so. Positivist research methods, such as quantitative surveys and experiments, prioritize objectivity, generalizability, and the identification of causal relationships. These methods may not align with the critical social science paradigm's emphasis on understanding subjective experiences, power dynamics, and social constructions.

If a study were to integrate positivist research methods within the critical social science paradigm, it would need to do so with a critical lens. This could involve using quantitative data to uncover patterns of inequality or to challenge dominant narratives, rather than seeking to establish universal laws or objective truths. Additionally, the study would need to acknowledge the limitations of positivist methods in capturing the complexities of social issues and ensure that the research process remains reflexive and sensitive to the voices and experiences of marginalized groups.

Ultimately, conducting a study within the critical social science paradigm using research methods associated with the positivist paradigm would require a careful and critical approach to ensure that the research aligns with the paradigm's goals of challenging power dynamics and promoting social justice.

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

Exploratory research is conducted to explore a new area of interest, identify potential variables, and generate hypotheses for future research. Descriptive research seeks to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon, often through the use of surveys, observations, or case studies. Explanatory research aims to uncover the underlying reasons and motivations behind a particular social phenomenon or behavior.

For example, a social work research study that illustrates exploratory purposes could be a qualitative study that explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, aiming to identify potential factors affecting their mental health and well-being.

A study that serves a descriptive purpose might involve conducting a survey to assess the prevalence of substance abuse among homeless individuals in a specific urban area, in order to understand the scope of the issue and inform future intervention strategies.

An explanatory research study could involve conducting interviews with survivors of domestic violence to uncover the underlying reasons why some individuals stay in abusive relationships, aiming to provide insights into the complex dynamics of domestic violence and inform more effective intervention approaches.

In each of these examples, the purpose of the research study aligns with the specific goal of exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory research, and the findings can contribute to a deeper understanding of the social issues being investigated.

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

The inductive model of theory construction involves gathering specific observations and data and then using them to form a general theory or hypothesis. This approach starts with specific instances and then seeks to find patterns or regularities that can be generalized into a broader theory. In contrast, the deductive model of theory construction begins with a general theory or hypothesis and then seeks to test it by gathering specific observations and data to see if they support or refute the theory.

An example of research that uses the inductive model is ethnographic research in anthropology. Ethnographers immerse themselves in a particular culture or community, gather specific observations and data, and then use these to develop broader theories about the culture or society they are studying.

On the other hand, an example of research that uses the deductive model is experimental research in psychology. Psychologists often start with a general hypothesis about human behavior, design experiments to test this hypothesis, and then gather specific data to see if it supports or refutes the hypothesis.

In summary, the inductive model starts with specific observations and forms a general theory, while the deductive model starts with a general theory and seeks to test it with specific observations. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and researchers may choose to use one or the other depending on the nature of their research question and the available evidence.