Deck 5: Qualitative Research: Getting Into the Mind of a Serial Killer

Question 1

Which of the following is a key goal of qualitative research?

A) understanding individuals in a specific context
B) consistency
C) generalizability of results
D) validity

Answer 1

A

Question 2

What is triangulation?

A) an approach in which a researcher develops a theory by exploring a topic using information provided from the participant's direct experiences
B) a research strategy that involves using multiple techniques to assess the same information
C) an approach that tests preconceptions and previously established theories with collected data
D) when actions of the interviewer influence the participant's responses

Answer 2

B

Question 3

All of the following are identified key aspects of qualitative research EXCEPT:

A) it uses very little hypothesis testing.
B) it favors studying participants in well-controlled laboratory settings.
C) it generally does not seek to establish cause and effect.
D) it avoids summating, categorizing, or reducing the data in any way during data collection.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a concern for qualitative research?

A) demand characteristics
B) social desirability bias
C) interviewer bias
D) generalizability of results to a broader population

Question 5

In a multi-phase study Sue begins by conducting a focus group. She then uses that information to develop a written measure that is administered to a new group of participants. By using different measures to assess the same topic of interest, Sue is using:

A) triangulation.
B) mixed methods research.
C) reflexivity.
D) a holistic analysis.

Question 6

Muriel is examining whether increased educational opportunity leads to greater levels of positivity among prisoners by conducting in-depth interviews with several inmates. Muriel is engaging in:

A) triangulation.
B) quantitative research.
C) qualitative research.
D) ethnographic research.

Question 7

Research that focuses on gaining in-depth information about a few individuals with the goal of developing a more thorough understanding of their perspectives and experiences is called:

A) qualitative research.
B) quantitative research.
C) mixed methods research.
D) experimental research.

Question 8

_____ is a middle ground that includes the strengths, but omits the weaknesses, of both qualitative and quantitative research.

A) Experimental studies
B) Correlational studies
C) Bottom-up studies
D) Mixed methods research

Question 9

Where do qualitative research studies generally take place?

A) in a research laboratory
B) in their natural setting
C) in a structured setting
D) online

Question 10

Mixed methods research is:

A) a method that uses numbers and statistics to objectively examine associations between variables, predict outcomes, and make comparisons.
B) research that focuses on gaining in-depth information on a few individuals with the goal of developing a more thorough understanding of their perspectives and experiences.
C) a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methods that capitalizes on the strengths of each to examine a research question.
D) the process of using multiple techniques to assess the same information.

Question 11

Which type of study provides little guidance or structure and is unconcerned with keeping participants' experiences as similar as possible?

A) qualitative research
B) quantitative research
C) mixed research
D) bottom-up approach

Question 12

Upon completion of data collection, Julian will use statistics to look for meaningful relationships between the variables under investigation. In this study Julian is using:

A) qualitative research.
B) quantitative research.
C) mixed methods research.
D) nonexperimental research.

Question 13

Louise can increase the reliability of her qualitative research results by using:

A) inductive reasoning.
B) validity.
C) triangulation.
D) demand characteristics.

Question 14

Luna has developed a research question that requires her to interview participants regarding their childhood experiences as well as complete surveys that ask participants questions about their current level of functioning. What approach is Luna using for her research question?

A) qualitative approach
B) quantitative approach
C) mixed-methods approach
D) holistic approach

Question 15

As a result of qualitative researchers having the opportunity to ask participants to clarify their responses or provide a chance to correct any misunderstanding, there is limited concern about:

A) generalizability.
B) grounded theory.
C) triangulation.
D) validity.

Question 16

Quantitative research is well-suited for each of the following, EXCEPT:

A) determining how variables relate.
B) predicting outcomes.
C) gaining detailed descriptions of experience and perspective.
D) making comparisons.

Question 17

Olivia is conducting a longitudinal study on adolescence. During the first wave she interviewed each participant about their familial relationships. She used the information she obtained to develop a measure of familial relationships that she administered during the second wave of the study. In the first wave, Olivia used _____, in the second wave she used _____.

A) qualitative research; quantitative research
B) quantitative research; qualitative research
C) interview data; archival data
D) archival data; interview data

Question 18

Which of the following is a key feature of qualitative research?

A) The researcher attempts to minimize his/her influence in the research process.
B) It generally seeks to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
C) It provides conclusions using summaries, categories, and generalizations.
D) It favors studying participants in natural settings.

Question 19

Quantitative research is:

A) a method that uses numbers and statistics to objectively examine associations between variables, predict outcomes, and make comparisons.
B) research that focuses on gaining in-depth information on a few individuals with the goal of developing a more thorough understanding of their perspectives and experiences.
C) a blend of research methods that capitalizes on the strengths of each to examine a research question.
D) the process of using multiple techniques to assess the same information.

Question 20

Which of the following is a key feature of quantitative research?

A) It favors studying participants in well-controlled laboratory settings.
B) The researcher has a large influence in the research process and acknowledges that role.
C) It values each participant's perspective and insight into their own experience.
D) It avoids summating, categorizing, or reducing data in any way during data collection.

Question 21

Which of the following would allow for a situated analysis of peer pressure?

A) a study of conformity conducted in a research laboratory
B) an observational study conducted within a middle school
C) informant data from participants' friends on their feelings toward peer pressure
D) a study utilizing archival data found in a high school yearbook

Question 22

The top-down approach is where researchers:

A) develop a theory by exploring a topic using information provided from the participant's direct experiences.
B) use numbers and statistics to objectively examine associations between variables, predict outcomes, and make comparisons.
C) test preconceptions and previously established theories with collected data.
D) perform the process of using multiple techniques to assess the same information.

Question 23

For topics on which there is little research or information, it is best to let participants' information guide the development of a theory. This is known as:

A) a bottom-up approach.
B) quantitative research.
C) mixed research.
D) a top-down approach.

Question 24

The number of inferences made on the part of the researcher is _____ for qualitative research than for quantitative research.

A) higher
B) lower
C) the same
D) exactly one more

Question 25

A holistic analysis is:

A) a method that examines a topic while it is embedded within its naturally occurring context.
B) one that seeks to understand a human experience and the meaning of experiences based on how those involved view the situation.
C) one in which the researcher examines how numerous properties contribute to the larger whole.
D) the process of using multiple techniques to assess the same information.

Question 26

A research approach that uses the views of the people involved in the situation to understand the experience and its meaning is called the:

A) holistic approach.
B) situated approach.
C) archival approach.
D) phenomenological approach.

Question 27

A researcher utilizes a bottom-up approach when he or she:

A) develops a theory by exploring a topic using information provided from the participant's direct experiences.
B) uses numbers and statistics to objectively examine associations between variables, predict outcomes, and make comparisons.
C) focuses on gaining in-depth information on the entire population with the goal of developing a more thorough understanding of their perspectives and experiences.
D) the process of using multiple techniques to assess the same information.

Question 28

_____ is a practice through which the researcher monitors and records his/her role in the data collection on a continuous basis during the study, which allows for a more accurate assessment of the researcher's influence.

A) Validity
B) Replication
C) Triangulation
D) Reflexivity

Question 29

Gestalt psychology is a school of thought that believes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Which qualitative research approach most closely mirrors the tenets of Gestalt psychology?

A) archival analysis
B) phenomenological analysis
C) holistic analysis
D) situated analysis

Question 30

Which is the correct order of operations in a top-down approach?

A) gather information; formulate theory; confirm or reject predictions
B) make a theory-based prediction; gather information; confirm or reject predictions
C) confirm or reject predictions; formulate theory; gather information
D) gather information; confirm or reject predictions; formulate theory

Question 31

The type of qualitative research that uses detailed and typically long-term observations or interactions to situate a phenomenon in the proper cultural context of those being studied is called:

A) action research.
B) a case study.
C) a focus group.
D) an ethnography.

Question 32

A top-down approach is _____, whereas a bottom-up approach is _____.

A) information first; theme first
B) information first; theory first
C) theory first; information first
D) theory first; prediction first

Question 33

The phenomenological approach:

A) examines how numerous properties contribute to patterns within the larger and more complex system.
B) examines a topic while it is embedded within its naturally occurring context.
C) seeks to understand a human experience and the meaning of experiences based on how those involved view the situation.
D) is the process of using multiple techniques to assess the same information.

Question 34

Nicole recently lost her home in the southern United States as a result of a devastating tornado last spring, and Rick's home in the Midwest was severely damaged during the same string of tornadoes. A(n) _____ approach would allow researchers to thoroughly investigate the meaning of those experiences to each individual.

A) holistic
B) situated
C) archival
D) phenomenological

Question 35

A _____ analysis is where a researcher examines how numerous properties contribute to patterns within the larger and more complex system.

A) triangulated
B) holistic
C) situated
D) phenomenological

Question 36

Dr. Potter is a developmental psychologist who studies teacher-student interactions. If she goes into participants' schools to gather data from both teachers and students, then Dr. Potter is utilizing a:

A) quantitative analysis.
B) mixed methods analysis.
C) holistic analysis.
D) situated analysis.

Question 37

_____ is an approach where the researcher examines a given research question while it is embedded within its naturally occurring context.

A) Conversation analysis
B) Content analysis
C) Situated analysis
D) Holistic analysis

Question 38

The first step in a top-down approach to research is:

A) formulate theory.
B) make a theory-based prediction.
C) explore themes and patterns.
D) gather information.

Question 39

Which of the following is a type of qualitative research?

A) correlation
B) narrative analysis
C) experiment
D) factor analysis

Question 40

Each of the following is a type of qualitative research, EXCEPT:

A) action research.
B) an ethnography.
C) an experiment.
D) the postmodern approach.

Question 41

Boyd is a journalist with the local paper and is working on a story regarding new education legislation. Boyd plans to interview several teachers, principals, and lawmakers regarding their thoughts on the new legislation. Boyd prefers that his interviews are more conversational and typically does not plan questions ahead of time. Boyd is likely to engage in which type of interview?

A) structured
B) unstructured
C) semi-unstructured
D) semistructured

Question 42

An advantage of interviews is _____, whereas a disadvantage is _____.

A) the ability to ask follow-up questions; the ability to establish rapport
B) greater control; the ability to ask follow-up questions
C) the ability to ask follow-up questions; their artificial format
D) artificiality; greater control

Question 43

Deborah would like to get consumers' feedback about a new product before it is officially launched. What might be an effective way to gather many opinions at once that allows for the interplay and discussion of ideas on the topic?

A) interview
B) case study
C) focus group
D) research study

Question 44

_____ is an examination of first-person stories or descriptions of one's life that the researcher evaluates from the storyteller's point of view.

A) Action research
B) Narrative analysis
C) Focus group
D) Ethnography

Question 45

Which of the following is an interview type?

A) top-down
B) bottom-up
C) mixed methods
D) semi-structured

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT archival data?

A) Facebook profiles
B) answers to questionnaires administered during a laboratory experiment
C) marriage licenses
D) newspaper articles

Question 47

Hector is asked by his teacher to gain a more personalized understanding of immigration to the United States. Hector decided to ask his grandfather questions about his immigration experience. Hector conducted a(n):

A) focus group.
B) interview.
C) case study.
D) research study.

Question 48

A(n) _____ is a data collection format where several participants gather together to discuss a topic.

A) research study
B) case study
C) interview
D) focus group

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a form of qualitative methodology?

A) case study
B) focus group
C) experimental study
D) phenomenological approach

Question 50

_____ is an examination of first-person stories of one's life analyzed from the storyteller's perspective, whereas _____ is an analysis technique examining the natural patterns of dialogue including nonverbal features of communication.

A) Narrative analysis; conversation analysis
B) Narrative analysis; case study
C) Conversation analysis; narrative analysis
D) Conversation analysis; case study

Question 51

Interviews can be conducted in all of the following ways, EXCEPT:

A) face-to-face.
B) via e-mail.
C) using archival data.
D) over the telephone.

Question 52

A(n) _____ is a comprehensive study of a specific organization, group, or person studied over an extended period.

A) interview
B) focus group
C) case study
D) research study

Question 53

A perspective that explicitly questions basic assumptions about the nature and capabilities of research is known as:

A) grounded theory technique.
B) visual ethnography.
C) the postmodern approach.
D) conversation analysis.

Question 54

During a lecture on impression formation Dr. Markowitz urges his students to think about what they share online. He reminds them that their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts are all forms of _____ data that may be used as evidence or justification for others' negative opinions of them.

A) holistic
B) situated
C) phenomenological
D) archival

Question 55

Case studies:

A) can always be generalized to a larger sample.
B) can be generalized to a larger sample when the person, group, or organization studied is similar to others on the variable of interest.
C) can be generalized to a larger sample when they are conducted on children.
D) cannot be generalized to a larger sample.

Question 56

Freud was a proponent of _____, as he believed that a therapist needed an extended amount of time with each client to thoroughly understand the hidden aspects of a patient's unconscious.

A) case studies
B) focus groups
C) research studies
D) the phenomenological approach

Question 57

Which of the following would be archival data?

A) behavioral choice data collected during a laboratory experiment
B) observations of behavior
C) informant reports by friends and family
D) health records

Question 58

Milly decides to interview her aunt, who participated in several protests during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. She wants to gain the greatest amount of data possible from this interview; therefore, she plans to communicate with her aunt through:

A) face-to-face conversation.
B) e-mail.
C) instant messaging.
D) the telephone.

Question 59

_____ is an interview approach in which the researcher preplans some questions and remains flexible on other questions.

A) Structured
B) Unstructured
C) Semi-unstructured
D) Semistructured

Question 60

Caroline has prepared specific questions prior to her interview with the new town mayor for the local college newspaper. Caroline plans to ask her questions in a specific order. Caroline is conducted what type of interview?

A) structured
B) unstructured
C) semi-unstructured
D) semistructured

Question 61

Gloria is studying adjustment to parental divorce. During an interview, she asks each of her participants to focus specifically on the moment they learned that their parents were divorcing. Gloria is using:

A) triangulation.
B) critical incident technique.
C) reflexivity.
D) a phenomenological approach.

Question 62

Which of the following is a subtle way that researchers can influence an interview?

A) asking leading questions
B) having a personal agenda
C) researcher's attire
D) angling for professional gain

Question 63

A(n) _____ case study is used when a researcher has a direct interest in a particular unique case, whereas a(n) _____ case study compares multiple cases.

A) collective; descriptive
B) descriptive; exploratory
C) exploratory; intrinsic
D) intrinsic; collective

Question 64

Cristina has been conducting a case study with a patient at a local hospital suffering from Alzheimer's disease. She wants to gain more information about how the patient and his family are affected by Alzheimer's and how the medical treatments affect the patient's day-to-day functioning. Cristina is conducting which kind of case study?

A) descriptive
B) explanatory
C) exploratory
D) intrinsic

Question 65

Isaac has developed a research question regarding the impact of environmental conscientiousness and daily behaviors. Isaac plans to engage in interviews to address this question. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of an interview procedure?

A) state the purpose of the interview
B) use a focus group
C) identify potential participants to be interviewed
D) determine questions to be asked

Question 66

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good interviewer?

A) tolerant
B) attentive
C) impatient
D) sensitive

Question 67

Which of the following is NOT a type of case study?

A) descriptive
B) intrinsic
C) focus group
D) explanatory

Question 68

Adrian wants to ensure that his interviewees provide accurate and valid responses and are not affected by interviewee fatigue. Adrian plans to have interviews be no longer than:

A) 10 minutes.
B) 30 minutes.
C) 60 minutes.
D) 120 minutes.

Question 69

An instrumental case study is designed to:

A) compare multiple case studies.
B) serve a specific purpose.
C) provide an explanation as to why an intervention produced a certain outcome.
D) seek information about how an intervention operates in the real world.

Question 70

Which of the following is a blatant way that researchers can influence an interview?

A) demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, race)
B) physical attractiveness
C) attire
D) leading questions

Question 71

When conducting an interview, researchers need to do each of the following, EXCEPT:

A) identify potential participants.
B) randomly assign participants to conditions.
C) determine the questions to be asked.
D) establish a question order.

Question 72

Good interviews include:

A) long questions that provoke short answers.
B) rhetorical questions.
C) preconceived notions by the interviewer to guide conversation.
D) short questions that provoke long answers.

Question 73

Allison is conducting an interview where she is planning on "winging it" by making up questions as the topics present themselves. Ashley, on the other hand, has a set list of questions and a prepared order of presentation that she intends to use. Allison is using a(n) _____ interview and Ashley is using a(n) _____ interview.

A) unstructured; semistructured
B) structured; unstructured
C) semistructured; unstructured
D) unstructured; structured

Question 74

A(n) _____ is a protocol that includes the questions a researcher plans to ask and the anticipated order of question presentation.

A) interview schedule
B) case study
C) critical incident technique
D) conversation analysis

Question 75

A critical incident technique is when researchers:

A) purposefully have the interviewee focus on a key event or specific behavior.
B) develop a theory by exploring a topic using information provided from the participant's direct experiences.
C) test preconceptions and previously established theories with collected data.
D) use multiple techniques to assess the same information.

Question 76

There was a recent robbery at the local bank. Lucia is a detective with the police department and is interviewing several bank personnel regarding the event. Lucia has the bank personnel focus specifically on the robbery and only asks questions relevant to the robbery. Lucia is using which interview technique?

A) open-ended
B) semistructured
C) critical incident
D) unstructured

Question 77

Which of the following is a characteristic of a good interviewer?

A) disorganized
B) knowledgeable
C) nervous
D) ill-prepared

Question 78

A(n) _____ case study seeks to outline the potential outcomes of an intervention.

A) descriptive
B) intrinsic
C) explanatory
D) exploratory

Question 79

In the context of a qualitative interview, leading questions can be helpful in that they allow the researcher to:

A) bias results.
B) fact-check.
C) intimidate the participant.
D) triangulate.

Question 80

A quantitative researcher would be most likely to use _____ interviews, whereas a qualitative researcher would be more likely to use _____ interviews.

A) unstructured; semistructured
B) structured; semistructured
C) semistructured; unstructured
D) unstructured; structured