Deck 4: Making Arguments for Association and Causality

Question 1

Precision refers to

A) Detailed accuracy in defining and measuring communication variables
B) A preference for broadly applicable definitions
C) Succinct descriptions and explanations of variables and their relationships.
D) Both A and B.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

When researchers start with observations and then derive their claims about the communication being observed, they are using which type of reasoning?

A) Causal
B) Deductive
C) Inductive
D) None of the above

Answer 2

C

Question 3

A researcher creates a categorizing scheme for all of the competitive strategies people use in their interaction with each other. This scheme is called a:

A) Construct schema
B) Taxonomy
C) Scale
D) Variable

Answer 3

B

Question 4

A researcher predicts that the variable biological sex will yield significant differences in the frequency of talk over a 30-minute conversation. Frequency of talk is called the:

A) Intervening variable
B) Independent variable
C) Dependent variable
D) Construct variable

Question 5

Which of the following can be said about the hypothesis "biological sex will yield significant differences in the frequency of talk over a 30-minute conversation"?

A) It tests a causal prediction
B) It is an associative hypothesis
C) There is no independent variable
D) Both a. and c

Question 6

To determine a causal relationship, which condition(s) is necessary?

A) Covariation
B) Time Order
C) Control over rival explanations
D) All of the above

Question 7

A researcher uses videotaped conversations between married couples to investigate self-disclosure in intimate relationships. What is the data source?

A) Self-report
B) Other-report
C) Observed behavior
D) Texts

Question 8

What is the most effective procedure for measuring respondents' own beliefs, attitudes, and values?

A) Observing behavior directly
B) Collecting participants' self-reports
C) Collecting participants' other-reports
D) Analyzing archival texts

Question 9

To find participants for your study, you stop students in the cafeteria and ask them to complete your survey. You are using this approach to sampling:

A) Snowball sampling
B) Systematic sampling
C) Purposive sampling
D) Convenience sampling

Question 10

Research suggests that the use of this non-random sampling method improved both the accuracy and representation in the samples

A) Network sampling
B) Quota sampling
C) Convenience sampling
D) Systematic sampling

Question 11

The list that a researcher uses to locate all the elements in a population, and from which sample elements will be selected, is called a

A) Master list
B) Sampling error
C) Sampling frame
D) Population directory

Question 12

In quantitative social science research, bias refers to

A) Systemic patterns of constant error that threaten result accuracy
B) The researcher's attitude toward the study
C) Prejudice against the subjects of a research study
D) Inaccuracy in applying the results of a study

Question 13

In my study of leadership, I want to assure consistency in my leadership group so I assess them by having them complete a leadership instrument several different times throughout the semester. I am assessing reliability with:

A) Internal consistency.
B) Intercoder agreement.
C) Equivalence.
D) Stability.

Question 14

Using a panel of judges to validate your variable definitions is a procedure that helps to establish

A) Concurrent validity
B) Construct validity
C) Content validity
D) Homogeneity

Question 15

In one study, participants filled an instrument in which several items were used to measure interpersonal competence to see if responses on these items were similar. This assessed what form of reliability?

A) Internal consistency
B) Stability through test-retest
C) Equivalence
D) Stability through intercoder agreement

Question 16

You and another student in your class have agreed to work together to identify every threat and promise made by your instructor during class sessions over a two-week period. When you assess the degree to which you both identified the same threats and promises, you will be concerned about:

A) The validity of the coding scheme
B) Intercoder reliability
C) Interrater reliability
D) Stability through test-retest

Question 17

A researcher who attempts to validate a set of results by repeating the same study in a different setting is concerned with

A) Construct validity
B) Divergent validity
C) Ecological validity
D) Internal validity

Question 18

Which sources of error contribute to inconsistent measurement?

A) Random individual differences
B) Lack of instrument clarity
C) Errors in data processing
D) All of these sources of error threaten measurement reliability.

Question 19

Quantitative social science research's focus on prediction and control arises from its central core value of:

A) Objectivity
B) Social justice
C) Subjectivity
D) All of the above

Question 20

Unlike research questions, hypotheses

A) Are explanatory only and not predictive
B) Are predictive only and not explanatory
C) Can be both explanatory and predictive
D) None of the above
Essays:

Question 21

Identify and give examples of each of the four types of data sources.

Question 22

Contrast the simple random sampling method with non-random sampling method. Give a reason that a researcher might prefer random sampling and a reason that a researcher might choose nonrandom sampling.

Question 23

Discuss two ways that researchers try to ensure internal/external validity and two ways they try to ensure measurement reliability.

Question 24

Explain the three sources of random error and suggest how you might respond to each source of error to try to control for it.