Deck 2: Sociological Research Methods

Question 1

With __________ research,interpretative description (words) rather than statistics (numbers) is used to analyze underlying meanings and patterns of social relationships.

A) qualitative
B) observational
C) quantitative
D) explanatory

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Sociologists obtain their knowledge of human behavior through __________,which result(s) in a body of information that helps us move beyond guesswork and common sense in understanding society.

A) common sense ideas
B) research
C) myths
D) scientific laws

Answer 2

B

Question 3

A __________ is a set of logically interrelated statements that attempts to describe,explain,and (occasionally) predict social events.

A) statement
B) theory
C) commonsense approach
D) testimonial

Answer 3

B

Question 4

In Suicide,sociologist Emile Durkheim documented that a high suicide rate was symptomatic of a large-scale social problem.This research was in direct contradiction to the historically held notion that suicide was:

A) a mass community problem
B) a regional issue
C) small-scale religious bigotry
D) a psychological illness

Question 5

If we use the __________ approach to determine why people commit suicide,we start by formulating a theory about the "causes" of suicide and then test our theory by collecting and analyzing data (such as vital statistics on suicides).
A) explanatory

A) deductive
B) inductive
C) normative

Question 6

Which approach to the theory-and-research cycle does the following sequence reflect: (1) specific observations suggest generalizations, (2) generalizations produce a tentative theory, (3) the theory is tested through the formation of hypotheses,and (4) hypotheses may provide suggestions for additional observations?

A) explanatory
B) deductive
C) normative
D) inductive

Question 7

A researcher wanting to investigate the moral beliefs,traditions,religious views,and customs in regards to physician-assisted suicide would use the ____________ approach.

A) empirical
B) explanatory
C) observational
D) normative

Question 8

A trademark of sociology involves the unmasking of fallacies in the everyday and official interpretations of society.This process is called:

A) debunking
B) demystifying
C) deductive reasoning
D) reformative

Question 9

Researchers in one study examined the effects of church membership,divorce,and migration on suicide rates in the United States and using complex statistical techniques,concluded that suicide rates are typically higher where divorce and migration rates are higher and church membership is lower.This is an example of:

A) observational research
B) quantitative research
C) explanatory research
D) qualitative research

Question 10

In a(n) __________ study of suicide,sociologists might ask: Why do African American men over age sixty-five have a significantly lower suicide rate than white males in the same age bracket?

A) descriptive
B) explanatory
C) evaluative
D) observational

Question 11

The relationship between theory and research has been referred to as a
Continuous cycle.The theory and research cycle consists of two approaches.In the __________ approach,the researcher collects information or data (facts or evidence) and then generates theories from the analysis of that data.

A) normative
B) deductive
C) inductive
D) explanatory

Question 12

Durkheim's research on suicide documented that suicide was a large-scale social problem and not an isolated individual problem.This would be an example of:

A) demystifying
B) myth making
C) debunking
D) formative approach

Question 13

A researcher attempting to study physician assisted suicide through the systematic collection and analysis of data would use the ____________ approach.

A) empirical
B) explanatory
C) normative
D) descriptive

Question 14

Eric wants to test his hypothesis that unemployed men are more likely to commit spousal abuse than men who are employed.He is most likely to use a __________ to test his hypothesis.

A) qualitative approach
B) quantitative approach
C) discriminant approach
D) variable approach

Question 15

The __________ approach attempts to answer questions through systematic collection and analysis of data.This approach is referred to as the conventional model,or the "scientific method," and is based on the assumption that knowledge is best gained by direct,systematic observation.

A) descriptive
B) empirical
C) normative
D) explanatory

Question 16

The __________ approach uses religion,customs,habits,traditions,and law to answer important questions.It is based on strong beliefs about what is right and wrong and what "ought to be" in society.

A) empirical
B) deductive
C) inductive
D) normative

Question 17

The relationship between theory and research has been referred to as a continuous cycle.The theory and research cycle consists of two approaches.In the __________ approach,the researcher begins with a theory and uses research to test the theory.

A) deductive
B) normative
C) inductive
D) explanatory

Question 18

Sociologists using the __________ approach to study suicide might start by simultaneously collecting and analyzing data related to suicidal behavior and then generate a theory.

A) explanatory
B) deductive
C) normative
D) inductive

Question 19

Researchers in one study systematically analyzed the contents of the notes of suicide victims to determine recurring themes,such as feelings of despair or failure.They hoped to determine if any patterns could be found that would help in understanding why people might kill themselves.This is an example of:

A) explanatory research
B) qualitative research
C) observational research
D) quantitative research

Question 20

With __________ research,the goal is scientific objectivity,and the focus is on data that can be measured numerically.

A) qualitative
B) observational
C) quantitative
D) explanatory

Question 21

Tim would like to compare suicide rates between elite athletes and non-athletes by analyzing suicide notes looking for patterns of feelings of despair or failure.He will most likely use a _________ approach to his study.

A) qualitative
B) quantitative
C) conventional
D) none of the above

Question 22

Social scientists cite many causes for suicide including rapid social change,economic conditions,hopeless poverty,and lack of religiosity.This is an example of:

A) singular determination
B) multiple determination
C) plural association
D) multiple causation

Question 23

Sociologist Emile Durkheim used the degree of social integration in society to determine its influence on the rate of suicide.In this example,the "rate of suicide" is the __________ variable.

A) dependent
B) control
C) independent
D) multiple

Question 24

In sociologist Emile Durkheim's attempt to explain the rates of suicide,__________ were the units of analysis.

A) individuals
B) families
C) social groups/categories
D) religious organizations

Question 25

A researcher would like to compare suicide rates between recent immigrants and more established immigrants using a quantitative research approach.Which research model would be most appropriate?

A) conventional research model
B) explanatory research model
C) qualitative research model
D) nonscientific research model

Question 26

The researcher has developed the hypothesis that homicide rates increase as the rate of unemployment increase.The rate of unemployment would be considered the __________ variable and the homicide rate would be considered the __________ variable.

A) dependent; independent
B) dependent; control
C) independent; dependent
D) independent; control

Question 27

In social science research,__________ are the most typical unit of analysis.

A) nations
B) categories
C) cities
D) individuals

Question 28

In a hypothesis,the researcher considers the __________ to be the cause.

A) independent variable
B) dependent variable
C) multiple variable
D) control variable

Question 29

The unit of analysis is referred to as:

A) the "what" or "whom" being studied
B) research design
C) categorical analysis
D) statistical method

Question 30

In a hypothesis,the researcher presumes the __________ to be caused by another variable.

A) independent variable
B) dependent variable
C) multiple variable
D) control variable

Question 31

Becky would like to conduct a study to determine how women define spousal abuse and the meanings they attach to incidents of abuse.She will most likely use a __________ approach to analyze her results.

A) qualitative
B) discriminant
C) quantitative
D) factor analysis

Question 32

Which of the following represents a correct sequence of steps in the "conventional" research model?

A) Select and define the research problem, develop the research design, collect and analyze the data, formulate the hypothesis, and draw conclusions and report the findings.
B) Develop the research design, formulate the hypothesis, select and define the research problem, collect and analyze the data, and draw conclusions and report the findings.
C) Select and define the research problem, formulate the hypothesis, develop the research design, collect and analyze the data, and draw conclusions and report the findings.
D) Formulate the hypothesis, select and define the research problem, draw conclusions and report the findings, develop the research design, and collect and analyze the data.

Question 33

Social integration and loneliness are examples of __________,which are the abstract elements representing some aspect of the world in simplified form.

A) theories
B) principles
C) operational definitions
D) concepts

Question 34

Sociologist Emile Durkheim used the degree of social integration in society to determine its influence on the rate of suicide.In this example,the "degree of social integration" is the __________ variable.

A) multiple
B) dependent
C) independent
D) control

Question 35

A(n) __________ is any concept with measurable traits or characteristics that can change or vary from one person,time,situation,or society to another.It is the observable and/or measurable counterpart of a concept.

A) variable
B) theory
C) hypothesis
D) insight

Question 36

Sociologists create a(n) __________,which is an explanation of an abstract concept in terms of observable features that are specific enough to measure the variable.

A) correlational definition
B) operational definition
C) policy statement
D) interpretative definition

Question 37

Age,sex,race,and ethnicity are often used as __________ variables.

A) multiple
B) dependent
C) control
D) independent

Question 38

Suppose that your goal is to earn an "A" in this sociology course.Your professor may have created a(n) __________ by specifying an "A" as earning a test average of 90 percent or above.

A) interpretative statement
B) qualitative variable
C) statement of correlation
D) operational definition

Question 39

Sociologists conducting research may formulate a(n) __________,which is a statement of the relationship between two or more concepts.

A) theory
B) hypothesis
C) variable
D) operational definition

Question 40

Sociologist Emile Durkheim selected suicide as a research topic because he wanted to demonstrate the importance of society in situations that might appear to be arbitrary acts by individuals.Which step is this in the conventional research model?

A) Review previous research.
B) Formulate the hypothesis.
C) Select and define the research problem.
D) Develop the research design.

Question 41

As a researcher you must decide which population-persons about whom you want to be able to draw conclusions-will be observed or questioned.In __________,every member of an entire population being studied has the same chance of being selected.

A) random sampling
B) probability sampling
C) scattered sampling
D) rotational sampling

Question 42

Sociologist Emile Durkheim concluded that __________ suicides were relatively high in Protestant countries in Europe because Protestants believed in individualism and were more loosely tied to the church than were Catholics.

A) anomic
B) egoistic
C) fatalistic
D) altruistic

Question 43

According to sociologist Emile Durkheim,__________ suicide occurs among people who are isolated from any social group.

A) egoistic
B) anomic
C) altruistic
D) fatalistic

Question 44

The first step in qualitative research involves the researcher:

A) beginning with a general approach rather than a highly detailed plan
B) conducting a literature review
C) gaining access to people or other resources that may provide data
D) appropriating funding from a governmental agency

Question 45

In Silvia Canetto's study,she found that gender differences in suicidal behavior are more closely associated with beliefs about and expectations for men and women rather than purely interpersonal crises.She did not gather data but engaged in:

A) statistical modeling
B) predictable staging
C) research design
D) problem formulation

Question 46

As sociologist Emile Durkheim analyzed his data,he identified all except which of the following categories of suicide?

A) egoistic
B) anomic
C) altruistic
D) eccentric

Question 47

A researcher develops an interest in the motivating factors of job satisfaction among migrant workers.Which of the following steps will be unique to this research design?

A) access to people who can provide necessary data
B) thoroughness of the literature review
C) the accuracy of the hypothesis
D) the validity of the researcher's operational definitions

Question 48

Using __________ studies,sociologist Emile Durkheim was able to compare suicide rates over a period of time in France and other European nations.

A) latitudinal
B) cross-sectional
C) longitudinal
D) cross-reference

Question 49

__________ research is likely to be used when the research question does not easily lend itself to numbers and statistical methods.

A) Quantitative
B) Qualitative
C) Conventional
D) Formulation

Question 50

What is one of the main steps that is different between a conventional research design and a qualitative research design?

A) Conventional research is used primarily for hard based sciences.
B) In a qualitative research design, the researcher begins with a general approach rather than a highly detailed plan.
C) Only the qualitative design conducts a thorough literature review.
D) The qualitative design collects data and selects a statistical model.

Question 51

According to sociologist Emile Durkheim,__________ suicide occurs among individuals who are excessively integrated into society.

A) egoistic
B) anomic
C) altruistic
D) fatalistic

Question 52

__________ studies are based on observations that take place at a single point in time; these studies focus on behavior or responses at a specific moment.

A) Latitudinal
B) Cross-sectional
C) Longitudinal
D) Cross-reference

Question 53

__________ are specific strategies or techniques for systematically conducting research.

A) Investigative methods
B) Research methods
C) Theoretical methods
D) Experimental methods

Question 54

Because the researcher had access to twenty years of data on the same participants in an education program,the researcher was able to perform a(n) _________ study.

A) cross-sectional
B) operational
C) reformative
D) longitudinal

Question 55

A researcher is interested in uncovering the social factors that may motivate suicide bombers.Because this would include a small number of cases,which research model would be most appropriate?

A) conventional research model
B) qualitative research model
C) longitudinal research model
D) probability research model

Question 56

As a researcher collecting and analyzing data,you would be engaging in __________ if you placed all the names of the population being observed or questioned into a rotating drum and conducting a drawing.

A) rotational sampling
B) scattered sampling
C) random sampling
D) probability sampling

Question 57

__________ is the process through which data are organized so that comparisons can be made and conclusions drawn.

A) Theory building
B) Hypothesis construction
C) Analysis
D) Methodology

Question 58

As a researcher you must decide which population-persons about whom you want to be able to draw conclusions-will be observed or questioned.In __________,participants are deliberately chosen because they have specific characteristics.

A) probability sampling
B) scattered sampling
C) random sampling
D) indeterminate sampling

Question 59

As a researcher collecting and analyzing data,you would be engaging in __________ if you included such factors as age,sex,race,ethnicity,and educational attainment in deciding what population will be observed or questioned.

A) rotational sampling
B) scattered sampling
C) random sampling
D) probability sampling

Question 60

Based on sociologist Emile Durkheim's study,an example of __________ suicide is when military leaders kill themselves after defeat in battle because they have so strongly identified themselves with their cause that they believe they cannot live with defeat.

A) fatalistic
B) egoistic
C) anomic
D) altruistic

Question 61

Which of the following was identified as a weakness of secondary analysis?

A) Data is readily available and inexpensive.
B) The researcher often does not collect the data personally and the chances of bias may be reduced.
C) Data may be incomplete, unauthentic, or inaccurate.
D) Use of existing sources makes it possible to analyze longitudinal data to provide a historical context.

Question 62

A(n) __________ is a data-collection encounter in which an interviewer asks the respondent questions and records the answers.

A) survey
B) online form
C) interview
D) portfolio

Question 63

Interviews have specific advantages.Which of the following was NOT identified as an advantage of interviews?

A) Interviews are inexpensive to conduct.
B) They are usually more effective in dealing with complicated issues.
C) They provide an opportunity for face-to-face communication.
D) When open-ended questions are used, the researcher may gain new perspectives.

Question 64

A student wrote a term paper based on a systematic examination of letters to the editor in the local paper.This type of study illustrates:

A) content analysis
B) an experiment
C) survey research
D) participant observation

Question 65

In __________,researchers use existing material and analyze data that were originally collected by others.

A) primary analysis
B) tertiary analysis
C) secondary analysis
D) manifest analysis

Question 66

A(n) __________ is a questionnaire in which the researcher gathers facts or attempts to determine the relationships among facts.

A) survey
B) experiment
C) case study
D) content analysis

Question 67

The American Sociological Association requires that sociologists adhere to all except which of the following?

A) Researchers must maintain objectivity and integrity in their research by disclosing the findings even if they do not support their views.
B) Researchers are allowed to use any means necessary in conducting their research projects.
C) Researchers must protect confidential information provided by their participants.
D) Researchers must acknowledge research collaboration and assistance they receive from others and disclose all sources of financial support.

Question 68

__________ is the systematic examination of cultural artifacts or various forms of communication to extract thematic data and draw conclusions about social life.

A) Content analysis
B) Content standardization
C) Content validity
D) Content reliability

Question 69

Survey data are collected by using all of the following except:

A) self-administered questionnaires
B) telephone interviews
C) experiments
D) face-to-face interviews

Question 70

__________ researchers frequently attempt to study the social world from the point of view of the people they are studying.

A) Quantitative
B) Experimental
C) Qualitative
D) Correlational

Question 71

__________ are the most widely used research method in the social sciences because they make it possible to study things that are not directly observable (such as people's attitudes and beliefs) and to describe a population too large to observe directly.

A) Field experiments
B) Surveys
C) Case studies
D) Correlational studies

Question 72

A researcher wishes to compare income,educational level,and race in regard to people's attitudes toward capital punishment.__________ research would probably be the best research method for this researcher.

A) Content analysis
B) Experimental
C) Observation
D) Survey

Question 73

In the 2000s,_________ survey research has increased dramatically as software packages have made this type of research easier to conduct.

A) online
B) interview
C) mail-in survey
D) "person on the street" interview

Question 74

A researcher is interested in gathering in depth data on the victims of crime.Which type of survey would be most appropriate?

A) computer assisted telephone survey
B) mail survey
C) online survey
D) face-to-face interview

Question 75

Which of the following methods would most likely be used to study the attitudes of the American public on gun control legalization?

A) a survey
B) an experiment
C) observation research
D) a case study

Question 76

Which technique would be used by researchers in studying the treatment of gender in elementary reader books?

A) case studies
B) an experiment
C) a survey
D) content analysis

Question 77

__________ are persons who provide data for analysis through interviews or questionnaires.

A) Observers
B) Respondents
C) Pollers
D) Controllers

Question 78

Joyce wants to do a study of domestic abuse but lacks the time and money to gather her own data.Consequently,she analyzes data previously gathered by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) and the Roper Public Opinion Research Center that is related to this topic.In this case,Joyce is conducting:

A) content analysis
B) secondary analysis
C) survey
D) participant observation

Question 79

Which of the following types of research best lends itself to multivariate analysis-research involving more than two independent variables?

A) experiments
B) surveys
C) participant observation
D) case studies

Question 80

A(n) __________ is a printed research instrument containing a series of items to which subjects respond.

A) questionnaire
B) interview
C) telephone survey
D) computer-assisted interview