Question 1

A study of juvenile delinquency reveals a strong correlation between illegal drug use and delinquent acts. The researcher concludes that illegal drug use is the cause of delinquent acts. Looking at the same data, another researcher comes to the conclusion that delinquent acts lead to illegal drug use. Which causal rule are both researchers forgetting here?

Accepted Answer

A)   Temporal order
B)   Correlation
C)   Lack of plausible alternative explanations
D)   None. All three causal rules have been established. A

Question 2

If 'A' happens before 'B' and there is a predictable correlation between these two variables, is that enough to conclude that 'A' is a cause of 'B'?

Accepted Answer

A)   Yes, this is enough.
B)   No, the researcher has not considered plausible alternative explanations.
C)   No, it is impossible to establish causal relationships in social research. B

Question 3

A teacher who observes a small group of minority students talking loud in the hallway and concludes that young minorities are taught to talk loudly is making what type of logical error?

Accepted Answer

A)   An ecological fallacy
B)   Reductionism
C)   Spuriousness
D)   Racist B

Question 4

A recent analysis of vehicular burglaries in a northern city reveals that, on average, there are 25 vehicular burglaries throughout the city each month. About as many occur during the winter months as do during the summer months. In this case, we would say which of the following about the correlation between temperature and vehicular burglaries?

Accepted Answer

A)   The correlation is positive
B)   The correlation is negative
C)   There is no correlation
D)   Inconclusive

Question 5

A teacher who reads a research report finding that minority students tend to speak loudly and concludes that each minority student in her classroom must be told to speak softly in the classroom is making what type of logical error?

Accepted Answer

A)   An ecological fallacy
B)   Reductionism
C)   Spuriousness
D)   Prejudice

Question 6

The causal rule that the cause must precede (happen before) the effect is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

A)   Correlation
B)   Spuriousness
C)   Temporal order
D)   Plausibility

Question 7

After observing their behavior for several months, a researcher theorized that correctional officers become personally detached from inmates as a means of reducing the stress associated with their professional responsibilities. What method of reasoning is this researcher using?

Accepted Answer

A)   Deductive
B)   Inductive
C)   Theoretical
D)   Observational

Question 8

A research project revealed that feelings of guilt were expressed by adult offenders who grew up in a religious household. What is the most likely nature of the data used in this research project?

Accepted Answer

A)   Quantitative
B)   Operational
C)   Conceptual
D)   Qualitative

Question 9

A researcher concludes, "The majority of individuals who are arrested for driving while intoxicated are males between the ages of 22 and 35." Based on this statement, what was the most likely purpose of this research project?

Accepted Answer

A)   Exploratory
B)   Descriptive
C)   Explanatory
D)   Probabilistic

Question 10

A line graph that slants higher from right to left is representative of:

Accepted Answer

A)   a positive correlation.
B)   a negative correlation.
C)   no correlation.
D)   Inconclusive

Question 11

If body weight decreases after sustained physical exercise, then the correlation between body weight and calorie intake is:

Accepted Answer

A)   Positive
B)   Negative
C)   Cannot be determined with the available information

Question 12

A recent analysis of aggravated assaults in a northern city reveals that aggravated assaults tend to increase during the warmest months of the year and decrease during the coldest months of the year. In this case, we would say which of the following about the correlation between temperature and aggravated assaults?

Accepted Answer

A)   The correlation is positive
B)   The correlation is negative
C)   There is no correlation
D)   Inconclusive

Question 13

A researcher who subjectively measures age based on responses to questions about economic and social independence is using what type of measure?

Accepted Answer

A)   Quantitative
B)   Qualitative
C)   Conceptual
D)   Operational

Question 14

A researcher concludes, "The analysis reveals that the pressure to 'fit into the group' is the most likely cause of corruption among police officers." Based on this statement, what was the most likely purpose of this research project?

Accepted Answer

A)   Predictive
B)   Descriptive
C)   Explanatory
D)   Exploratory

Question 15

If crime increases following an increase in gang activities, then the correlation between crime and gang activity is:

Accepted Answer

A)   Positive
B)   Negative
C)   Cannot be determined with the available information

Question 16

A research project revealed that 80% of all adult offenders did not receive religious instruction as children. What is the most likely nature of the data used in this research project?

Accepted Answer

A)   Operational
B)   Qualitative
C)   Quantitative
D)   Conceptual

Question 17

A researcher conducts a secondary analysis of census data to understand how different counties in one state compare with respect to rates of poverty. What is the researcher's unit of analysis?

Accepted Answer

A)   The census
B)   The counties
C)   Poverty rates
D)   The state

Question 18

You have completed a study on the alleged causal relationship between the moon phase and street crime. You determined that there is no correlation between the phase of the moon and the rate of reported street crimes, despite the fact that many of your colleagues in the police department strongly believe there is. Your research reveals that the relationship between the moon phase and street crime is:

Accepted Answer

A)   reductionism.
B)   spurious.
C)   an ecological fallacy.
D)   inconclusive.

Question 19

A researcher finds a strong and positive relationship between drug use and criminal behavior. With this information alone can the researcher conclude that drug use is the cause of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

A)   Yes, this is enough to establish a causal relationship between drug use and crime.
B)   No, the researcher has failed to consider plausible alternative explanations.
C)   No, it is impossible to find a cause for crime.

Question 20

Because the research suggests that police officers are more likely as a group to experience alcoholism, the chief of police concluded that Officer Smith's recent illness was likely caused by his excessive drinking. Which type of logical error did the chief of police commit?

Accepted Answer

A)   Spuriousness
B)   Invalid
C)   An ecological fallacy
D)   Reductionism

Exam 4: Classifying Research