Question 1

The method of analysis that examines different groups of people of the same age at different points in time is known as a time-lag comparison.What is the main problem with this type of research?

Accepted Answer

A)  It confuses environmental effects with cohort effects. 
B)  It confuses cohort effects with maturational effects. 
C)  It cannot explain why a particular result has appeared. 
D)  It confuses maturational effects with environmental effects.

Question 2

Which of the following describes applied research in Canada?

Accepted Answer

A)  It has been well funded since the 1970s, resulting in long-term improvements to many policies and social systems. 
B)  It has received encouragement through government funding agencies. 
C)  It has become tainted as a result of poor scientific rigor in several large studies. 
D)  It has had limited impact on the field of gerontology.

Question 3

Which theory relies on structural functionalist assumptions?

Accepted Answer

A)  life course theory 
B)  cumulative advantage/disadvantage theory 
C)  activity theory 
D)  age stratification theory

Question 4

List and discuss some of the larger-scale organizations performing gerontological research in Canada.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and discuss some of the larger-scale...

Question 5

According to the text,which is a benefit to Canadian researchers when it comes to collaborative studies on aging?

Accepted Answer

A)  no ethical breaches occur in such large studies. 
B)  collaborative studies obtain larger amounts of government funding 
C)  time frames for research are shorter for the collection of data 
D)  these studies pool researchers' skills and resources

Question 6

What is the main benefit of longitudinal research designs?

Accepted Answer

A)  They avoid comparing different cohorts. 
B)  They avoid environmental effects. 
C)  They can isolate and study period effects. 
D)  They give relatively accurate data quickly and at a low cost.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a period effect?

Accepted Answer

A)  genetic differences between age groups 
B)  historical events 
C)  wrinkled skin 
D)  increased use of medication

Question 8

According to structural functionalism,social institutions adjust to one another as the system responds to internal and external pressures to maintain which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  social evolution 
B)  dynamic equilibrium 
C)  static balance 
D)  homeostasis

Question 9

Which of the following is a strength of the political economy approach to aging?

Accepted Answer

A)  It accurately explains micro-level phenomena. 
B)  It openly discusses the poverty and other problems older people face, and it offers solutions. 
C)  It incorporates the experiences of individuals to explain the differences between cohorts. 
D)  It looks beyond the individual to understand the forces that shape individual aging.

Question 10

Within the life course approach,what are transitions considered to be?

Accepted Answer

A)  positive processes that enable achieving a healthy old age 
B)  negative processes that prevent achieving a healthy old age 
C)  relatively stable periods between life-cycle crises 
D)  changes in social status or social roles

Question 11

What is the biggest limitation of quantitative data methods?

Accepted Answer

A)  Generalizing samples to a larger population is often not appropriate. 
B)  The structured questions and responses cannot capture complex experiences or perceptions. 
C)  These methods are significantly more expensive. 
D)  They are difficult to combine with qualitative methods.

Question 12

Describe what is meant by the term "risk society" as defined by Marshall and Bengton (2011).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe what is meant by the term...

Question 13

How is a theory deemed to be a valuable tool for a researcher?

Accepted Answer

A)  It gives concrete and final answers to questions. 
B)  It provides practical information for the development of social programs and interventions. 
C)  It provides essential trivial information about aging. 
D)  It explains all the facts about aging.

Question 14

According to the text,which of the following skills or methods will allow gerontology researchers the ability to increase upon their research opportunities about aging?

Accepted Answer

A)  increased education 
B)  increased use of tablets and laptops 
C)  increased reading ability 
D)  increased typing skills

Question 15

The text compares movement of age cohorts through the life cycle to movement on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  an airplane 
B)  an escalator 
C)  a ship 
D)  an elevator

Question 16

Gerontologists describe three causes for changes in old age.Which of the following is one of these effects?

Accepted Answer

A)  economic effects 
B)  period effects 
C)  somatic effects 
D)  social effects

Question 17

Which theory provides new ways to explore differences related to time,period,and cohort?

Accepted Answer

A)  structural investment theory 
B)  disengagement theory 
C)  age stratification theory 
D)  continuity theory

Question 18

The Elks Lodge is a Canadian club that has its foundations in social order and organization.The club's first Canadian female Exalted Ruler,Debby Ray,follows which of the following concepts in which the individual is the originator of social order and organization?

Accepted Answer

A)  the interpretive perspective 
B)  conflict theory 
C)  subculture methodology 
D)  face-to-face interactions

Question 19

Which of the following methods assists social gerontologists to disentangle the effects of history, biology,and the social life on the aging person?

Accepted Answer

A)  theory 
B)  concept 
C)  evaluation 
D)  model

Question 20

What is the role of ethics review boards in universities and funding agencies?

Accepted Answer

A)  to make sure a study is worthwhile 
B)  to check the credentials of the researcher 
C)  to evaluate potential harm to participants 
D)  to slow down research

Exam 2: Theories and Methods