Question 1

The use of some form of concealment is characteristic of __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

A)   unethical
B)   nonreactive
C)   participant
D)   reactive B

Question 2

Differentiate between quantitative research and qualitative research. Give an example of each.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research and qualitative research are two distinct methods of conducting research, each with its own set of characteristics and approaches.

Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. This type of research is often used to quantify attitudes, behaviors, or other variables, and typically involves the use of statistical analysis to draw conclusions. An example of quantitative research would be a study that aims to determine the relationship between exercise and heart health by collecting data on the number of hours of exercise per week and measuring participants' heart health indicators such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

On the other hand, qualitative research involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, or textual analysis, to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular phenomenon. This type of research is often used to explore complex social phenomena, understand individuals' experiences, or uncover underlying motivations and meanings. An example of qualitative research would be a study that uses in-depth interviews to explore the experiences and perspectives of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, aiming to understand the challenges they face and the strategies they use to cope.

In summary, quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis to answer research questions, while qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data and in-depth understanding of complex phenomena. Both methods have their own strengths and limitations, and the choice between them depends on the research questions and goals of the study.

Question 3

To understand the role of camaraderie on a sports team, Kim rides on the team bus so that she can observe the players' interactions before and after every game. Kim's research is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)   field experimentation research.
B)   partial concealment research.
C)   participant observer research.
D)   secondary observation research. C

Question 4

To examine the use of politeness among children, Kim records conversations between school children and their teachers. She then randomly samples some of these conversations and counts the number of times the children said "please" or "thank you" during the conversation. Which research methodology is Kim employing to answer her research question?

Accepted Answer

A)   participant observation
B)   content analysis
C)   ethnography
D)   experimentation

Question 5

Judy is interested in whether a local newspaper tends to have a conservative or liberal constituency of readers. She randomly selects letters to the editor from the paper's op-ed section and then codes the letters based on whether they express conservative or liberal ideas. Judy is trying to answer her question by doing a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)   field experiment.
B)   ethnography.
C)   laboratory experiment.
D)   content analysis.

Question 6

While observing individuals living in a nursing home, John counts the number of times a resident must ask for help before help is provided. John is making __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

A)   quantitative
B)   accurate
C)   qualitative
D)   reliable

Question 7

The use of archival material is an example of __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

A)   primary
B)   secondary
C)   ethnographic
D)   participant

Question 8

All of the following are possible strategies for selecting independent judges to assist in making research observations EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)   the use of pilot testing.
B)   the potential judges' understanding of the research hypotheses.
C)   the reliance on the researcher's intuitive sense of what type of judges one should use.
D)   the consultation of the literature for identifying what type of judges one should use.

Question 9

In a study of cancer, it was observed that higher levels of milk consumption were positively correlated with higher incidence of cancer. Instead of claiming that higher milk consumption directly leads to higher incidence of cancer, the researcher explained that this correlation was explained by increased longevity. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)   the third-variable problem.
B)   rater to rater reliability.
C)   reactive observations.
D)   a judgment study.

Question 10

Observation that is guided by a particular plan or involves a system that can be evaluated on the basis of technical standards is referred to as __________ observation.

Accepted Answer

A)   everyday
B)   pure
C)   unbiased
D)   systematic

Question 11

Research that involves the collection of data that is in a nonnumerical form is referred to as __________ research.

Accepted Answer

A)   empirical
B)   qualitative
C)   quantitative
D)   systematic

Question 12

The principal benefit of a laboratory experiment is that it allows a scientist to simulate __________ in a highly controlled setting.

Accepted Answer

A)   causal relationships
B)   underlying behaviors
C)   real-life situations
D)   controversial issues

Question 13

To investigate whether the enrollment of nontraditional students has increased at her college, Diane examines the ages noted on student applications for the past ten years. This is an example of which type of unobtrusive observation?

Accepted Answer

A)   simple observations
B)   archival records
C)   physical traces
D)   contrived observations

Question 14

Interested in how people would react to someone who deviates from the norm, Tom has a friend go to class in a bathrobe and then observes how people react to his friend. This is an example of which type of unobtrusive observation?

Accepted Answer

A)   physical traces
B)   archival records
C)   simple observations
D)   contrived observations

Question 15

Michelle interviews shoppers at a local food store about their food preferences, but she is really noting their use of food coupons. Michelle is employing the use of

Accepted Answer

A)   concealment.
B)   partial concealment.
C)   field experimentation.
D)   secondary observations.

Question 16

Why is the use of archival material considered to be a secondary observation? Provide an example of how archival material might be used to address a research question of interest.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is the use of archival material...

Question 17

Observations that affect the behavior of those being observed are called __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

A)   partially concealed
B)   concealed
C)   reactive
D)   nonreactive

Question 18

What is the difference between reactive and nonreactive observations? Give an example of each.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between reactive and...

Question 19

All but one of the following are types of unobtrusive observations:

Accepted Answer

A)   physical traces.
B)   simple observation.
C)   archival records. 
D)  mundane realism. (78)

Question 20

Research that involves the recording of data in numerical form is referred to as __________ research.

Accepted Answer

A)   naturalistic
B)   qualitative
C)   robust
D)   quantitative

Exam 4: Carpenter, S 1998 Content Analysis Project for Research Novices Teaching of Psychology