Deck 19: Observation and Interviewing

Question 1

In qualitative research:

A) reliability and validity of data are relatively unimportant
B) researchers structure situations to improve reliability
C) reliability and validity are largely a matter of judgment
D) statistical indexes are common

Answer 1

reliability and validity are largely a matter of judgment

Question 2

The main difference between participant and nonparticipant observation is that:

A) participant observation is more objective
B) participant observation is less difficult
C) participant observation is more obvious
D) participant observation is less detached

Answer 2

participant observation is less detached

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of participant observation?

A) A teacher decides to observe her students on the playground.
B) A researcher becomes a member of a street gang.
C) A researcher records student behavior in the lunchroom.
D) A researcher teaches an observation method to a graduate student.

Answer 3

A researcher becomes a member of a street gang.

Question 4

The main limitation of simulations is:

A) the difficulty of arranging them
B) individuals do not like to participate in them
C) poor generalizability
D) participants may be poor actors

Question 5

Advantages of audio and video tapings include all of the following except:

A) improved reliability of scoring
B) direct recording of actual behavior
C) clarity of visual and auditory content
D) availability for re-analysis

Question 6

"Observer effect includes all of the following except:

A) lack of agreement among observers
B) distracting those observed from the task at hand
C) causing those observed to try to please the observer
D) anxiety in those observed

Question 7

Sampling in an observation study includes:

A) selecting individuals
B) selecting contexts
C) selecting behaviors
D) all of the above

Question 8

"Triangulation refers to:

A) a method for selecting participants in a qualitative study
B) checking validity with multiple instruments
C) checking reliability with multiple forms
D) checking representativeness of situations

Question 9

The main limitation of the structured interview is:

A) responses are hard to analyze
B) responses must fit predetermined categories
C) respondents often dislike this format
D) the training required of the interviewer

Question 10

The main limitation of the informal interview is:

A) the difficulty of getting comparable information
B) respondents may be uncomfortable
C) the time required
D) the variety of topics covered

Question 11

A "key actor is most similar to:

A) a skilled craftsman
B) a trained soldier
C) a research scientist
D) a village elder

Question 12

The key instrument in qualitative studies is:

A) the observation schedule
B) the interviewer
C) the researcher
D) the questionnaire

Question 13

"Observer effect pertains to:

A) the impact of an observer on people's behavior
B) extent of observer agreement
C) an observer's interaction with the observed
D) the possibility of observer fatigue

Question 14

A leading question is one that:

A) has an unethical intent
B) tries to extend the previous answer
C) suggests the desired answer
D) reflects the interviewer's bias

Question 15

A focus group interview:

A) is limited to a particular topic
B) leads to a decision
C) allows each participant to hear the responses of others
D) is intended to generate creative ideas

Question 16

The advantage of technological recording is that it:

A) is easier to do
B) is less intrusive
C) is more ethical
D) permits repeated analysis

Question 17

A recommendation for reducing "observer effect is:

A) be present several times before collecting data
B) use a second observer
C) tell participants what the study is about
D) use a structured observation schedule

Question 18

Establishing rapport refers to:

A) making friends with the respondent
B) setting the respondent at ease
C) developing mutually agreed-upon answers
D) communicating the interviewer's values

Question 19

Which is not a problem with dichotomous questions?

A) Can interfere with rapport
B) Can limit information provided
C) Are often "leading" the response
D) Are hard to devise

Question 20

A big challenge in interviewing someone is:

A) not interrupting
B) establishing rapport
C) avoiding bias
D) all of the above

Question 21

Matching

-Simulation

A) Acting out a real-life situation
B) Takes no part in activities
C) Changes group behavior
D) Ethically questionable

Question 22

Matching

-Participant observer

A) Acting out a real-life situation
B) Takes no part in activities
C) Changes group behavior
D) Ethically questionable

Question 23

Matching

-Covert observer

A) Acting out a real-life situation
B) Takes no part in activities
C) Changes group behavior
D) Ethically questionable

Question 24

Matching

-Complete observer

A) Acting out a real-life situation
B) Takes no part in activities
C) Changes group behavior
D) Ethically questionable

Question 25

Data analysis in qualitative research usually involves inferential statistics.

Question 26

Triangulation in qualitative research requires at least three separate sources of data.

Question 27

Observer bias is unique to qualitative research.

Question 28

Audiotapes and videotapes are valuable in controlling observer expectations.

Question 29

Informal interviewing is harder than structured interviewing.

Question 30

Feelings questions are essentially the same as option questions.