Question 1

Jill, a sociologist, is interested in social networking behaviors of exceptional business students. She goes to the business student socials, honorary meetings, and other public events. She does not interact with the business students but does observe and record their behaviors. In this scenario, Jill is best described as a(n)
A) participant observer.
B) nonparticipant observer.
C) overt observer.
D) privileged observer.

Accepted Answer

Jill is not interacting with the business students and only observing their behaviors. Therefore, she is a nonparticipant observer.

Question 2

Myles is conducting a qualitative research study of middle management engineers enrolled in an executive MBA program. If Myles' study is consistent with practice, which of the following represents his primary data source?
A) Records from the school that show the program requirements
B) Observations of the students while engaged in coursework
C) Opinion surveys regarding participants purposes for enrollment
D) Students' academic transcripts

Accepted Answer

The primary data source for Myles' is likely to be the observations he makes of the students while they are engaged in coursework. This is because qualitative research is exploratory in nature and seeks to understand phenomena through observation and interpretation. Therefore, Myles would be most interested in observing how middle management engineers behave in an executive MBA program. Records from the school that show the program requirements, opinion surveys regarding participants' purposes for enrollment, and students' academic transcripts may be used as secondary sources of data, but they are not likely to be the primary data source for Myles' study.

Question 3

In qualitative research, the primary data collection instrument is
A) the researcher.
B) the participant.
C) face-to-face interaction.
D) numerical data.

Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, the primary data collection instrument is the researcher themselves. This is because the researcher plays an active role in collecting and analyzing data, often through methods such as interviews, observations, and fieldwork. While participants are important sources of information for qualitative research, they are not the primary data collection instrument. Face-to-face interaction is a common method used in qualitative research, but it is not the primary instrument. Numerical data is not typically used in qualitative research.

Question 4

Of the following types of observation for qualitative data collection, which is considered the LEAST obtrusive?
A) Participant observer
B) Nonparticipant observer
C) Overt observer
D) Privileged observer

Accepted Answer

A nonparticipant observer is considered the least obtrusive as they do not participate in the activity being observed and can observe naturally occurring behavior without disrupting it. Participant observers may alter behavior as they are actively involved in the activity being observed, while overt observers and privileged observers may be more obtrusive as their presence may influence the behavior being observed.

Question 5

In the initial observation session it is suggested that the researcher
A) stay for an extended length of time to better understand the setting.
B) stay for a short time to ease into the process of writing field notes.
C) observe only, do not take any field notes as it will diminish your focus.
D) ask numerous questions of all potential participants to establish rapport.

Accepted Answer

In the initial observation session, staying for a short time helps the researcher ease into the process of writing field notes without becoming overwhelmed, allowing them to gradually acclimate to the setting and the process.

Question 6

Melanie is a qualitative researcher studying veteran teachers' perceptions of the State's new teacher certification criteria. Which of the following is NOT likely part of her primary data sources?
A) Interviews with veteran teachers
B) Observations of Teachers' Union meetings where the new criteria are discussed
C) The articles written in the popular press by teachers who are participants in her study
D) The test scores of the district's students who have veteran teachers.

Accepted Answer

The test scores of the district's students who have veteran teachers are not likely part of Melanie's primary data sources as they are quantitative data and not qualitative data. Melanie is focusing on the perceptions and experiences of the veteran teachers, rather than objective measures such as test scores. Choices A and B are likely parts of her primary data sources as they involve direct interactions with the veteran teachers and their opinions. Choice C might be a secondary data source, but it is uncertain whether the articles are relevant and credible sources for Melanie's study.

Question 7

Field notes should be written
A) in the field during the observation.
B) after a time delay to assure reflection.
C) as concisely as possible.
D) by an assistant not the researcher.

Accepted Answer

Field notes should be written in the field during the observation to ensure accuracy and capture important details as they happen. Delaying the writing of field notes can lead to forgetting important details or inaccuracies in the observations. Conciseness is also important, but writing complete and detailed notes in the field is crucial. It is also preferable for the researcher to write their own field notes rather than relying on an assistant.

Question 8

Ankur is conducting a qualitative research study that explores the context of youth competitive soccer. Of the following, which is likely the most prevalent source from which he will collect data?
A) Times of speed drills completed in practice
B) Individual player's statistics for the season
C) Observations of players and others at games
D) Surveys of community members opinions

Accepted Answer

Since Ankur is conducting a qualitative research study, observations of players and others at games would be the most appropriate and prevalent source of data collection. This method would allow Ankur to gain a deep understanding of the context of youth competitive soccer and the experiences of the players, coaches, and spectators. Options A and B would be more appropriate for quantitative research studies, while option D may not provide the rich, in-depth data required for a qualitative study.

Question 9

Geir is a qualitative researcher interested in studying the role playing games of current children that relate to Nordic heroes. To collect data he goes to afterschool programs that allow a free play period. He observes the children as they play, documenting who they are role playing and the behaviors they engage in as well as how they socially negotiate the script of their play. Geir is best described as a
A) participant observer
B) nonparticipant observer
C) privileged observer
D) covert observer

Accepted Answer

Geir is best described as a nonparticipant observer because he is observing the children's play without actively participating in it. He documents their behaviors and social interactions from an outside perspective.

Question 10

Deirdre studies Irish-American culture as demonstrated in urban areas with large concentrations of Irish-Americans and small communities in rural areas that have remained tied to their Irish roots. As an Irish-American herself, she has decided to move to a Irish-American community to reside for the duration of her study. While there she will observe the community. Deirdre is displaying which form of data collection?
A) Participant observation
B) Covert observation
C) Overt observation
D) Nonparticipant observation

Accepted Answer

Deirdre is practicing participant observation because she is immersing herself in the Irish-American community and observing their culture first-hand as an active member.

Question 11

As a researcher interested in young children's motivation to read, Cynthia works as a volunteer in a pre-kindergarten setting for approximately 6 months as she collects data regarding children's reading motivation. In this scenario, Cynthia is best described as a
A) participant observer.
B) nonparticipant observer.
C) covert observer.
D) experienced observer.

Accepted Answer

Cynthia is actively engaging in the setting as a volunteer and collecting data through observation, which makes her a participant observer. She is immersed in the environment and experiencing it firsthand while also gathering data. A nonparticipant observer would be someone who observes from outside the setting and does not participate in it. A covert observer would attempt to observe without the knowledge of the participants, which is not the case here. And while Cynthia may have some level of experience, the prompt does not provide enough information to classify her as an experienced observer.

Question 12

Lakyle's study explores social interactions among adult workers with mental disabilities. She uses observation as her primary data collection method. Which of the following research sites is likely MOST pertinent to Lakyle's study?
A) The assembly room where participants work
B) Transportation of individual participants to work
C) Participants classroom type training experiences
D) Participants interactions with their caregivers about work

Accepted Answer

Lakyle's study focuses on social interactions among adult workers with mental disabilities, thus the assembly room where participants work would be the most relevant research site for her observations. The other options may provide some insights, but they do not directly relate to her research question.

Question 13

Of the following the most common data source in a qualitative study is
A) e-mail.
B) survey data.
C) observations.
D) document analysis.

Accepted Answer

Observations are the most common data source in a qualitative study as they involve firsthand gathering of data through observations of people, events, and phenomena in their natural settings. E-mail, survey data, and document analysis can also be used as data sources, but they are not as common as observations in qualitative research.

Question 14

According to your text, the three primary data collection techniques qualitative researchers use include all of the following EXCEPT
A) observations.
B) interviews.
C) examining records.
D) attitude surveys.

Accepted Answer

The three primary data collection techniques mentioned in the text are observations, interviews, and examining records. Attitude surveys are not mentioned as one of the primary techniques. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

Question 15

Lan is working on a study of teachers' use of technology in their classrooms. She uses observation as her primary data collection method. Which of the following research sites is likely MOST pertinent to Lan's study?
A) Faculty/Staff rooms where teachers' talk about technology
B) Conference sessions that teachers attend about technology
C) The classrooms of her teacher participants
D) The computer lab that the students go to after school.

Accepted Answer

Lan's study is about teachers' use of technology in their classrooms, so the most pertinent research site would be the teachers' own classrooms where they are using technology with their students. Observing teachers in their natural teaching environment would provide the most accurate and relevant data for Lan's study. The other options may provide some insight into teachers' attitudes or experiences with technology, but they are not as directly relevant to Lan's research question.

Question 16

A framework for field notes that is consistent across observation sessions developed before data collection is referred to as
A) a memo.
B) a protocol.
C) interaction analysis.
D) a thick description.

Accepted Answer

A framework for field notes that is consistent across observation sessions developed before data collection is referred to as a protocol. Memos are notes written during or after observation sessions, interaction analysis is a method of analyzing data, and a thick description is a detailed description of a particular event or interaction observed during data collection.

Question 17

Damir is a music educator interested in successful high school jazz programs. He goes to work as a 'new' teacher at a high school with a high-ranking jazz program. He works with the students and with the music educator at the school while exploring the jazz program. In this scenario, Damir is best described as a
A) participant observer.
B) nonparticipant observer.
C) covert observer.
D) experienced observer.

Accepted Answer

Damir is actively participating in the jazz program by working with the students and the music educator, while also observing the program. Therefore, he can be described as a participant observer.

Question 18

Field notes include
A) the informant's descriptions.
B) the gatekeeper's reflections.
C) both informant and researcher descriptions.
D) the researcher's descriptions and reflection.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Field notes include
A) the informant's descriptions.
B) the...

Question 19

Damir is a music educator interested in successful high school jazz programs. He goes to work as a 'new' teacher at a high school with a high-ranking jazz program. He works with the students and with the music educator at the school while exploring the jazz program. Given this scenario, which of the following research sites is likely MOST pertinent to Damir's study?
A) The teachers' lounge in the music wing of the building
B) The Jazz programs' concerts
C) The Jazz programs' practice sessions
D) Individual student lessons with the Jazz instructors

Accepted Answer

The Jazz programs' practice sessions are most pertinent to Damir's study because they provide direct insight into the teaching methods, student engagement, and overall functioning of the jazz program, which are central to understanding what makes the program successful.

Question 20

Lupe's study describes the experiences of Division I cross country athletes. She uses observations as her primary data collection methods. Which of the following settings is likely MOST pertinent to Lupe's study?
A) Coaches' conference meeting
B) Cross country practices
C) Parent's of athletes homes
D) Athlete's high school coaches offices

Accepted Answer

Observing athletes during cross country practices is the most pertinent setting for Lupe's study as it allows her to directly observe the athletes and their experiences in the context of their sport. The other settings listed may also provide useful information, but they are less directly relevant to the specific experiences of Division I cross country athletes.

Quiz 19: Qualitative Data Collection

Myles is conducting a qualitative research study of middle management engineers enrolled in an executive MBA program. If Myles' study is consistent with practice, which of the following represents his primary data source?

In qualitative research, the primary data collection instrument is

Of the following types of observation for qualitative data collection, which is considered the LEAST obtrusive?

In the initial observation session it is suggested that the researcher

Melanie is a qualitative researcher studying veteran teachers' perceptions of the State's new teacher certification criteria. Which of the following is NOT likely part of her primary data sources?

Field notes should be written

Ankur is conducting a qualitative research study that explores the context of youth competitive soccer. Of the following, which is likely the most prevalent source from which he will collect data?

As a researcher interested in young children's motivation to read, Cynthia works as a volunteer in a pre-kindergarten setting for approximately 6 months as she collects data regarding children's reading motivation. In this scenario, Cynthia is best described as a

Lakyle's study explores social interactions among adult workers with mental disabilities. She uses observation as her primary data collection method. Which of the following research sites is likely MOST pertinent to Lakyle's study?

Of the following the most common data source in a qualitative study is

According to your text, the three primary data collection techniques qualitative researchers use include all of the following EXCEPT

Lan is working on a study of teachers' use of technology in their classrooms. She uses observation as her primary data collection method. Which of the following research sites is likely MOST pertinent to Lan's study?

A framework for field notes that is consistent across observation sessions developed before data collection is referred to as

Field notes include

Lupe's study describes the experiences of Division I cross country athletes. She uses observations as her primary data collection methods. Which of the following settings is likely MOST pertinent to Lupe's study?