Question 1

According to the text, what is the biggest limitation of a survey?

Accepted Answer

The text states that the biggest limitation of a survey is that it is difficult to verify the accuracy of the findings.

Question 2

A sociologist publishes an article on an experiment. Another interested researcher uses the same methodology and replicates the experiment with similar results. What can be said about the original experimental results?

Accepted Answer

The replication of the experiment with similar results suggests that the original experimental results are reliable, meaning they can be consistently reproduced. However, replication alone does not demonstrate causation (A) or provide confidence (B) and verifiability (C) since other factors could also explain the results.

Question 3

According to the text, which of the following is the primary means of collecting social science evidence?

Accepted Answer

Surveys are a common and widely used method for collecting social science evidence, as they allow researchers to gather data from a large sample of individuals in a standardized and systematic manner. While field studies, ethnographic studies, and experiments are also important methods for collecting social science evidence, they are often more specialized and less commonly used across a wide range of social science disciplines.

Question 4

A research group was interested in exploring the experiences of temporary foreign workers (TFW) who discovered that their Canadian work visas required them to return to their country of origin for a period of 3 months out of any 12-month timeframe in order to requalify for the TFW status. Which form of reasoning is described here?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations or experiences. In this case, the research group is exploring the experiences of temporary foreign workers to understand the implications of the visa requirement, which is an example of inductive reasoning.

Question 5

According to the text, what is a researcher doing when he is pursuing change while studying a social system?

Accepted Answer

Pursuing change while studying a social system is called action research. It involves the researcher actively working with the community or organization they are studying to enact change and improve the system.

Question 6

Research in online chat rooms is challenging. Even if researchers announce that they have logged in, someone logging in later might not be aware of their presence. What does this important research issue pertain to?

Accepted Answer

This important research issue pertains to ethics as researchers need to ensure transparency and informed consent when conducting research in online chat rooms. Failing to do so may raise ethical concerns regarding anonymity and confidentiality of participants.

Question 7

A research group was interested in comparing the saving habits of Canadians across three groups of working-aged adults, regionally across Canada, by level of education, and geographic location. The group required access to data that contained information regarding levels of gross income, education, geographic location, gender, work occupation, and age. From what source might the researchers obtain this information?

Accepted Answer

Statistics Canada is the national statistical agency responsible for producing and disseminating data related to the Canadian population and economy, including information on income, education, geographic location, gender, work occupation, and age. Vital Statistics collects and maintains data related to births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, while the Better Business Bureau provides information on businesses and consumer complaints. The Canada Revenue Agency collects tax data but does not provide demographic information.

Question 8

What is the best scientific methodology for a scientist to use to isolate a cause?

Accepted Answer

An experiment is the best scientific methodology for a scientist to use to isolate a cause because it allows the scientist to manipulate variables and control for other factors that could affect the outcome. This makes it easier to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Surveys, field research, and observational studies are useful for gathering data but may not necessarily be able to isolate a cause in the same way an experiment can.

Question 9

According to the text, which of the following is one problem with the use of secondary analysis?

Accepted Answer

One problem with secondary analysis is that the data may be biased or incomplete. Since the researcher did not collect the data themselves, they have no control over how the data was collected and what factors may have influenced it. Additionally, there may be missing data or errors in the original collection process that could affect the accuracy and validity of the results.

Question 10

According to your text, what is the goal of explanatory research in sociology?

Accepted Answer

The goal of explanatory research in sociology is to gain understanding of social phenomena, rather than subjectivity, correlation, or value neutrality.

Question 11

According to the text, how is ethnography best defined?

Accepted Answer

The text states that ethnography is the gathering data to describe everyday behavior in natural settings. Option A is incorrect because ethnography does not reify the characteristics of multi-ethnic societies, it observes and records them. Option B is incorrect because while ethnography can involve examining textual histories, this is not the sole defining characteristic. Option D is incorrect because ethnography can involve analyzing both oral and written cultures of an ethnic group.

Question 12

In a study of the effects of exposure to pornographic films on men's attitudes toward women, what is the name of the group of research participants who are NOT exposed to the films?

Accepted Answer

The control group is the group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or intervention being studied. In this case, the control group would be the group of men who are not exposed to pornographic films, so that their attitudes toward women can be compared to the attitudes of the experimental group who are exposed to the films.

Question 13

For a research project about rates of tobacco use among socioeconomic groups, Tyson will examine the influence of income upon rates of use and ages of start-up. He suggests that the lower the income, the higher the rates of tobacco use with younger start-up rates. Which of the following terms best describes the concept that includes income as an indicator?

Accepted Answer

Social class is the concept that includes income as an indicator of a person's position in society. It is associated with various aspects of health, including tobacco use. Tyson is examining the influence of social class on rates of tobacco use and ages of start-up.

Question 14

When are measurements in research considered reliable?

Accepted Answer

Reliability in research refers to the consistency and repeatability of measurements. If measurements are consistent over time and across different researchers or methods, then they are considered reliable. Correlation (A) indicates an association between two variables, but it does not necessarily guarantee reliability. Similarly, accuracy and relevance (D) are important aspects of measurement validity, but they do not guarantee reliability. While measuring what was supposed to be measured (C) is a crucial aspect of validity, it does not necessarily guarantee reliability either.

Question 15

How will acquiring a basic understanding of the science that informs sociology assist you?

Accepted Answer

Acquiring a basic understanding of the science that informs sociology can help in avoiding some of the common pitfalls of "common sense" and enable finding dependable answers to life's questions. It helps in developing a critical mindset to understand the complex social relationships and avoid biases and stereotypes. It also helps in understanding the social changes that are occurring on a global scale and makes one better equipped to face them. Determining the correct political party to vote for or comparing social systems on a global scale may not be a direct benefit of understanding sociology.

Question 16

What is the main reason that sociologists review previous research?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists review previous research to determine what is already known and where gaps or limitations exist in order to build on existing knowledge and contribute to the field. It is not primarily done to determine if they will be able to get their own research published or to criticize the work of other sociologists. While they may be influenced by previous research when deciding on research methods, this is not the main reason for reviewing previous research.

Question 17

Which research method places the most emphasis on understanding the members of a group from their own point of view?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation involves observing and interacting with members of a group in their natural setting, often over an extended period of time, and from their own point of view. This method emphasizes understanding the group from the perspective of its members. Unobtrusive measurement, survey research, and experiments do not necessarily involve direct interaction with the group and may not prioritize understanding their perspective.

Question 18

Which of the following terms refers to research on copies of suicide notes done to establish the types of themes that occur most often in them?

Accepted Answer

Content analysis refers to the systematic examination of different types of primary sources, such as texts, images, or artifacts, to identify patterns, themes, or biases. In the case of suicide notes, content analysis involves analyzing the language, tone, and topics of a large number of notes to draw conclusions about the underlying psychological, social, or cultural factors that contribute to suicidal behavior. This type of research is often used to inform suicide prevention and intervention strategies, as well as to advance our understanding of suicide as a complex phenomenon. Field research, participant observation, and ethnography are all types of research methods that involve direct engagement with people, communities, or settings to gather data and insights. While they may be used in conjunction with content analysis, they are not specific to the analysis of suicide notes.

Question 19

Which of the following research models has scientific objectivity as a goal and focuses on data that can be measured numerically?

Accepted Answer

The quantitative research model focuses on scientific objectivity as a goal and emphasizes the collection and analysis of data that can be measured numerically. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is more subjective and seeks to understand subjective experiences and meanings. Inductive research does not necessarily prioritize scientific objectivity and can be either quantitative or qualitative in nature.

Question 20

A researcher might administer a questionnaire to a small group that closely resembles the population of interest. What label would a sociologist give this group?

Accepted Answer

A representative sample is one that closely resembles the population of interest and can be used to generalize findings to that population. The other options are not applicable in this scenario. A multivariate sample would refer to a sample that measures multiple variables, a restricted sample would refer to a sample with limitations on who can participate, and a sample of convenience would refer to a sample that is easily accessible but may not be representative of the population.

Quiz 2: Applying Sociological Research Methods