Question 1

Precision refers to

Accepted Answer

Precision refers to detailed accuracy in defining and measuring communication variables.

Question 2

When researchers start with observations and then derive their claims about the communication being observed, they are using which type of reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning involves starting with specific observations and then developing broader generalizations or theories based on those observations.

Question 3

A researcher creates a categorizing scheme for all of the competitive strategies people use in their interaction with each other. This scheme is called a:

Accepted Answer

Taxonomy is a system of classification, especially one that arranges things in a hierarchical order. In this case, the researcher has created a system for classifying all of the competitive strategies people use in their interaction with each other.

Question 4

A researcher predicts that the variable biological sex will yield significant differences in the frequency of talk over a 30-minute conversation. Frequency of talk is called the:

Accepted Answer

The frequency of talk is the dependent variable because it is the outcome that the researcher is measuring to see if it is affected by the biological sex, which is the independent variable.

Question 5

Which of the following can be said about the hypothesis "biological sex will yield significant differences in the frequency of talk over a 30-minute conversation"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following can be said...

Question 6

To determine a causal relationship, which condition(s) is necessary?

Accepted Answer

All three conditions—covariation, time order, and control over rival explanations—are necessary to establish a causal relationship.

Question 7

A researcher uses videotaped conversations between married couples to investigate self-disclosure in intimate relationships. What is the data source?

Accepted Answer

The data source is observed behavior because the researcher is using videotaped conversations to directly observe and analyze the interactions between the couples.

Question 8

What is the most effective procedure for measuring respondents' own beliefs, attitudes, and values?

Accepted Answer

Collecting participants' self-reports is the most effective procedure for measuring respondents' own beliefs, attitudes, and values because it allows respondents to provide their own perspectives and interpretations of their own beliefs, attitudes, and values.

Question 9

To find participants for your study, you stop students in the cafeteria and ask them to complete your survey. You are using this approach to sampling:

Accepted Answer

This approach is convenience sampling because you are selecting participants based on their easy availability and proximity, rather than using a random or systematic method.

Question 10

Research suggests that the use of this non-random sampling method improved both the accuracy and representation in the samples

Accepted Answer

Quota sampling improves accuracy and representation by ensuring that the sample reflects certain characteristics of the population, thus reducing bias.

Question 11

The list that a researcher uses to locate all the elements in a population, and from which sample elements will be selected, is called a

Accepted Answer

A sampling frame is the list or database from which a sample is drawn, containing all the elements of the population.

Question 12

In quantitative social science research, bias refers to

Accepted Answer

Bias in quantitative social science research refers to systemic patterns of constant error that threaten the accuracy of results, as it can lead to skewed data and incorrect conclusions.

Question 13

In my study of leadership, I want to assure consistency in my leadership group so I assess them by having them complete a leadership instrument several different times throughout the semester. I am assessing reliability with:

Accepted Answer

The answer of In my study of leadership, I want...

Question 14

Using a panel of judges to validate your variable definitions is a procedure that helps to establish

Accepted Answer

Using a panel of judges to validate variable definitions helps ensure that the content of the variables adequately covers the domain of interest, which is related to content validity.

Question 15

In one study, participants filled an instrument in which several items were used to measure interpersonal competence to see if responses on these items were similar. This assessed what form of reliability?

Accepted Answer

Internal consistency reliability assesses whether multiple items that propose to measure the same general construct produce similar scores.

Question 16

You and another student in your class have agreed to work together to identify every threat and promise made by your instructor during class sessions over a two-week period. When you assess the degree to which you both identified the same threats and promises, you will be concerned about:

Accepted Answer

Intercoder reliability refers to the level of agreement between two or more coders on the coding of data, which is relevant when assessing how consistently you and the other student identified threats and promises.

Question 17

A researcher who attempts to validate a set of results by repeating the same study in a different setting is concerned with

Accepted Answer

Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized to real-world settings. By repeating the study in a different setting, the researcher is assessing whether the results hold true across various environments, thus addressing ecological validity.

Question 18

Which sources of error contribute to inconsistent measurement?

Accepted Answer

All the mentioned sources of error can contribute to inconsistent measurement, affecting reliability.

Question 19

Quantitative social science research's focus on prediction and control arises from its central core value of:

Accepted Answer

Quantitative social science research emphasizes objectivity, which involves using measurable data to predict and control social phenomena.

Question 20

Unlike research questions, hypotheses

Accepted Answer

Hypotheses can be both explanatory and predictive as they propose a relationship between variables and predict the outcome of an experiment or study.

Quiz 4: Making Arguments for Association and Causality