Question 1

_____ involves identifying patterns in a data set to reach conclusions and build theories.

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning involves identifying patterns in a data set to reach conclusions and build theories. It involves using specific observations to make generalizations and predictions about a larger group or phenomenon. Deductive reasoning involves starting with a theory or hypothesis and testing it through observations, while hypothetical reasoning involves making assumptions or guesses about a situation based on limited information. Triangulation and data coding are methodologies used in data collection and analysis, but they do not involve pattern recognition to build theories.

Question 2

Heidi is using computer software to analyze the large amount of data that can be gathered from social networking sites on the Internet. She is attempting to reach conclusions and build theories regarding how consumers are influenced by online reviews. Which of the following is Heidi using to reach conclusions and build theories?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning is a method of reasoning in which a general conclusion is drawn from specific observations. In this scenario, Heidi is analyzing specific data from social networking sites and attempting to draw a general conclusion or theory about how consumers are influenced by online reviews. This process utilizes inductive reasoning. The other answer choices, such as web trawling and triangulation, refer to specific techniques or methods that Heidi may be using to gather or analyze the data, but do not describe the overall process of drawing a conclusion or theory. Deductive reasoning and data reductive reasoning are not relevant to this scenario.

Question 3

Theory built through inductive reasoning is called _____.

Accepted Answer

Theory built through inductive reasoning is called grounded theory. This approach involves developing theories based on observations and data analysis, rather than starting with preconceived hypotheses.

Question 4

Most quantitative research is based on theoretically-based hypotheses before any data collection is performed. On which type of reasoning is this type of research based?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research is typically based on deductive reasoning, where a hypothesis or set of hypotheses is developed based on existing theory or previous research, and then empirical data is collected and analyzed to test the validity of those hypotheses.

Question 5

_____ is an approach that starts with theory and hypotheses before collection or analysis of data.

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning is an approach where researchers start with a theory or hypothesis and then collect and analyze data to test those theories. This approach is often used in quantitative research methods. The other choices, B) triangulation, C) data coding, D) hypothetical reasoning, and E) inductive reasoning are not specifically related to an approach that starts with theory and hypotheses.

Question 6

All of the following are situations in which qualitative research is the preferred method of research EXCEPT _____.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research is preferred when there is little prior knowledge or understanding of the research problem, when previous research is incomplete, or when the research question involves material that is not easily accessed through surveys or experiments. However, in situations where there is already a solid theoretical basis and several studies providing empirical support, quantitative research may be more appropriate. Additionally, if the primary purpose of the research is to propose hypotheses that can eventually be tested quantitatively, quantitative research may be preferred. Therefore, C is the exception because it contradicts the situations in which qualitative research is preferred.

Question 7

All of the following are approaches to qualitative research EXCEPT _____.

Accepted Answer

Positivism, postpositivism, interpretivism, and critical approaches are all approaches to qualitative research. Regression, on the other hand, is a statistical technique used in quantitative research.

Question 8

_____ is a research philosophy that views reality as something that can be objectively ascertained and described through research.

Accepted Answer

Positivism is a research philosophy that emphasizes the use of scientific methods to objectively study and describe reality. It assumes that there is a single reality that can be measured and quantified through empirical observation and experimentation.

Question 9

Which qualitative research approach posits that, while there is an objective reality, it is difficult to describe or analyze that reality without sociocultural and psychological lenses filtering interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Postpositivism acknowledges that while there is an objective reality, researchers' observations and interpretations are inevitably influenced by their own experiences and perspectives, making it challenging to describe or analyze reality without these filters.

Question 10

How does postpositivism differ from positivism?

Accepted Answer

Positivism believes that reality can be objectively studied and described through research while postpositivism believes that while there is an objective reality, it is difficult to analyze or describe it without taking into account the sociocultural and psychological lenses filtering our interpretation. In other words, postpositivism recognizes that our understanding of reality is influenced by our own individual perspectives and experiences.

Question 11

Which qualitative research approach asserts that all access to reality is socially constructed, causing researchers to attempt to understand phenomena through meanings assigned to them by individuals rather than seeking an objective, bias-free reality?

Accepted Answer

Interpretivism asserts that reality is socially constructed and researchers attempt to understand phenomena through meanings assigned to them by individuals rather than seeking an objective, bias-free reality.

Question 12

John believes strongly that the only way to understand phenomena is to examine the meanings assigned to them by individuals. He doesn't think it is possible to seek an objective, bias-free reality. Therefore, John's approach to qualitative research is likely to be _____.

Accepted Answer

John's belief in the importance of examining individual meanings suggests an interpretivist approach to qualitative research. Interpretivism holds that social reality is constructed through subjective interpretation and that individuals' experiences and meanings are important in understanding phenomena.

Question 13

Which qualitative research approach studies human experiences and consciousness and examines conscious experience from the first-person (interviewer or observer) point of view?

Accepted Answer

Phenomenology is the qualitative research approach that studies human experiences and consciousness and examines conscious experience from the first-person (interviewer or observer) point of view. Grounded theory and ethnography are also qualitative research approaches, but they do not focus specifically on consciousness or first-person experiences. Case studies and postpositivism are not qualitative research approaches.

Question 14

Amy is studying the meanings people have for life experiences, such as graduation or getting married. She is studying how experiences such as these affect people's thoughts, desires, memories, emotions, and imagination to bodily awareness and social interactions. Which qualitative research approach is Amy using?

Accepted Answer

Amy is studying the meanings people have for life experiences and how they affect various aspects of their life. Phenomenology focuses on understanding the experiences and meanings individuals have for a specific phenomenon or event. Therefore, Amy's research aligns with the key principles of phenomenology.

Question 15

A specialized field of phenomenology which attempts to understand and explain human behavior based on an analysis of stories people tell about themselves is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Hermeneutics is a specialized field of phenomenology which focuses on interpretation and understanding of narrative stories that humans tell about themselves. Grounded theory is a research methodology that involves the generation of theories from collected data. Ethnography is a qualitative research method that involves studying a culture or community. Triangulation is a research technique that involves using multiple methods or sources to confirm findings. Adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to new conditions or circumstances. None of these options accurately describe the specialized field of phenomenology focused on narrative interpretation.

Question 16

Which approach to qualitative research actively seeks to change social and economic circumstances by undertaking research that is "emancipatory"?

Accepted Answer

Critical approaches to qualitative research are focused on understanding and challenging power structures and social inequalities. Emancipatory research is a specific type of critical approach that aims to not only understand these structures but actively change them through research. This is done by engaging with marginalized communities and involving them in the research process, as well as using findings to advocate for policy change or other forms of activism.

Question 17

Which of the following typically come from interviews or focus groups in the field and consists of words and phrases in textual format?

Accepted Answer

Field-generated data typically come from interviews or focus groups conducted in the field and consist of words and phrases in textual format.

Question 18

Which type of qualitative data comes from existing sources like online social networks, newspaper articles, speeches, diaries, advertisements, and audio and video recordings?

Accepted Answer

This type of data is called found data, as it is already available and collected by someone else. It is commonly used in qualitative research to supplement primary data.

Question 19

Allison is content analyzing magazine advertisements to research how the portrayal of women has changed over the past 100 years. What type of data is Allison using?

Accepted Answer

Allison is using found data because she is analyzing existing magazine advertisements, which are data that were not originally collected for the purpose of her research but can be analyzed to answer her research question.

Question 20

_____is the process of assigning meaningful numerical values or names that reduce data from a large amount of undifferentiated text to a much smaller number of relevant and representative chunks.

Accepted Answer

Coding is the process of categorizing and organizing data into meaningful groups or categories. It reduces the large amount of data into smaller and more manageable units, which can then be analyzed and interpreted more easily. Data reduction, data display, data verification, and configuration are all related to the data analysis process, but they are not specifically related to the process of assigning meaningful numerical values or names through coding.

Quiz 11: Basic Data Analysis for Qualitative Research