Question 1

Every 10 years, the U.S.Census Bureau mails forms to every home in the United States to collect federally mandated data.Which of the following data collection methods is used by the Census Bureau?

Accepted Answer

The Census Bureau uses a survey method to collect data from every home in the United States. They mail forms to every household and ask them to fill out information about the individuals living there. This method allows them to collect data on a large scale and is mandated by federal law.

Question 2

_____ is the relationship between two or more variables.

Accepted Answer

Correlation is the relationship between two or more variables, which indicates how changes in one variable are associated with changes in another variable. However, correlation does not imply causation, meaning that one variable causes another variable to change.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is most likely an example of causation?

Accepted Answer

The statement "Unsafe sex is linked to sexually transmitted diseases" implies a direct causal relationship between engaging in unsafe sex and contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The other statements describe associations or correlations, but not necessarily causation.

Question 4

_____ provide information on characteristics such as national college graduation rates.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data deals with numerical information that can be measured and analyzed mathematically. Characteristics such as national college graduation rates can be expressed as numbers and statistics, which fall under quantitative data.

Question 5

Sociologists and other scientists try to establish correlation because _____.

Accepted Answer

Sociologists and other scientists try to establish correlation because causation is difficult to prove. While correlation may suggest a possible relationship between two variables, it does not necessarily prove that one variable causes the other. Therefore, scientists often use correlation as a starting point to identify possible relationships and then design experiments to establish causation.

Question 6

Data that is collected at one point in time is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional data is collected at one point in time and provides a snapshot of a population or group at a specific moment. Longitudinal data, on the other hand, is collected over time and can track changes and trends within a population. Dependent data, scientific data, and random data are not related to the timing of data collection.

Question 7

Which of the following statements is an example of correlation?

Accepted Answer

The statement "Obesity is associated with heredity" is an example of correlation, as it shows a relationship between two variables (obesity and heredity) without claiming that one causes the other. The other choices all make a causal claim, implying that one variable directly causes the other.

Question 8

In a(n) _____, there's little or no attempt to get a representative cross section of the population.

Accepted Answer

Non probability samples are those where the researcher does not seek to ensure that the sample is representative of the population. Convenience samples, which are one type of non probability sample, are gathered by selecting individuals who are most easily accessible to the researcher. Therefore, they may not be representative of the population. Nonjudgmental and independent samples are not commonly used terms in sampling. Constant samples are not a recognized type of sample.

Question 9

_____ yield in-depth descriptions of why some college students drop out whereas others graduate.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data provides detailed descriptions and explanations of a phenomenon, which is what is needed to understand the reasons behind college students dropping out or graduating. Quantitative data and numeric data provide numerical values and statistics, respectively, but do not provide the context and depth needed to explain why certain students make certain decisions. Computable data refers to data that can be manipulated and processed through technology, which may not be relevant to this particular question. Deductive data refers to data gathered through deduction and logical reasoning, which may also not be relevant to understanding the complex reasons behind college student outcomes.

Question 10

In _____, sociologists focus on a numerical analysis of people's responses or specific characteristics, studying a wide range of attitudes, behaviors, and traits.

Accepted Answer

The question describes research that involves numerical analysis, which is a defining characteristic of quantitative research. Other options such as correlational research or qualitative research may involve numerical analysis to some extent, but they do not have the same emphasis on statistical analysis and numerical data as quantitative research.

Question 11

Non probability samples are very useful when sociologists:

Accepted Answer

Non probability samples are useful for gaining insights on how people feel about a particular topic before launching a larger study. Unlike probability samples, non probability samples do not attempt to ensure that every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected, which makes them less representative of the population as a whole. However, they can be useful for exploratory research and generating hypotheses before conducting a larger study with a probability sample.

Question 12

Kyra wants to carry out research to study depression in teenage students.She visits a school and randomly chooses 200 teenage students to be a part of her study.Which of the following sampling methods is used by Kyra to carry out her research?

Accepted Answer

Kyra is using probability sampling as she randomly chose 200 teenage students from the school. This means that each student has an equal chance of being selected and the sample is representative of the population.

Question 13

Which of the following is the most desirable characteristic of a probability sample?

Accepted Answer

The most desirable characteristic of a probability sample is that its results can be generalized to the larger population. This means that the sample is representative of the population, and the findings can be applied to the population with some confidence.

Question 14

_____ is a relationship in which one variable is the direct consequence of another.

Accepted Answer

Causation refers to a cause-and-effect relationship, where one variable directly results in a change in another variable. It's different from correlation, which only indicates a relationship between two variables and doesn't necessarily imply causation. Castigation refers to criticism or punishment, cognition refers to mental processes like perception and thinking, and cohesion refers to how well parts of a whole fit together.

Question 15

Murray outlines his sampling technique, the sample size, and the characteristics of the respondents in his research.According to the steps in the scientific method, using the deductive approach, Murray is:

Accepted Answer

Murray is describing the data collection methods used in his research by outlining his sampling technique, the sample size, and the characteristics of the respondents. This step is crucial for understanding how the data was gathered and the scope of the research.

Question 16

Which of the following is true of longitudinal studies?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal studies involve collecting data from the same individuals over an extended period of time. This allows researchers to track changes in the behavior or attitudes of participants, making them useful for examining trends. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because longitudinal studies involve collecting data from the same individuals over time, not at one point in time or from different respondents at the same point in time. Option E is also incorrect because longitudinal studies are useful when data is needed over an extended period of time, not just for a particular year.

Question 17

_____ is a method for collecting that data that includes questionnaires, face-to-face or telephone interviews, or a combination.

Accepted Answer

The method described in the question is survey, which involves collecting data through questionnaires, face-to-face or telephone interviews or a combination. Field research involves going out into the field to observe and collect data, secondary analysis involves analyzing already collected data, causation refers to the relationship between cause and effect, and castigation means punishment or severe criticism.

Question 18

When people call into TV contest shows to vote, such as American Idol or Dancing with the Stars, they are an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

When people call into TV contest shows to vote, they are a non probability sample because not everyone has an equal chance of being selected to participate in the sample. The people who choose to call in and vote are self-selected and may not represent the larger population accurately.

Question 19

Michelle is presenting her research at a local conference.She has concluded that the program she reviewed is very effective in its mission.According to the steps in the scientific method, using the deductive approach, Michelle is:

Accepted Answer

Michelle has already collected data and analyzed it to make a conclusion about the program's effectiveness. Therefore, she is in the stage of analyzing and explaining the results of her research.

Question 20

Peter is sending out questionnaires via e-mail to 7,000 students on campus to gather data about their eating habits.Which of the following data collection methods is most likely used by Peter in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Peter is collecting data through questionnaires, which is a form of survey research.

Quiz 2: Examining Our Social World