Question 1

Nailah and Salama examined award-winning films of the past 20 years to determine if their stories had a common theme. What type of archival research approach have they most likely used?
A)Mass communication records
B)Survey archives
C)Systematic observations
D)Self-reports

Accepted Answer

Nailah and Salama used archival research by examining mass communication records, specifically award-winning films from the past 20 years, to identify a common theme in their stories. Option B (survey archives) involves the use of survey data, which is not relevant in this scenario. Option C (systematic observations) involves observing phenomena in a naturalistic setting, which is not applicable here. Option D (self-reports) involves collecting data directly from individuals about their attitudes, behaviors, or experiences, which again is not applicable in this situation.

Question 2

Content analysis and systematic observation are similar because both _____.
A)require researchers to devise coding systems
B)depend on qualitative data
C)are forms of laboratory experiments
D)require concealed participation

Accepted Answer

Both content analysis and systematic observation require researchers to create and use coding systems to analyze data. However, content analysis is often based on qualitative data, while systematic observation can be conducted with both qualitative and quantitative data. Both methods also do not necessarily involve laboratory experiments and concealed participation.

Question 3

Salma studies historical data published by the United States Census Bureau to determine if there has been an increase in the population of African Americans over the last decade. This study is an example of a(n) _____.
A)naturalistic observation
B)psychobiography
C)field experiment
D)archival research

Accepted Answer

Archival research involves studying existing records or data, such as historical documents, to answer research questions. In this case, Salma is analyzing data from the Census Bureau, which is an example of archival research.

Question 4

A researcher wants to test the assertion that in comparison to female politicians, male politicians in the 20^th century were involved in more number of fraud cases. Which will be the most suitable observation method in this scenario? A)Archival research B)Survey C)Naturalistic observation D)Field experiment

Accepted Answer

Archival research would be the most suitable observation method in this scenario since it involves analyzing historical documents and records. The researcher can collect data on fraud cases involving male and female politicians in the 20th century and compare the numbers. This method is non-invasive and cannot be influenced by observer bias.

Question 5

In a cross-cultural study on the topic of mortality, Vladimir examined anthropologists' descriptions of different cultural beliefs regarding life after death. Which archival approach has he most likely employed?
A)Statistical records
B)Survey reports
C)Written records
D)Self-reports

Accepted Answer

Vladimir most likely employed the archival approach of written records as he examined anthropologists' descriptions of cultural beliefs regarding life after death, which would have been documented in written form such as books, journal articles, or other texts. The other options (statistical records, survey reports, self-reports) do not align with the use of existing documents and descriptions from anthropologists.

Question 6

A researcher studies letters to the editor of a magazine to assess community attitudes. The research method used in this scenario can be regarded as _____.
A)statistical records
B)survey archives
C)written records
D)case studies

Accepted Answer

The research method used is analyzing written records (letters to the editor) to gather information about community attitudes. Statistical records involve numerical data, survey archives involve collecting data through surveys, and case studies involve in-depth analysis of a particular case or situation. Thus, option C is the best choice in this scenario.

Question 7

The research approach in which the researcher does not actually collect original data but analyzes already existing data is called _____.
A)a psychobiography
B)a field experiment
C)archival research
D)statistical reporting

Accepted Answer

Archival research involves analyzing already existing data such as historical records, official statistics, and previously conducted studies. Psychobiography refers to analyzing a single individual's life history, whereas field experiments involve collecting original data in a natural setting. Statistical reporting is a method of presenting data that has already been collected, rather than a research approach.

Question 8

A researcher conducted an in-depth examination of the life of Adolf Hitler and concluded that there are three possible reasons that explain why he killed so many Jews. This research approach is an example of a _____.
A)field experiment
B)psychobiography
C)systematic biography
D)naturalistic observation study

Accepted Answer

A psychobiography is a research approach that involves analyzing the life experiences of a particular individual in order to gain insight into their psyche and behavior. In this case, the researcher examined the life of Adolf Hitler to understand why he committed such atrocities, which aligns with the psychobiography research methodology. A systematic biography would involve a chronological account of Hitler's life, while a field experiment and naturalistic observation study involve more direct observation and manipulation of variables in a controlled setting, which would not be applicable to studying Hitler's actions.

Question 9

A researcher wants to understand if people's age and their religious affiliations are related to political conservatism. To do so, he analyzes data available from the Inter University Consortium for Political and Social Research. In this case, which type of research approach is employed by the researcher?
A)A case study
B)A field experiment
C)A survey archive
D)A participant observation

Accepted Answer

The researcher is analyzing data available from the Inter University Consortium for Political and Social Research, which is a survey archive. Therefore, the approach used is a survey archive.

Question 10

Case studies are most useful for studying:
A)rare or unusual events.
B)large populations.
C)ambiguous questions.
D)cognitive variables.

Accepted Answer

Case studies are most useful for studying rare or unusual events because they allow for in-depth analysis of a specific case or situation, which may not be easily replicated in a larger population. Case studies can provide valuable insights and data that may not be possible to obtain from larger-scale studies or surveys.

Question 11

Julie, a researcher, analyzed data from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) General Social Survey to examine the relationship between education and job satisfaction. This research approach may be best categorized as _____.
A)naturalistic observation
B)systematic observation
C)survey archive
D)content analysis

Accepted Answer

Julie analyzed data from an existing survey archive, which is a collection of data from previous studies or surveys. Therefore, her research approach is best categorized as survey archive.

Question 12

A _____ is a type of case study in which a researcher applies psychological theory to explain the life of an individual.
A)psychopathology
B)systematic biography
C)psychobiography
D)statistical case study

Accepted Answer

A psychobiography is a specific type of case study that uses psychological theory to analyze and explain the life of an individual, often a historical or public figure. Psychopathology refers to the study of mental disorders, and a systematic biography or statistical case study do not necessarily involve the application of psychological theory.

Question 13

To determine if more building permits are issued in the northern part of a city than in its southern part, Chang examines the number of building permits issued in both parts of the city over the last five years. Which of the following archival research approaches is being used by Chang?
A)Case studies
B)Field experiments
C)Survey archives
D)Statistical records

Accepted Answer

The researcher is examining statistical records of the number of building permits issued in both parts of the city. Therefore, the archival research approach being used is statistical records.

Question 14

Survey archives are beneficial because they:
A)are useful for examining rare or unusual events.
B)allow researchers to save time and money in collecting data.
C)help in examining specific behaviors of an individual.
D)help researchers to explain the life of an individual.

Accepted Answer

Survey archives provide access to pre-existing data, which saves researchers the time and expense of collecting new data.

Question 15

Dr. Michael examines messages displayed on Internet bulletin boards in order to study whether males and females differ in the way they describe themselves when interacting with others. What type of archival research data is Dr. Michael using?
A)Statistical records
B)Survey archives
C)Written records
D)Video observation

Accepted Answer

Dr. Michael is examining messages on Internet bulletin boards, which are written records, thus he is using archival research data consisting of written records.

Question 16

Which of the following is an accurate statement about case studies?
A)Case studies are not useful for examining rare or unusual events.
B)Case studies are not useful in providing descriptions of individuals.
C)Case studies do not overlap with naturalistic observation.
D)Case studies do not necessarily involve naturalistic observation.

Accepted Answer

Case studies can involve naturalistic observation, but they do not necessarily have to. Additionally, case studies are often used to examine rare or unusual events, making choice A incorrect. Choice B is also incorrect, as case studies are precisely designed to provide detailed descriptions of individual cases.

Question 17

The systematic analysis of existing documents is known as _____.
A)quantitative research
B)transactional analysis
C)content analysis
D)case study

Accepted Answer

Content analysis involves the systematic analysis of existing documents to identify patterns, themes, and meanings. Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, transactional analysis is a form of psychotherapy, and a case study is an in-depth examination of a single subject or group.

Question 18

Harvey examines baseball records to determine whether National League teams who play the final game of the World Series at home lose more often than American League teams. Which of the following archival research approaches is Harvey using in this scenario?
A)Survey archives
B)Statistical records
C)Self-report
D)Anthropological data

Accepted Answer

Harvey is using statistical records to analyze the data on the World Series to determine if there is a correlation between the winning team and the location of the final game.

Question 19

In the context of archival research, _____ are documents such as diaries and letters that have been preserved by historical societies.
A)survey archives
B)statistical records
C)written records
D)verbal statements

Accepted Answer

Written records such as diaries and letters are commonly preserved by historical societies and are often used in archival research. Survey archives and statistical records may also be used in archival research, but they are not specifically types of documents that are preserved by historical societies. Verbal statements are not considered written records and are not typically used in archival research.

Question 20

Dr. Gong has developed a coding system for aggressive behaviors displayed in comic books. She had her assistants read comic books published between 1980 and 1984 and record the number of aggressive acts displayed in each comic. She also had her assistants read comic books published between 1985 and 1989 and record the number of aggressive acts displayed in them. This approach to studying aggressive behavior may best be categorized as _____.
A)a survey research
B)naturalistic observation
C)a cohort study
D)content analysis

Accepted Answer

Dr. Gong's approach involves analyzing the content of the comic books to identify and categorize aggressive behaviors. This is known as content analysis, which is a research method used to study recorded or documented materials (in this case, comic books). It is not a survey research, naturalistic observation, or cohort study, as the focus is on analyzing the content rather than collecting data through surveys or observing behavior in natural settings or studying a specific group over time.

Quiz 6: Observational Methods

Nailah and Salama examined award-winning films of the past 20 years to determine if their stories had a common theme. What type of archival research approach have they most likely used?

Content analysis and systematic observation are similar because both _____.

Salma studies historical data published by the United States Census Bureau to determine if there has been an increase in the population of African Americans over the last decade. This study is an example of a(n) _____.

A researcher wants to test the assertion that in comparison to female politicians, male politicians in the 20th century were involved in more number of fraud cases. Which will be the most suitable observation method in this scenario?

In a cross-cultural study on the topic of mortality, Vladimir examined anthropologists' descriptions of different cultural beliefs regarding life after death. Which archival approach has he most likely employed?

A researcher studies letters to the editor of a magazine to assess community attitudes. The research method used in this scenario can be regarded as _____.

The research approach in which the researcher does not actually collect original data but analyzes already existing data is called _____.

A researcher conducted an in-depth examination of the life of Adolf Hitler and concluded that there are three possible reasons that explain why he killed so many Jews. This research approach is an example of a _____.

Case studies are most useful for studying:

Julie, a researcher, analyzed data from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) General Social Survey to examine the relationship between education and job satisfaction. This research approach may be best categorized as _____.

A _____ is a type of case study in which a researcher applies psychological theory to explain the life of an individual.

To determine if more building permits are issued in the northern part of a city than in its southern part, Chang examines the number of building permits issued in both parts of the city over the last five years. Which of the following archival research approaches is being used by Chang?

Survey archives are beneficial because they:

Dr. Michael examines messages displayed on Internet bulletin boards in order to study whether males and females differ in the way they describe themselves when interacting with others. What type of archival research data is Dr. Michael using?

Which of the following is an accurate statement about case studies?

The systematic analysis of existing documents is known as _____.

Harvey examines baseball records to determine whether National League teams who play the final game of the World Series at home lose more often than American League teams. Which of the following archival research approaches is Harvey using in this scenario?

In the context of archival research, _____ are documents such as diaries and letters that have been preserved by historical societies.

A researcher wants to test the assertion that in comparison to female politicians, male politicians in the 20^th century were involved in more number of fraud cases. Which will be the most suitable observation method in this scenario?