PG71-74 Research Issues: Theoretical Considerations in Sociological Research

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What analogy is presented in the text to explain the approach to choosing research methods?

Choosing a hammer for hanging a picture (correct)

Deciding on a calculator for complex calculations

Picking a shovel for gardening

Selecting a paintbrush for painting

According to Ackroyd and Hughes (1992), how should researchers view different research methods?

As irrelevant to the research process

As inappropriate tools for specific tasks

As interchangeable tools with no preference (correct)

As perfect tools for specific tasks

What is highlighted as a crucial consideration when deciding how to collect research data?

Whether to collect primary or secondary data

The choice between descriptive or statistical data (correct)

Whether to use a camera or a voice recorder

The decision to stick to hypotheses or report respondent statements

In sociological research, what theoretical beliefs influence how data is collected?

Theoretical beliefs about the social world Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of research involves confronting theoretical questions related to the choice of topic and method?

Topic choice Signup and view all the answers

Why does choosing a research topic involve multiple considerations at a theoretical level?

To allow for various perspectives on the topic Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that may influence a researcher's choice of research topic?

The researcher's values Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason interactionists may avoid using statistical methods in research?

They are not seeking causality Signup and view all the answers

Why might a government agency be selective in funding social research projects?

To align with their policies and decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is a practical consideration that may impact a researcher's choice of topic?

Access to research subjects Signup and view all the answers

Why might some researchers resort to covert participation in their studies?

To overcome problems of access and co-operation Signup and view all the answers

What may be a reason for focusing sociological research on the activities of the powerless?

Problems of access and co-operation Signup and view all the answers

Why might a researcher's perspective influence their choice of research methodology?

Based on their beliefs about reliability and validity of methods Signup and view all the answers

In what context might practical considerations significantly affect a researcher's topic choice?

When dealing with financial constraints Signup and view all the answers

What might be a key reason for university-based research to align with governmental preferences?

To secure future funding Signup and view all the answers

How might a researcher's values influence the choice of research topic?

By affecting the level of interest in a topic Signup and view all the answers

What method might a researcher avoid to prevent ethical issues when studying criminal behaviors?

Participant observation Signup and view all the answers

In research ethics, what must a researcher obtain from those being researched to avoid ethical questions?

Informed consent Signup and view all the answers

What is one aspect of the relationship between researchers and participants that is crucial for ethical research practices?

Trust and personal honesty Signup and view all the answers

What is one important consideration regarding the safety of individuals involved in a research project?

Ensuring physical and psychological safety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered unethical behavior in research according to the text?

Fabricating data Signup and view all the answers

What question do researchers ask themselves to ensure ethical research conduct according to the text?

"Is it true?" Signup and view all the answers

What is one morally ambiguous area mentioned in the text regarding research practices?

Studying people who do not want to be studied Signup and view all the answers

What did Rosenhan (1973) do to test his hypothesis about the accuracy of diagnosing schizophrenia?

"Sending students displaying false symptoms into hospitals" Signup and view all the answers

"In Milgram’s (1974) study of authority, respondents believed they were giving electric shocks to learners" exemplifies an unethical practice related to:

"Causing distress or experimenting on people without their knowledge" Signup and view all the answers

"Wallis (1977) wanted to research Scientology but was refused access by church leaders, so he based his research on former members" - this scenario illustrates:

"Studying individuals without their consent" Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that influences the choice of research method according to the passage?

The practical considerations of the study Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a practical consideration that can influence the choice of research method?

The researcher's personal beliefs and values Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, which of the following is an example of a quantitative research method?

Questionnaires Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned in the passage as influencing the choice of research method?

The researcher's personal experience and expertise Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what was the main aim of Kessler's (2000) study on the relationship between sponsorship and small business performance?

To test whether sponsored individuals are more successful than non-sponsored individuals Signup and view all the answers

The passage suggests that which of the following research methods would be the most suitable for studying the culture of the police?