Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a common source of bias in sociological research?
Which of the following is NOT a common source of bias in sociological research?
- Adherence to strict statistical formulas (correct)
- Impact of funding sources
- Influence of researcher's values
- Reflexivity in research
The Hawthorne effect, where participants alter their behavior because they know they are being observed, is a type of sampling bias.
The Hawthorne effect, where participants alter their behavior because they know they are being observed, is a type of sampling bias.
False (B)
Define 'social desirability bias' and explain how it can affect research results.
Define 'social desirability bias' and explain how it can affect research results.
Social desirability bias is the tendency of survey respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others. It can lead to overreporting of good behavior or underreporting of bad behavior, skewing research results.
When researchers reflect on how their own identity and beliefs might influence their research, they are engaging in ___________.
When researchers reflect on how their own identity and beliefs might influence their research, they are engaging in ___________.
Match the following criteria for evaluating sociological research with their descriptions:
Match the following criteria for evaluating sociological research with their descriptions:
What is a potential consequence of funding bodies influencing the topic selection in sociological research?
What is a potential consequence of funding bodies influencing the topic selection in sociological research?
Using an outdated electoral register as a sampling frame is unlikely to introduce any bias into a sociological study.
Using an outdated electoral register as a sampling frame is unlikely to introduce any bias into a sociological study.
Explain how a researcher's values might influence the interpretation of research findings, and provide an example.
Explain how a researcher's values might influence the interpretation of research findings, and provide an example.
__________ refers to whether research measures what it intends to measure and whether its findings are truthful and accurate.
__________ refers to whether research measures what it intends to measure and whether its findings are truthful and accurate.
Which type of bias is most directly addressed by researchers engaging in reflexivity?
Which type of bias is most directly addressed by researchers engaging in reflexivity?
Coding errors in questionnaire responses are an example of sampling bias.
Coding errors in questionnaire responses are an example of sampling bias.
What is 'non-response' in the context of sampling, and why is it a problem?
What is 'non-response' in the context of sampling, and why is it a problem?
The __________ effect can occur in experiments, where participants modify their behavior simply because they are aware of being observed.
The __________ effect can occur in experiments, where participants modify their behavior simply because they are aware of being observed.
Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'representativeness' in sociological research?
Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'representativeness' in sociological research?
Feminist researchers always aim to support existing power structures in their research.
Feminist researchers always aim to support existing power structures in their research.
How can interview bias affect the quality and objectivity of sociological research?
How can interview bias affect the quality and objectivity of sociological research?
Ensuring that research participants have the right to __________, __________, and __________ is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in sociological research.
Ensuring that research participants have the right to __________, __________, and __________ is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in sociological research.
Which of the following is an example of data processing bias?
Which of the following is an example of data processing bias?
Objectivity in research means that the researcher's personal values and biases should strongly guide the research process.
Objectivity in research means that the researcher's personal values and biases should strongly guide the research process.
Explain the importance of 'ethics' in sociological research and provide an example of an ethical consideration.
Explain the importance of 'ethics' in sociological research and provide an example of an ethical consideration.
Flashcards
Methodological Bias
Methodological Bias
Bias introduced by the researcher's choice of methods, such as interviews, experiments, or observations.
Sampling Bias
Sampling Bias
Bias resulting from non-random participant selection, non-response, or inadequate sampling frames.
Social Desirability Bias
Social Desirability Bias
The tendency for participants to provide answers that are socially acceptable rather than truthful.
Data Processing Bias
Data Processing Bias
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Researcher Value Bias
Researcher Value Bias
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Funding Bias
Funding Bias
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Reflexivity
Reflexivity
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Validity
Validity
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Reliability
Reliability
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Objectivity
Objectivity
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Representativeness
Representativeness
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Research Ethics
Research Ethics
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Study Notes
- Bias can occur in sociological research from research design/conduct, researchers' values, funding impact, and reflexivity.
Bias in Research Design & Conduct
- Method choice can introduce bias, such as interview bias, the Hawthorne effect in experiments, and the observer effect in observations.
- Non-random sampling leads to unrepresentative samples, especially if researchers pick participants like themselves.
- Non-response distorts results if specific groups opt out, and outdated sampling frames also cause bias.
- The social desirability effect occurs when participants give socially acceptable answers.
- Coding errors in questionnaire responses lead to data processing bias.
Influence of Researchers’ Values
- Sociologists' values guide topic choice, fieldwork, and interpretation, for example, feminist or Marxist researchers siding with the underdog.
- David Harvey, influenced by Marxism, studies inequality and capitalism.
Impact of Funding
- Funding bodies influence topic selection, methodology, and research direction, sometimes preferring quantitative methods.
- Tailoring proposals to funder priorities leads to pressure to focus on "marketable" or visible-impact topics.
Reflexivity in Research
- Reflexivity involves researchers reflecting on how their identity, beliefs, and social position might affect research design.
- Reflexivity encourages transparency and awareness of researcher influence in data interpretation and conclusions.
Criteria for Evaluating Sociological Research
- Validity is about measuring what the research intends to and ensuring findings are truthful and accurate.
- Reliability involves research repeatability with similar results.
- Objectivity means research is free from researcher bias or values.
- Representativeness requires the sample to reflect the wider population, allowing generalization.
- Ethics means that research respects participants’ rights, including consent, privacy, and protection from harm.
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