Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology
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Questions and Answers

What is a significant challenge researchers face regarding anonymity in social research?

  • Researchers can guarantee anonymity legally.
  • Anonymity is an ideal but often not possible. (correct)
  • Online surveys automatically ensure participant privacy.
  • Anonymity is always achievable through online surveys.

    • Which of the following scenarios may lead researchers to breach confidentiality?

  • Requests for data from academic institutions.
  • Participating in an anonymous survey.
  • Legal authorities seeking information related to illegal activities. (correct)
  • Legal obligations to protect witness information.

    • What is a potential consequence of studying vulnerable populations in research?

  • Greater accessibility to research funding.
  • Increased ethics in study design.
  • Exploitation of easily available subjects for the benefit of others. (correct)
  • Improved data validity and reliability.

    • What does 'deductive disclosure risk' refer to in social research?

    <p>The risk of creating misleading categories that could reveal identities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what scenario might a researcher have to compromise the confidentiality of their subjects?

    <p>In cases of reported child abuse or self-harm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of adjusting the weight of international students in a sample?

    <p>To account for their oversampling in the survey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following defines systematic errors in survey responses?

    <p>Specific groups consistently failing to respond</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can postsurvey weighting affect the representation of older adults in a sample?

    <p>It can increase their weight to reflect the population accurately</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In probability sampling, what does the term 'sampling error' refer to?

    <p>The difference between sample estimates and population parameters due to random chance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main risk associated with a low response rate in surveys?

    <p>Overrepresentation of certain demographics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of random sampling error?

    <p>It occurs due to random chance and is inherent in sampling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adjustment is typically made for international students due to oversampling?

    <p>Their weight is multiplied by 0.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to ensure a representative sample when conducting surveys?

    <p>To ensure survey results accurately reflect the broader population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes applied research from basic research?

    <p>Applied research seeks to solve real-world problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement reflects a common misconception about statistical associations?

    <p>Statistical association implies causation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an essential characteristic of a good research question?

    <p>It should be answerable and specific.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a fundamental feature of a theory in research?

    <p>It must be generalizable to explain a broad class of events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a component of the sociological imagination?

    <p>Recognizing how personal choices are influenced by broader structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do agency and structure play in sociological research?

    <p>Structures create constraints within which agency operates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes a grand theory?

    <p>It serves as a basis for developing new theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of rising housing costs on social behaviors, according to the sociological imagination?

    <p>Rising housing costs make premarital cohabitation more acceptable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What quality must data possess to be considered high-quality in research?

    <p>It must undergo a systematic approach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does reflexivity in research refer to?

    <p>The process of a researcher reflecting on their biases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes explanatory research?

    <p>Research that explains the reasons behind particular phenomena.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between basic and applied research?

    <p>Applied research seeks immediate practical applications, while basic research is knowledge for the sake of understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'generalizable' refer to in research methods?

    <p>The ability to apply findings to broader populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the concept of correlation versus causation?

    <p>Causation means that changes in one variable can lead to changes in another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of including only explanations that support a claim in research?

    <p>To ensure clarity and avoid confusion in the argument.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of research is the goal to simply describe the characteristics of a phenomenon?

    <p>Descriptive research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of oversampling in stratified sampling?

    <p>To ensure representation of smaller groups in the population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of stratified sampling, what should be done to prevent samples from becoming non-representative?

    <p>Ensure the number of selected individuals reflects the proportions from each stratum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the weight assigned to each respondent if simple random sampling is used with a sample of 20 from a population of 200?

    <p>1/10</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should international students be weighted in the described sampling process?

    <p>They should have half the weight of domestic students</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In creating a stratified sample from a class of 100 students where 90% are domestic and 10% are international, how many international students should be included in a sample of 10?

    <p>2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key step in the sampling process after obtaining the sampling frame in stratified sampling?

    <p>Divide the population into strata based on characteristics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of the weight assigned to oversampled groups in stratified sampling?

    <p>Oversampled groups count less towards the total estimates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done after dividing the target population into strata in stratified sampling?

    <p>Ensure random selection from each stratum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology

    • Research Methodology entails a systematic approach to data collection and analysis, aiming for generalizability, replicability, and objectivity.
    • Reflexivity underlines the importance of researchers minimizing personal bias; an ongoing process of self-awareness and critical reflection.
    • Value-free Research emphasizes the pursuit of unbiased findings, open to alternative interpretations.
    • Causation is not the same as correlation, requiring careful examination of potential explanations.

    Understanding Research Types

    • Quantitative (Quant) vs. Qualitative (Qual) Research: Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative research explores meanings and interpretations through textual or visual data.
    • Descriptive vs. Explanatory Research: Descriptive research aims to describe phenomena, while explanatory research delves into uncovering causal relationships.
    • Basic vs. Applied Research: Basic research focuses on expanding knowledge for its own sake, while applied research seeks to address real-world problems by applying existing knowledge.
    • Selective Observation: Ignoring data that doesn't fit preconceived ideas can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
    • Illogical Reasoning: Mistaking statistical association for causation can result in flawed interpretations.

    The Sociological Imagination

    • Personal Troubles vs. Public Issues: This framework encourages examining individual experiences within broader social contexts, recognizing that societal structures influence personal choices and circumstances.
    • Agency and Structure: Agency refers to the ability of individuals making decisions, influenced by broader social factors like class, religion, and cultural norms.

    Theory as the Foundation for Research

    • Research Question: It must be answerable, have potential for verifiable observation, and encompass a specific theory, expected finding, and research design.
    • Theory: A testable, falsifiable, generalizable, and probabilistic statement that explains a phenomenon.
    • Do No Harm (Ethical Considerations) :
      • Anonymity: Ideal but often difficult to achieve; data de-identification is a potential solution.
      • Confidentiality: Maintaining the privacy of participants' information, subject to legal and ethical considerations.
      • Maximize Potential Benefits: Utilizing research findings to improve social understanding and generate positive social change.
    • Justice: Ensuring equitable treatment of research participants and avoiding exploitation of vulnerable groups.

    Sampling Techniques

    • Simple Random Sampling: Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
    • Systematic Sampling: Every nth member of the population is selected, starting from a randomly determined point.
    • Stratified Sampling: Dividing the population into strata (e.g., gender, age) and selecting individuals randomly from each stratum.
    • Cluster Sampling: Dividing the population into clusters (e.g., geographic regions) and randomly selecting clusters, then sampling individuals within selected clusters.

    Weighting and Oversampling

    • Weighting: Adjusting the influence of specific respondent groups within a sample to reflect their true representation in the overall population.
    • Oversampling: Intentionally over-representing certain groups in a sample to ensure adequate data for analysis.

    Probability Sampling

    • Unbiased Sampling: Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, reducing the likelihood of systematic biases.
    • Sampling Error: The difference between sample estimates and population parameters, attributable to random chance.

    Random Sampling Error

    • Randomness in Samples: Multiple random samples will likely generate varying results due to the inherent nature of randomness.
    • Limited Sample: Researchers typically draw only one sample, which may or may not perfectly reflect the population.

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    Sociology 2206A Research Methods - PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of research methodology in sociology, including the distinction between quantitative and qualitative research, and the importance of reflexivity. It covers critical topics like value-free research and the nuances of causation versus correlation. Test your understanding of these essential research principles.

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