Introduction to Social Research Statistics
45 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a common practice when recording age?

  • Using decimal points
  • Using only fractions
  • Dividing into categories (correct)
  • Measuring in milliseconds
  • Body weight can only be measured in whole pounds.

    False (B)

    What type of variable is age classified as?

    continuous variable

    The U.S. Bureau of the Census conducts a complete enumeration of the U.S. __________.

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

    Match the following types of measurement with their description:

    <p>Nominal = Categorical data without a specific order Ordinal = Categorical data with a defined order Interval = Numerical data with meaningful intervals between values Ratio = Numerical data with an absolute zero point</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary focus of the 2009 study related to children's cereal boxes?

    <p>Gender images on product packaging (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Male characters outnumber female characters on cereal boxes by more than three to one.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who conducted a study on gender images on cereal boxes in 2009?

    <p>Black, Marola, Littman, Chrisler, and Neace</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In participant observation, a researcher may participate in a role either __________ or covertly.

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

    Match the following research methods with their descriptions:

    <p>Participant Observation = Research method where the researcher engages and observes Content Analysis = Systematic examination of media content for patterns Surveys = Collection of data through questionnaires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What area did Janese Free focus on in her participant observation study?

    <p>Impact of alternative schooling on at-risk youth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The results of the cereal box study showed that female characters were often depicted as authority figures.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many hours did Janese Free spend in the alternative school?

    <p>750 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statistical methods is NOT mentioned as a new technique in the latest edition?

    <p>T-test (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary objective of the book is to be a comprehensive reference work on statistical methods.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the section entitled 'Looking at the Larger Picture'?

    <p>To provide an overview of the entire research process based on hypothetical data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    This book includes updated examples and exercises based on a subset of the 2010 General Social Survey (GSS) available for ______.

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

    Match the chapters with the topics they cover:

    <p>Chapter 1 = Meta-analysis Chapter 4 = Coefficient of variation Chapter 7 = One sample test of means and effect size Chapter 12 = Elaboration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which chapter discusses logistic regression?

    <p>Chapter 11 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The supplementary computer exercises can only be taught by instructors who use computer software.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has the book attempted to improve based on instructor and student feedback?

    <p>Refinements and improvements in statistical methods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a contributor to the book’s development?

    <p>John Doe (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    From Table 1.8, how many males have tried marijuana?

    <p>35 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The authors express gratitude towards personal computers for their assistance in writing the book.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 2010 General Social Survey relate to?

    <p>The survey is related to social research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Table 1.9, a total of 30 males have tried marijuana.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What statistical method is mentioned as a way to determine if the difference in marijuana use between genders is significant?

    <p>chi-square</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Everyday predictions may result in winning or losing, such as investing in the stock market, voting for a political candidate, or trying to anticipate questions on a ___ .

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

    In Table 1.8, the number of females who have not tried marijuana is _______.

    <p>85</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the actions with their potential outcomes:

    <p>Investing in the stock market = May result in a sound investment Voting for a political candidate = May lead to an unpleasant consequence Taking medication for a cold = May lead to the wrong treatment Anticipating questions on a midterm = May result in doing well</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of statistics in social research?

    <p>To assist in understanding data trends (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the number of respondents who have tried marijuana with their gender:

    <p>Males (Table 1.8) = 35 Females (Table 1.8) = 15 Males (Table 1.9) = 30 Females (Table 1.9) = 20</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the result that 35 out of 100 males have tried marijuana?

    <p>This result is statistically significant. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The outcome of a blind date is always predictable.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is necessary to gain a true sense of a person's nature?

    <p>Sufficient exposure to the person (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who are Chris Prener and Chris Hovey in relation to the book?

    <p>They assisted in updating and improving problem sets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The finding of 26 males and 24 females who have tried marijuana can be confidently stated as a population difference.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many chances out of 100 are there that the finding of Table 1.8 may be wrong?

    <p>5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A large sample size increases the reliability of generalizing to the population.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average grade of the entire class of 80 students?

    <p>60.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phenomenon of differing sample means from the population mean is called __________.

    <p>sampling error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the terms with their definitions:

    <p>Population = The entire group being studied Sample = A subset of the population Generalization = Drawing conclusions about the population based on the sample Hypothesis = A testable statement about a relationship between variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis based on the text?

    <p>Male college students are more likely than female college students to have tried marijuana. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Error from sampling can be completely eliminated with proper methodology.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To find the average grade from a sample of grades, you need to add the scores and divide by __________.

    <p>the total number of grades in the sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Elementary Statistics in Social Research

    A book about statistical methods, aimed at students with varying math backgrounds, focused on social research applications.

    Target Audience

    Students with diverse mathematical backgrounds in social research.

    Meta-analysis

    A statistical method for combining results of multiple studies.

    Coefficient of Variation

    A measure of relative variability.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    One Sample Test of Means and Effect Size

    Statistical test for mean comparison and effect size calculation in a single dataset.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test

    Non-parametric tests for comparing groups.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Logistic Regression

    Statistical method for predicting outcomes with a binary response.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Looking at the Larger Picture

    Text sections summarizing the overall research process, highlighting the context.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Scientist

    Someone who studies human society and behavior, often using scientific methods.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Educated Guesses

    Predictions or assumptions about the future based on knowledge and experience.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Confirm or Support Ideas

    To provide evidence or information that agrees with an initial belief.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Consequences of Ideas

    The results or effects that occur when our predictions are right or wrong.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Examples of Everyday Predictions

    Situations where we make assumptions about future outcomes, like investing, voting, or dating.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Uncertainty in Predictions

    The possibility that our predictions might not be accurate and we might face unexpected results.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Winning and Losing

    The different outcomes or results possible when we make predictions or choices.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Not All Predictions are Supported

    The reality that our daily assumptions about the future are not always confirmed by experience.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender Representation in Media

    The extent to which female and male characters are portrayed in media, including their roles and characteristics.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stereotyping

    Representing a group of people in a simplified and often inaccurate way, based on their gender, race, or other characteristics.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Content Analysis

    A research method used for studying media, where researchers systematically analyze the content of the media to identify patterns and themes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Participant Observation

    A research method where researchers actively participate in the lives of the people they are studying, observing and interacting with them in their natural setting.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Alternative Schooling

    Educational programs designed for students who are not able to attend traditional schools, often due to behavioral or academic challenges.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    At-Risk Youth

    Young people who are more likely to experience negative outcomes, such as dropping out of school, drug use, or involvement in violence.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Influence of Media on Children

    The impact that media such as television, movies, and video games have on the behavior, attitudes, and values of children.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender Roles in Media

    The typical ways that male and female characters are portrayed in media, often reflecting traditional societal expectations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Continuous Variable

    A variable that can take on any value within a given range, like height, weight, or age. It can be measured with great precision.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Discrete Variable

    A variable that can only take on specific, separate values, usually whole numbers, like the number of siblings or the number of cars owned.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Scales of Measurement

    Different ways to measure variables, categorized by the type of information they provide. The four main scales are nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nominal Scale

    The simplest scale that classifies data into categories without any order or rank. Examples include gender, ethnicity, or marital status.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ordinal Scale

    A scale that ranks data in a meaningful order, but the differences between ranks are not uniform. Examples include rankings like finishing positions in a race or levels of satisfaction.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sampling Error

    The inevitable difference between a sample's characteristics and those of the whole population it represents.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Generalizability

    The extent to which findings from a sample can be applied to the larger population.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sample Size and Reliability

    Larger samples are more reliable for generalizing to the population than smaller samples.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hypothesis Testing

    Using samples to test a prediction about a population.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Statistical Confidence

    The level of certainty that a sample accurately reflects the population.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Average Grade Example

    A demonstration of sampling error using student grades to show that sample averages rarely match the population average.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Decisions with Confidence

    Statistics help us make decisions with more confidence by using samples to generalize to larger populations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Beyond Superficiality

    Understanding someone's true nature requires more than just surface impressions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Statistically Significant Difference

    A difference between groups or samples that is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone. It implies that the observed difference is probably a real effect.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Why Use Statistics?

    Statistics help us make informed decisions about populations based on sample data. They allow us to determine if observed differences are truly significant or simply due to random chance.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is a Statistical Test?

    It's a mathematical procedure used to analyze data and determine if observed differences between groups or samples are statistically significant. It helps us decide whether the results are likely due to chance or a real effect.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Chi-square Test

    A statistical test used to analyze categorical data. It helps determine if there's a significant relationship between two variables. For example, is there a relationship between gender and marijuana use?

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Chance or Real Effect?

    When analyzing data, we need to decide whether the observed difference between groups or samples is a real effect or just due to random chance variation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    5 Chances out of 100

    This means that if we reject the null hypothesis (no difference between populations), there is a 5% chance that we might be wrong. This is often expressed as a p-value of 0.05.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Social Research Statistics

    • Book purpose: Understandable for students with varied math backgrounds, not a comprehensive statistical reference.
    • Revisions: Added new techniques (meta-analysis, coefficient of variation, one-sample test, Mann-Whitney U/Kruskal-Wallis, logistic regression, elaboration) and expanded existing topics (non-sampling error, standard error, partial correlation, multicollinearity).
    • Updated examples and exercises included, computer exercises use 2010 General Social Survey (downloadable).

    Research Processes and Methods

    • Everyday predictions: People frequently make predictions and assess outcomes, sometimes successfully, and sometimes not (investments, voting, medicine, etc.).
    • Limited media representation: Studies of children's media show underrepresentation of female characters and adherence to stereotypes.
    • Participant observation: Researchers actively participate in the lives of people being studied (openly or covertly) to observe interactions and gather data. Example study: exploring the influence of alternative schools on at-risk youth.
    • Continuous vs. Categorical Variables: Variables like weight and age are continuous (can take on any value), but are often measured and recorded in categories for convenience.

    Statistical Functions in Research

    • Data Description: Researchers study large amounts of data to describe findings. Example: Census data collection summaries, or sample analysis.
    • Hypothesis Testing & Sample Generalization: Statistics help determine whether findings from samples can be applied to larger populations. Example: testing if male college students are more likely than female college students to have tried marijuana.
    • Sampling Error: Errors are inevitable in sampling, even with careful planning and execution. Sample averages will generally differ from the population average. Demonstrations/examples provide a guide to understand the implications.
    • Statistical Significance: Testing helps determine the likelihood that a sample difference is purely due to chance (sampling error) versus a true difference within the broader population. Example provided of assessing whether the difference in marijuana use between males and females is real or a sampling error.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz covers essential statistics concepts relevant to social research, including new techniques like logistic regression and meta-analysis. Designed for students with varying math skills, it includes practical exercises based on the General Social Survey. Test your understanding of the statistical tools and methods used in social research.

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser