PG65-68 Mixed Methods Approach in Research

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What is the main purpose of using a mixed methods approach to research?

To explore a research question from multiple perspectives
To collect data from a larger sample size
To test a hypothesis using both positivist and interpretivist methods
To combine quantitative and qualitative data to improve reliability and validity (correct)

What is the key difference between methodological pluralism and triangulation?

Triangulation involves using multiple researchers, while methodological pluralism only refers to using multiple methods
Triangulation is a type of methodological pluralism that specifically involves combining quantitative and qualitative methods
Methodological pluralism is a theoretical concept, while triangulation is a practical application of that concept
Methodological pluralism refers to the use of multiple methods, while triangulation is a specific technique for improving reliability and validity (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of using a mixed methods approach to research?

Increased sample size (correct)
Offsetting the weaknesses of one method with the strengths of another
Gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem
Improved reliability of the data

Which of the following is a potential weakness of using questionnaires in research?

Low validity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key advantage of approaching research methodology from a methodological perspective, rather than a 'design problem' perspective?

It allows the researcher to collect data with higher levels of reliability and validity (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key benefit of using triangulation in research?

Increasing the sample size of the study (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the primary research goal of the positivist approach?

To explain social phenomena (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the positivist view on the role of the researcher in the research process?

The researcher should be objective and avoid influencing the data collection process. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the positivist view on the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods?

Positivists prefer quantitative methods because they allow for the collection of objective and reliable data. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the positivist view on the role of social structures in human behavior?

Social structures are real, objective forces that shape and constrain individual behavior. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between the positivist and interpretivist approaches to sociology?

Positivists believe social behavior can be studied using the same methods as natural sciences, while interpretivists do not. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the positivist view on the role of the researcher's values in the research process?

Positivists believe the researcher's values should not influence the research process. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key reason positivists prefer quantitative research methods over qualitative methods?

Quantitative methods provide more opportunities for replicability and reliability. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do positivists view the relationship between social structures and individual behavior?

Social structures are real, objective forces that constrain and shape individual behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of positivist research according to the passage?

To explain social phenomena (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the positivist approach according to the passage?

The belief that social behavior can be studied using scientific methods (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a general weakness of using questionnaires in research?

Respondents may not be telling the truth (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one way a researcher could offset the weakness of questionnaires mentioned in the previous question?

Use a different data collection method, such as participant observation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is another way a researcher could offset the weakness of questionnaires mentioned earlier?

Compare the results from two different research methods used on the same people (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of methodological triangulation mentioned in the text?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of researcher triangulation mentioned in the text?

Using researchers from different ethnic, age, gender and class groups (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of data triangulation mentioned in the text?

Both a and b (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological research study mentioned in the text used a combination of participant observation, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews?

Barker's study on the Unification Church (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological research study mentioned in the text used a combination of participant observation and personal documentation?

Hey's study on girls' friendships in London schools (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one practical problem with using methodological triangulation in research?

It adds another layer of time, effort and expense to the research (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is another practical problem with using methodological triangulation mentioned in the text?

Collecting and comparing different types of data can be complicated (B) Signup and view all the answers