PG58-63 Non-Participant Observation in Research

What is the main purpose of a sampling frame?

To ensure the sample is representative of the target population
To provide a list of everyone in the target population
To allow the researcher to contact the people in the sample
All of the above (correct)

Which of the following is a reason a researcher may be denied access to a sampling frame?

Legality - names cannot be revealed by law
Confidentiality - a business may deny access to its records
Privacy - some groups do not want to be studied
All of the above (correct)

What is the key difference between simple random sampling and systematic sampling?

Simple random sampling is more expensive than systematic sampling
Simple random sampling is truly random, while systematic sampling is not (correct)
Simple random sampling requires a sampling frame, while systematic sampling does not
Simple random sampling is more time-consuming than systematic sampling

What is the purpose of stratified random sampling?

To ensure the sample is representative of the target population's different groups (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which research situation might a non-representative sample be more appropriate?

When the researcher is interested in the behavior of the group itself, rather than what it represents (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between stratified random sampling and stratified quota sampling?

Stratified random sampling requires a sampling frame, while stratified quota sampling does not (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of opportunity sampling?

To gain the best possible opportunity to collect data (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key advantage of a representative sample?

It allows the researcher to make statements about the larger target population (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a sampling frame, according to the text?

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

Which type of sampling technique does the text describe as 'not truly random'?

Systematic sampling (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of non-participant observation?

It allows researchers to study sensitive or illegal behaviors without direct participation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about non-participant observation is true?

It can be used to produce quantitative data, such as counting the frequency of specific behaviors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of non-participant observation?

It may fail to capture the depth and richness of personal experiences and motivations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following situations would non-participant observation be most appropriate?

Observing the behavior of customers in a shopping mall without their knowledge. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about non-participant observation is false?

It guarantees that the research can be easily replicated in different settings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential ethical concern associated with non-participant observation?

Participants may not be aware that they are being observed, raising issues of consent. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial stage in the research design process?

Deciding on the research strategy and formulating research questions/hypotheses (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research method is more commonly associated with using hypotheses?

Methods that produce quantitative data (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a pilot study in the research design process?

To gather initial data and test research methods (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the evaluation stage in the research design process?

To assess the research process and report conclusions to a wider audience (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using a sample in research instead of studying the entire target population?

To make the research process more manageable and practical (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of representativeness in the sampling process?

It ensures the characteristics of the sample accurately reflect the target population (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to influence a researcher's decision on what topic to study?

Potential ethical concerns with the research topic (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reviewing previous research in the area being studied?

To generate ideas about what to study and how to avoid previous errors (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of the research design process involves analyzing the meaning of the collected data?

Information processing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a research question instead of a hypothesis in a study?

To generate qualitative data (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Goldthorpe et al.'s study on car assembly workers in Luton?

To test the claim that the working class in the UK was becoming indistinguishable from the middle class (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind snowball sampling?

Identifying individuals from the target population and asking them to suggest more potential participants (C) Signup and view all the answers

When might opportunity sampling be useful for a researcher?

When the researcher has limited knowledge about the characteristics of the target population (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a pilot study before a full-scale research study?

To test the feasibility of carrying out the full-scale study (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of operationalising concepts in sociological research?

To translate abstract concepts into measurable variables or indicators (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be the most difficult sociological concept to operationalise?

Social class (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of interpreting research findings?

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

Which of the following statements about snowball sampling is true?

It is an unrepresentative sampling technique that may be the only option in certain situations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons for conducting a pilot study, according to the text?

To pre-test a research method, such as a questionnaire (D) Signup and view all the answers

What might a researcher do to operationalise the concept of 'social class'?

Ask questions about occupation or income to determine the respondent's class (B) Signup and view all the answers