Philosophy and Scientific Method Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What did Francis Bacon suggest about the source of knowledge?

  • Knowledge is derived from reason alone.
  • Knowledge can only be derived from observations in the real world. (correct)
  • Knowledge derives solely from mathematical proofs.
  • Knowledge is accumulated through historical texts.

Which philosopher is primarily associated with the development of empiricism?

  • Auguste Comte
  • John Locke (correct)
  • Rene Descartes
  • Immanuel Kant

What was the main contribution of Galileo Galilei to the scientific method?

  • He developed the concept of positivism.
  • He promoted purely rational deductions.
  • He rejected the idea of empirical observation.
  • He emphasized the use of mathematics in understanding natural laws. (correct)

What does Immanuel Kant argue in his work Critique of Pure Reason?

<p>Experience without reason results in illusions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is positivism according to Auguste Comte?

<p>A doctrine that synthesizes rationalism and empiricism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is originally referred to as the 'Baconian method'?

<p>Inductive scientific inquiry. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher sought to resolve the dispute between rationalism and empiricism?

<p>Immanuel Kant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of exploratory research?

<p>To measure the extent of dissatisfaction and understand its manifestations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aspect of the scientific method as developed by Bacon?

<p>It included systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes descriptive research from casual observations?

<p>Descriptive research follows the scientific method and is replicable (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of descriptive research?

<p>Census statistics on population growth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of research is aimed at finding explanations for observed phenomena?

<p>Explanatory research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers ensure the reliability of their descriptive research?

<p>By using measurements that can be replicated (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might exploratory research not lead to accurate understanding?

<p>It may only provide a broad view of the problem (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is considered in exploratory research?

<p>Historical examples of policy effectiveness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of observations does descriptive research require?

<p>Scientific and replicable observations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary critique of capitalistic societies by Marx and Engels in Das Kapital?

<p>They highlighted social inequity and inefficiency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'technostress' refer to?

<p>Mental stress from learning new technology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key aspect of the critical theory proposed by Horkheimer and Habermas?

<p>It encourages individuals to consciously act to change their circumstances. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a multi-dimensional construct?

<p>A person's communication skill (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge faced by Ph.D. students in developing research skills?

<p>They struggle with the mental abstractions necessary for research. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the 'unit of analysis' in social science research?

<p>The primary entity or phenomenon being studied. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between constructs and concepts?

<p>Constructs are broader and more abstract while concepts are precise (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What outcome did Marxism generally fail to achieve despite inspiring social revolutions?

<p>The social equality it aspired to create. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of definition seeks to provide precise criteria for understanding a construct?

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

Why is it essential for constructs used in scientific research to have clear definitions?

<p>To allow different researchers to interpret them consistently (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process involves moving from empirical observations to theoretical laws in research?

<p>Induction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a construct like income become ambiguous?

<p>It has various interpretations like source and timing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects does critical research primarily seek to do?

<p>Uncover and critique restrictive social conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key skills required to effectively think like a researcher?

<p>Synthesizing patterns into generalizable theories. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of a unidimensional construct?

<p>It is represented by a single measurable attribute (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would the concept of distance be used in a social context?

<p>To describe social separations between individuals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between propositions and hypotheses?

<p>Propositions are stated at the theoretical level, while hypotheses are tested at the empirical level. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of logic in a theory?

<p>Logic connects theoretical constructs and explains the relationships between them. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics must propositions possess?

<p>They must indicate a cause-effect relationship and be testable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can theories be constrained according to the content provided?

<p>Theories are limited by values, time, space, and boundary conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the testability of propositions?

<p>Propositions must be testable and can be rejected if unsupported by observations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a good scientific theory from a poorly defined one?

<p>A good theory is well supported by observed facts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Kurt Lewin's statement imply about the relationship between theory and practice?

<p>Theory enhances the effectiveness of practice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a scientific theory?

<p>To offer explanations of social or natural phenomena. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about models is accurate?

<p>Models can be used for decision-making based on specific inputs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers assess the quality of a theory?

<p>By evaluating its explanatory power against prior theories. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of model is specifically used to predict future events?

<p>Predictive models (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of descriptive models?

<p>They visualize variables and relationships in complex systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true regarding scientific theories?

<p>Theories are ultimately replaced by better explanations over time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Descriptive Research

Research that aims to identify and describe a problem, phenomenon, or behavior, using data collected through observations and measurements.

Exploratory Research

A type of research that explores a problem or topic in depth, often at an early stage of research, to gain a deeper understanding of the issue.

Explanatory Research

Research that aims to explain why something happens by identifying the underlying causes and relationships between variables.

Demographic Statistics

Data collected from repeated surveys or censuses, using the same or similar methods, to track changes over time.

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Ethnographic Research

Research that focuses on the characteristics and behavior of specific groups or communities, often using observations and interviews.

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Scientific Method

The use of scientific methods, such as precise measurements and replicable procedures, to ensure reliability and objectivity in research.

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Expert Interviews

Gathering information from experts, such as economists or government officials, to gain insights and perspectives on a topic.

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Historical Data

Data collected from historical records or events, used to understand how similar problems or situations have been handled in the past.

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Empiricism

A philosophical approach that emphasizes acquiring knowledge through real-world observations and experiments.

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Rationalism

A philosophical approach that emphasizes using reason and logic to gain knowledge, independent of sensory experience.

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Positivism

The belief that scientific knowledge should be based on observable phenomena and verifiable data, rather than on speculation or abstract reasoning.

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Empiricism vs. Rationalism

The idea that knowledge comes from experience and observation, and that reason alone cannot provide us with true knowledge.

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German Idealism

A philosophical approach that emphasizes understanding the subjective nature of human experience and how it shapes our perception of reality.

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Natural Philosophy

A scientific approach that focuses on understanding the natural world through observations and experimentation, emphasizing the use of mathematics and scientific laws.

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Sociology

The application of empirical research methods to study human society and social phenomena, such as social structures, institutions, and interactions.

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Unit of Analysis

The fundamental building block of a scientific study; the entity being analyzed and studied. It could be an individual, group, community, organization, or even a specific event.

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Construct

A specific concept or variable that is being investigated in research. It's often abstract and needs to be defined clearly for research to be meaningful.

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Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables. It's a statement that can be tested empirically.

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Operationalization

The process of turning abstract concepts into measurable variables, allowing them to be studied scientifically.

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Theory

A set of interconnected ideas that explain a particular phenomenon. It provides a framework for understanding and interpreting observations.

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Model

A simplified representation of a complex reality, often using diagrams or models to illustrate relationships between concepts.

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Induction

The process of reasoning from specific observations to general principles. It involves drawing conclusions based on patterns observed in data.

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Deduction

The process of reasoning from general principles to specific predictions. It allows you to deduce specific outcomes based on existing theories.

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Good Scientific Theory

A well-supported explanation of a phenomenon that has practical value.

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Descriptive Models

Models that describe complex systems and visualize relationships between variables.

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Predictive Models

Models that allow predicting future events based on current data.

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Normative Models

Models that provide guidance or recommendations for making decisions.

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Borrowed Concept

A concept borrowed from another field that is applied to a new context.

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Multi-dimensional Construct

A construct that is made up of multiple other, simpler concepts.

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Unidimensional Construct

A construct that is made up of only one concept.

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Dictionary Definition

A definition that explains a construct by using synonyms or similar terms.

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Operational Definition

A definition that explains a construct by specifying how it is measured or observed.

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Precision and Clarity

The clarity and specificity of a construct's definition.

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Scientific Rigor

The process of applying scientific methods, such as precise measurements, to research.

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What are Theoretical Constructs?

Abstract concepts that represent ideas or characteristics, like 'intelligence' or 'motivation'. They are not directly observable but are important for explaining phenomena.

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What are Empirical Variables?

Measurable and observable variables that can be used to represent theoretical constructs in research. For example, IQ test scores represent the theoretical construct of 'intelligence'.

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What are Propositions?

Statements that propose a relationship between theoretical constructs, based on logic and reasoning. They suggest a cause-and-effect link but are not directly tested.

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What are Hypotheses?

Testable predictions that translate propositions into empirically verifiable statements, using measurable variables. They are derived from propositions but focus on observable relationships.

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What is the Logic of a Theory?

The logical reasoning that explains the connection and justification for the propositions in a theory, providing a cohesive framework. It acts like the 'glue' that holds the theory together.

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Study Notes

Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices

  • Book: Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices
  • Author: Anol Bhattacherjee
  • Edition: Second Edition (2012)
  • Copyright: © 2012 by Anol Bhattacherjee
  • License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License
  • ISBN-13: 978-1475146127
  • ISBN-10: 1475146124
  • Purpose: To introduce doctoral and graduate students to scientific research in the social sciences, business, education, public health, and related disciplines

Preface

  • Target Audience: Ph.D. and graduate students, junior researchers, and professors teaching research methods.
  • Key Differences from Other Textbooks:
    • Covers the entire research process, not just methods.
    • Focuses on theorizing and thinking like a researcher in addition to methods.
    • Is concise and compact.
    • Is available as a free download.
  • Additional aspects for future editions: - Local language versions. - New additions to content based on emerging trends

Table of Contents

  • Each chapter has a specific page number listing topics for investigation.
    • This includes general structure of research from the theoretical aspects through the practical applications.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the contributions of key philosophers like Francis Bacon, Galileo, and Immanuel Kant to the scientific method and empiricism. Explore concepts such as positivism, exploratory research, and the characteristics that distinguish different types of research methodologies.

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