Positivism Theory Quiz

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Which stage of Positivism is characterized by explanations based on divine or supernatural forces?

Metaphysical Stage
Theological Stage (correct)
Positive Stage
Rational Stage

Which key concept does Positivism reject in favor of observable relationships?

Metaphysics (correct)
Empiricism
Relativism
Rationalism

In which stage of Positivism do explanations shift towards more abstract and philosophical concepts?

Positive Stage
Metaphysical Stage (correct)
Scientific Stage
Theological Stage

What is the primary focus of Positivism in its Positive Stage?

Empirical and scientific explanations (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is credited with coining the term Positivism?

Auguste Comte (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who coined the concept of Positivism?

Auguste Comte (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key concept of Positivism?

Emphasis on subjective experiences (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of the stages of Positivism?

Theological Stage, Metaphysical Stage, Positive Stage (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Positivist view on metaphysical concepts?

They should be rejected in favor of empirical evidence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Positivism, which stage is characterized by an emphasis on scientific reasoning and observable facts?

Positive Stage (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes natural sciences from social sciences in their research methods?

Implementation of a mechanistic research method (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the empirical nature of scientific research?

It requires experiments that yield reproducible results. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of positivism, which approach is favored for collecting data in scientific research?

Deductive and quantitative methods (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the nature of science is true regarding its focus?

It prioritizes reliable cause and effect relationships. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best captures the relationship between social sciences and determinism in scientific inquiry?

Social sciences can be scientific but often include indeterministic elements. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of Positivism in the study of social issues?

It assumes that all social issues are straightforward. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the critique against Positivism regarding its methodology?

It predominantly focuses on quantitative methods at the expense of other approaches. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Post-Positivism critically acknowledge about reality?

Reality is dynamic and must be critically examined. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Positivism approach the concept of objectivity in social research?

It recognizes the impossibility of true value-free objectivity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of societal study is often overlooked by Positivism?

The integration of social values and beliefs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the interpretive paradigm in qualitative research primarily focus on?

Understanding human experiences and motivations (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is central to the concept of Verstehen in qualitative research?

Understanding the emotional and motivational aspects of human behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic differentiates the quantitative approach from the qualitative approach in mixed research?

It uses flexible approaches with objective values (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the mixed approach in research methodologies?

To provide a rounded perspective that includes both subjective and objective views (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which fields is the qualitative approach primarily utilized?

Sociology, political science, and anthropology (B) Signup and view all the answers

Positivism

A philosophy focusing on observable and measurable phenomena, rejecting metaphysical explanations.

Observable Phenomena

The belief that only what can be directly observed and scientifically verified is real.

Rejection of Metaphysical Concepts

Positivism rejects concepts like spirits, souls, or divine forces, focusing on concrete evidence.

Focus on Measurable Effects

Positivism emphasizes understanding the cause and effect of relationships through observation and measurement.