Primary and Secondary Sources Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are examples of primary sources?

Autobiographies and newspapers (correct)

Historical novels and interpretations

Encyclopedias and analyses

Biographies and documentaries

Which statement about secondary sources is correct?

They provide original accounts of historical events.

They contain firsthand testimonies of events.

They report on information from primary sources. (correct)

They are considered the most reliable form of historical data.

Which of the following is NOT classified as a primary source?

Textbooks (correct)

Personal letters

Diaries

Official minutes

What type of primary source includes physical items relating to a person or event?

Remains or relics Signup and view all the answers

Which type of document is considered a primary source?

Research reports Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes oral testimony as a primary source?

It may be obtained through interviews. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes primary sources from secondary sources?

Primary sources are original documents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be classified as a secondary source?

A history book analyzing past events Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes secondary sources from primary sources in historical research?

Secondary sources analyze and interpret primary data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately reflects a characteristic of the historical method?

Historical problems must be based on existing records. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the retrospective approach in historical research?

Analyzing present-day events to understand their past. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of historical research involves analyzing documents specifically?

Documentary research Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the historical research process?

Identification and Definition of the Problem Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of data collection in historical research?

Analyzing personal diaries and meeting minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of criticism of data in historical research?

It establishes the reliability and authenticity of data sources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of historical research based on the content provided?

Historical Sociology Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research primarily focuses on understanding the effects of past practices?

Historical Research Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary aim of historical research as defined in the provided content?

To provide explanations for current phenomena based on past events Signup and view all the answers

In what type of research is reflective thinking about social problems used?

Historical Research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the major types of research mentioned?

Qualitative vs. Descriptive Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes qualitative research from quantitative research?

Qualitative research emphasizes understanding experiences and meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What does historical research most directly contribute to?

Gaining an accurate account of the past Signup and view all the answers

Which research type deals with data collected over time?

Longitudinal Research Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the nature of historical research?

It combines past events with current interests for understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limitation of historical research?

It is difficult to establish cause-effect relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline of historical research emphasizes the need for understanding the context of language?

Words and expressions should be interpreted in their historical context. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes descriptive research?

It measures variables without establishing relationships. Signup and view all the answers

In a survey measuring text messages sent in class, which research strategy is being applied?

Descriptive research strategy. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in the research procedures of historical research?

Influence of personal bias. Signup and view all the answers

Why is descriptive research important in the early stages of research?

It offers insights into variables as they naturally occur. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guideline for conducting historical research?

Use modern technological tools extensively. Signup and view all the answers

How does descriptive research strategy fundamentally differ from experimental strategies?

It prioritizes individual variable descriptions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary application of case study design?

To demonstrate new treatment methods or applications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of case studies?

Weak generalizability Signup and view all the answers

What does the ex post facto design allow researchers to do?

Work backward to determine antecedent events Signup and view all the answers

Why might ex post facto designs be selected in research?

To investigate ethical implications without intervention Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of ex post facto research designs?

They investigate causal relationships after outcomes have occurred Signup and view all the answers

Who argued that case studies are the 'bedrock of scientific investigation'?

Bromley Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of psychological research has been neglected due to a focus on experimental methods?

Case study approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a case study?

To develop new hypotheses for future research Signup and view all the answers

What type of ethnography is exemplified by the poem "Dear Grandpa"?

Fiction ethnography Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of applied ethnography?

To apply intervention programs based on community culture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the ethnography decision model?

A model analyzing decision-making processes in communities Signup and view all the answers

Which researcher introduced the concept of institutional ethnography?

Dorothy Smith Signup and view all the answers

What type of ethnography utilizes multi-method approaches to understand an organization’s social structure?

Organizational ethnography Signup and view all the answers

An example of applied ethnography is observing which community practice?

Feeding practices of children aged 12 to 24 months Signup and view all the answers

What does institutional ethnography aim to reveal about community members?

Their interactions with systems and regulations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the characteristics of fiction ethnography?

Performance art reflecting personal experiences Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Research

Research is defined as a systematic search for information on a specific topic. It's the art of scientific investigation.
Basic types of research include:
- Descriptive vs. Analytical
- Applied vs. Fundamental
- Quantitative vs. Qualitative
- Conceptual vs. Empirical
- Longitudinal vs. Cross-sectional

Historical Research Method

History documents changing processes within social structures.
It's the meaningful record of human achievement, not just a list of events.
Social scientists study the past to understand the present.
It examines the relationship between people, events, times, and places.
Key figures in historical research: John W. Best, F.N. Kerlinger, Whitney, and Redcliff Browne.
Historical method applies scientific inquiry to historical problems.
It seeks to find explanations for current issues by studying the past.
Fields like economics, politics, sociology, education, and psychology often use a historical approach.

Purpose of Historical Research

Historical research provides information about past events and practices.
It explains the "how" and "why" of certain theories and practices.
It aids in understanding the significance of a phenomenon or event.

Sources of Historical Research

Sources include autobiographies, diaries, confessions, memories, letters, documents, newspapers, literature, books, magazines, cultural/analytical history materials, artistic materials, historical paintings, portraits, charts, etc.
These sources are categorized as Primary or Secondary.

Primary Sources

Primary sources are original documents that form a solid basis for historical research.
Examples include documents or records—kept by participants in events.
Other examples of primary sources include: constitutions, charters, laws, court decisions, diaries, deeds, genealogies, etc.
Remains or relics are also primary sources, ex: fossils, skeletons, tools, weapons, clothing, buildings, coins, pictures, and paintings, etc..
Oral testimony is a spoken account of witness or participant experiences in an event, often recorded or transcribed.

Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are accounts of historical events, often reports from someone who wasn't present.
Most history books and encyclopedias are secondary sources.

Characteristics of Historical Method

Historical method is universal.
It involves intense investigation of existing materials.
Historical facts are singular; they cannot be repeated.
It focuses on problems evident from historical records.
It applies scientific methods to historical problems.
Hypotheses may or may not be formulated, depending on the research.
Data interpretation depends on the specific research topic.

Approaches to Historical Research

Perspective Approach: Studying events from the past towards the present.
Retrospective Approach: Studying events from the present to the past.

Types of Historical Research

Approach: Arranging facts to support a concept.
Subject: History of an individual, town, state, or civilization.
Technique: Based on documents or relics.

The Steps of Historical Research

Defining the problem, including its historical significance and available data.
Collecting data through various means (artifacts, documents, etc.).
Critically evaluating data based on authenticity and content.
Interpreting data by considering a hypothesis or theory, putting data into context, and identifying overall significance.

Limitations of Historical Research

Difficult to establish cause-effect relationships.
Potential obstacles to objectivity.
Requirement for a historical perspective.
Declining importance in fields that employ scientific methods heavily.

Guidelines of Historical Research

Use primary sources extensively.
Avoid personal bias.
Acknowledge the interrelationship of institutions and educational forces.
Interpret words and expressions in their historical context.
Synthesize and integrate various facts.
Distinguish significant facts from those not pivotal to the subject.

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research involves measuring variables as they exist naturally.
Focuses on individual variable descriptions, not relationships between variables.
Useful in preliminary research and understanding new phenomena.
Helps researchers capture naturally occurring behaviors.

Survey Method

Surveys gather data through observations and interviews, often when other methods aren't feasible.
Important for examining social problems through a sampled or broader population.
Used for understanding the prevailing opinion and attitudes of people.

Direct contact between researcher and phenomenon under study.
Collection of general information.
Development of hypotheses.
Explanation of cause-effect relationships.
Understanding of people's opinions and attitudes.

Provides necessary information for decision-making.
Provides foresight for future improvements.
Interprets, synthesizes, and integrates data.
Provides a realistic approach to investigation in a natural setting.
Allows researchers to collect opinions and suggestions for improvement.
Aids in the design and use of research tools.

Types of Descriptive Methods

Survey Studies
- School/college surveys
- Job analysis
- Documentary analysis
- Public opinion survey
- Social surveys
Inter-relationship Studies
- Case study
- Causal-comparative studies
- Correlation studies
- Prediction studies
- Comparative studies
Developmental Studies
- Growth studies
- Follow-up studies
- Trend studies
Content Analysis
- Developing and modifying curriculum
- Developing standardized tests
- Differentiating writing styles

Characteristics of Survey Method

Focuses on specific current social problems (e.g., poverty, unemployment).
Aims to predict relationships between variables.
Deals with large, dispersed populations (unlike lab experiments).
Relies on various methods (observations, interviews, attitude scales, etc.).
Collects data that can inform further social research.

Planning a Survey Method

Select a problem.
Conduct preliminary or pilot studies.
State general and specific study objectives.
Identify variables, collection methods, and their availability/design.
Define the population and select a representative sample.
Design data collection methods.
Collect data.
Analyze data.
Prepare the final research report.

Advantages of Survey Methods

Direct contact between researchers and respondents.
Objective data collection.
Testing theory validity.
Hypothesis formulation and testing.
Based on actual observations.
Broad applicability.

Limitations of Survey Methods

Costly and time-consuming in some cases.
Unsuitable for extremely large or geographically dispersed populations.
Potential for personal bias.
Limited flexibility.
Difficulty in verifying data accuracy.
Best for current social problems.
Often sample-based research (with potential for inaccurate or misleading inferences.)

The Case Study

In-depth study of an individual or small group.
Can involve interventions or treatments (or not).
Case histories are cases without intervention.
Data collected via various methods: interviews, observations, surveys, archival data.

Applications of the Case Study Design

Studying rare behaviors.
Demonstrating new treatment methods.
Identifying variables related to a particular outcome.
Generating hypotheses for future research.

The Value of Case Studies

Case studies, though descriptive, provide valuable insights into scientific inquiry.
Case studies can provide novel theories and inspire changes.

Strengths & Weaknesses of Case Studies

Strengths: Non-averaged perspective, detailed accounts, vivid and convincing.
Weaknesses: Limited generalization, potential for selective bias, and subjective interpretation.

Ex-Post Facto Design

Chosen when the variable of interest can't be ethically manipulated.
Used to determine if relationships exist between past events.
Works backward from an outcome to identify previous events.
Often involves comparing groups based on independent variables.

Characteristics of Ex-Post Facto Design

Lack of control over independent variables (already occurred).
Retrospective in nature—examines past effects in present/future situations.
Focuses on comparisons and associations between groups.

Applications and Importance of Ex-Post Facto Design

Useful in fields like psychology, sociology, medicine, and economics.
Invaluable for studying unethical phenomena (child abuse, addiction).
Used when experimental research isn't feasible or ethical.

Strengths & Weaknesses of ex-post facto design

Strengths: Powerful when experiments are impossible.
Weaknesses: Inability to establish causality definitively.

Ethnographic Study

Combining the Greek words "ethnos" (people) and "graph" (writing).
Describing a specific social group or setting.
Using qualitative methods to immerse in social worlds.
Its validity in the social sciences is often misunderstood.
Useful for comparative analysis of cultures (Ethnology/Etic).
Useful for studying cultural history (Ethnohistory/Emic).

Elements of Ethnography

Various forms of observation.
Social interaction.
Formal and informal interviews.
Data collection through documents and artifacts.
Visual material (photographs, video).

Types of Ethnography Design

Life History: Describes life experiences of research participants.
Memoir: Researcher's notes during ethnographic research.
Narrative Ethnography: Participants describe their experiences and understanding of their culture.
Auto-ethnography: Researchers write about their own journey.
Fiction: Short stories, poems, novels, performances.
Applied ethnography: Investigates social change or community involvement.

Ethnographic Decision Model

Relating to the decision-making process of a group.
Identifies factors that influencing a participant
Example: Study decision-making relating to a certain disease handling method in a family.

Institutional ethnography

Emphasizes daily life in relation to rules and systems.
Understanding how people react to certain systems and regulations, examining effects on communities.

Organizational Ethnography

Multi-method approach (observation, interviews, document analysis).
Understanding daily operations of an organization.
Involving the researcher in the organization to understand the culture and perspective.

Understanding and Using Ethnography in Psychological Research

Challenge of establishing rapport with communities.
Importance of recognizing the researcher's own role in the community.
Focuses on the subjectivity of the community being studied.
Reflects on experiences in context.
Understanding culture is essential

Challenges to the Use of Ethnography in Psychological Studies

Researcher self-representation (in relation to culture being studied).
Subjectivity of the topic (and description).
Maintaining research objectivity.
Using third-person perspective vs. first-person perspective.

Suggestions for Applying Ethnography in Psychological Studies

Continuous reflection by researcher and participants.
Combining various data collection methods (interviews, archives, questionnaires).
Choosing an appropriate ethnographic design.
Setting up safe procedures during research.

Diagnostic Research

Identifying underlying causes of a condition, behavior, or phenomenon.
Answering "why" questions (e.g., why is a product sales declining?).
Evaluating frequency of events and interactions between factors.
Synonymous with Clinical Research.
Used to identify causes of problems to understand people's health.
Involves identifying factors contributing to, diagnosing, and working to ameliorate illness and conditions.

Steps of Diagnostic Research

Defining the issue and its inception
Identifying the cause of the issue and factors contributing to the problem.
Determining solutions and resolving the issue

Acknowledgement

List of relevant research methodologies and authors for this study.

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Description

Test your knowledge on primary and secondary sources in this quiz. Explore the definitions, examples, and distinctions between these two types of sources. Understand what qualifies as a primary source versus a secondary source.