47 Questions
What is a key strength of unstructured interviews?
Encouraging respondents to talk freely in their own words
What skill is required for carrying out unstructured interviews effectively?
Resisting the temptation to influence or interrupt
Why is establishing a strong understanding with respondents important in unstructured interviews?
To encourage respondents to talk freely and explore sensitive issues
What is a limitation of unstructured interviews?
The conversation may lead into irrelevant areas
How can unstructured interviews be likened to a conversation?
The conversation may flow naturally without strict direction
Why do unstructured interviews require considerable skill from the researcher?
To resist influencing and interrupting respondents
What is one of the main limitations of interviews mentioned in the text?
Interviews are too time-consuming and generate too much data
What is a key strength of semi-structured interviews mentioned in the text?
They enable the researcher to discover new ideas and information from the respondent
What is a key limitation of semi-structured interviews mentioned in the text?
They require advanced skills from the researcher that are difficult to develop
What is a potential problem with the validity of interview data?
All of the above
What is the main purpose of using focus groups in group interviews according to the text?
To prevent gender and class variables from affecting the data
What is a key limitation of semi-structured interviews mentioned in the text?
They lack standardization, making data analysis difficult
What is a key strength of semi-structured interviews mentioned in the text?
They enable the researcher to discover new ideas and information from the respondent
What is a key limitation of interviews in general mentioned in the text?
They lack standardization and reliability
What is a key purpose of using open-ended questions in semi-structured interviews according to the text?
To enable the researcher to discover new ideas and information from the respondent
What is a key limitation of group interviews mentioned in the text?
They lack standardization and reliability
What is one of the key factors for the success of group interviews?
Having advance (predetermined) questions for exploration
Why do proponents of group interviews argue that they are more realistic?
As social life involves interactions with others
What is one limitation associated with group interviews?
Risk of 'Groupthink' influencing responses
What observational method is based on the idea that data are more valid when gathered by observing behavior directly?
Participant observation
What concept is still widely used and attributed to Max Weber in sociology?
'Verstehen' (empathy)
Why is it important for a researcher to control the behavior of a group during interviews?
To allow people to speak freely while maintaining focus
Why does Max Weber reject the idea of social facts to be discovered?
He focuses on understanding meanings attached to actions
What is the 'desired outcome' that group participants may feel pressured to arrive at during an interview?
Stating what they believe others want to hear
What did Harriet Martineau contribute to the field of sociology?
She conducted her own research while traveling around the United States.
What did Harriet Martineau advocate for?
All of the above
What role does sponsorship play in social research, as exemplified by Venkatesh's study?
Sponsorship helps researchers gain access to groups for study.
What is a limitation of overt observation in social research?
People being observed may alter their behavior due to awareness of the observer.
What is one advantage of clearly defining the observer's role in social research?
It reduces the risk of unethical or dangerous behavior by researchers.
Why might a researcher struggle to conduct overt observation research?
High costs and significant time investment required.
What is a potential consequence of a researcher 'going native' in their studied group?
'Going native' can lead to a deeper understanding of the group but reduce objectivity.
'Going native' refers to what phenomenon in social research?
'Going native' indicates becoming too involved in a group and losing objectivity.
'Theoretical criticisms focus on which effect related to social research observations?
'Theoretical criticisms focus on the Hawthorne effect.'
'Sponsorship' in social research primarily aids researchers in what aspect?
'Sponsorship' assists researchers in gaining entry to groups for study purposes.
What is the primary reason Goffman was able to covertly observe the mental institution, despite not being a doctor or mentally ill?
He took a manual job within the institution
According to the passage, what is one limitation of covert participant observation that Goffman identified?
All of the above
What is one reason the passage suggests it may be difficult for a covert participant observer to leave a group they have joined?
Both a and b
What is one limitation of covert participant observation mentioned in the passage that prevents the research from being easily replicated?
The researcher cannot take notes or openly record conversations
According to the passage, what is a key challenge a covert participant observer faces in staying integrated with a group they are studying?
Both a and c
What is a key difference between overt participant observation and covert participant observation?
In overt participation, the subjects are aware of being studied, while covert participation involves observing behavior secretly.
Why might covert observation be necessary in research according to the text?
To study people who would not allow themselves to be researched.
What is a potential benefit of covert participant observation for researchers?
Avoiding the observer effect on subjects' behavior.
What is a key limitation of overt participant observation mentioned in the text?
The researcher becomes too involved and 'becomes the story'.
How does covert observation contribute to avoiding bias in research according to the text?
By avoiding influencing subjects' behaviors due to the observer effect.
What is one strength of overt participant observation highlighted in the text?
Gaining valuable insights into meanings within a group.
Why is it challenging for researchers to accurately record behavior during overt participant observation?
Because no researcher can record everything that happens during observations.
In what scenario might covert participant observation be particularly useful according to the text?
When studying people who would not allow themselves to be researched.
Explore the strengths and limitations of different qualitative research methods such as unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews, group interviews, overt and covert participant observation. Understand how these methods allow researchers to gather insights into people's thoughts and feelings.
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