Research Methods in Social Science
37 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the inductive method in social science research primarily involve?

  • Testing existing theories through experiments.
  • Developing theories based on the analysis of research data. (correct)
  • Collecting observations to disprove common beliefs.
  • Conducting surveys to gather qualitative data.

    • Which aspect is crucial for ensuring the integrity of social science research?

  • Choosing a theoretical orientation without bias.
  • Employing a single research method for consistency.
  • Involving multiple researchers with differing paradigms. (correct)
  • Using only qualitative data to gather insights.

    • What ethical consideration should researchers keep in mind when selecting a theoretical orientation?

  • It should support their initial hypothesis without flexibly adjusting.
  • It should be chosen to guarantee funding for the research.
  • It should avoid encouraging a specific conclusion. (correct)
  • It should always align with popular beliefs.

    • What is one way the potential bias in research can be countered?

    <p>By applying varied methods of observation and analysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In David Takeuchi’s inductive analysis, what was being observed?

    <p>The reasons behind why some students smoke marijuana.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary trade-off that social researchers face when defining concepts?

    <p>Between reliability and validity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does conceptualization primarily involve in social research?

    <p>Creating mental images to summarize observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about operational definitions is true?

    <p>They specify how variables related to a concept will be measured.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is precision especially important in descriptive studies?

    <p>Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations of the data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the term 'concept' in social research?

    <p>A construct representing agreed meanings assigned to terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key dilemma faced by researchers when varying the richness of a concept?

    <p>It increases potential disagreement on application and reduces reliability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do subjects play in the research process according to the content provided?

    <p>They contribute to agreement on useful meanings and measurements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome when researchers deliberately seek a biased definition according to ethical standards?

    <p>It would be considered unethical to manipulate results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do paradigms in social science primarily help researchers do?

    <p>Organize their understanding of social life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of the positivistic paradigm?

    <p>Assumes rules governing social life can be scientifically discovered</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following paradigms emphasizes the domination attempts by individuals or groups?

    <p>Conflict paradigm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of symbolic interactionism?

    <p>Understanding shared meanings developed through social interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the structural functionalist paradigm primarily investigate?

    <p>The functions of various elements within a societal system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do feminist paradigms primarily highlight in their study of social structures?

    <p>The historical dominance of male perspectives in social science</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does critical race theory contribute to the understanding of society?

    <p>By examining the experiences of marginalized racial groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is deduction in the context of social science research?

    <p>The method of generating hypotheses from established theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of quota sampling?

    <p>It focuses on pre-specified characteristics of the population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sampling method is NOT a type of nonprobability sampling?

    <p>Random sampling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major drawback of convenience sampling?

    <p>It does not allow for control over sample representativeness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does purposive sampling rely on?

    <p>The researcher’s judgment and knowledge of the population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the matrix in quota sampling?

    <p>To describe the characteristics of the population and ensure proper sampling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In snowball sampling, what is the role of the initial subjects?

    <p>They suggest additional subjects for the researcher.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes nonprobability sampling?

    <p>It includes methods based on convenience rather than random selection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does quota sampling ensure sample representation?

    <p>By matching the sample distribution to the population characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of random selection in sampling?

    <p>To eliminate any selection bias from the research process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a sampling unit?

    <p>An element or set of elements considered for selection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does probability theory assist researchers in sampling?

    <p>It provides tools for estimating population parameters and sample accuracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the study population from the general population?

    <p>The study population is a theoretically defined group selected for the study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a statistic in the context of research?

    <p>A summary description of a variable in a sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the distribution of sample statistics with many independent random samples from the same population?

    <p>It clusters around the population parameter in a known manner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a reason for using random selection?

    <p>To eliminate any chance of errors in data collection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the parameters of a population?

    <p>Summary descriptions of variables in a population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Research Methods

    • Deductive Method: Utilizes existing theories to guide research and test them through data analysis
    • Inductive Method: Develops new theories based on analyzing gathered research data
    • Logic and observation: Foundation of scientific research in social science. Understanding these elements is vital for successful research.
    • Ethics: The choice of paradigm for research can significantly impact the outcome. While it's unethical to manipulate the research for desired results, researchers aiming for social change often adopt a paradigm that aligns with their goal. This presents the risk of bias, but it can be mitigated by:
      • Social science research techniques: Methods of observation and analysis help reduce bias and ensure objectivity
      • Collaborative research: Multiple researchers studying the same phenomenon, using diverse paradigms, theories, and methods, minimize the likelihood of biased findings.

    Social Science Paradigms

    • A paradigm is a fundamental model or scheme that shapes our understanding of a topic.
    • Macro Theory: Focuses on the large-scale structures and features of society.
    • Micro Theory: Focuses on smaller units or features of society.
    • Positivistic Paradigm: Assumes that societal rules can be identified using scientific methods.
    • Conflict Paradigm: Examines power struggles and dominance dynamics between individuals and groups.
    • Symbolic Interactionist Paradigm: Studies how shared meanings and social patterns emerge through social interaction.
    • Ethnomethodology: Investigates how people make sense of their experiences in their everyday lives.
    • Structural Functionalist Paradigm: Analyzes the functions of various societal elements in maintaining the overall system.
    • Feminist Paradigms: Highlight the oppression of women in society and challenge traditional perspectives that reinforce male experiences.
    • Critical Race Theory: Explores the disadvantages faced by specific racial groups and offers alternative viewpoints on society.

    Theories and Research

    • Traditional science often follows a linear path: theory - operationalization - observation.
    • Social science research employs two logical methods:
      • Deduction: Deriving expectations or hypotheses from existing theories.
      • Induction: Formulating theories based on collected observations.
    • The subjective nature of social science concepts can impact reliability, leading to different interpretations of how they apply to specific situations.
    • Qualitative: Qualitative research often uses methods like field research, emphasizing in-depth understanding of individual experiences.
    • Quantitative: Quantitative research focuses on precise measurement and analysis, commonly utilizing surveys and experiments.

    Conceptualization, Operationalization, and Measurement

    • These interconnected processes bridge the gap between general research ideas and concrete, measurable variables in real-world situations.
    • Conceptions: Mental representations summarizing related observations and experiences.
    • Concepts: Agreed-upon meanings assigned to terms, representing constructs that do not exist physically but can be measured through their observable aspects.
    • Conceptualization: Defining a concept's meaning specifically for a research study, including its dimensions and indicators.
    • Operational Definitions: Specifying how to measure variables related to a concept.
    • Precision of definitions: Crucial for descriptive studies, but the required level varies depending on the research purpose and design.

    Sampling Methods

    • History: Sampling techniques originated alongside political polling.
    • Sampling Frame: A list of individuals included in the potential sample.
    • Quota Sampling: A nonprobability sampling method selecting participants based on known population characteristics (e.g., gender, income).
    • Two Types of Sampling:
      • Nonprobability Sampling: Selection methods not based on probability theory, often used in qualitative studies.
        • Reliance on Available Subjects: Haphazard sampling using readily accessible individuals, prone to bias.
        • Purposive or Judgmental Sampling: Selecting participants based on researcher knowledge of the population and study objectives.
        • Snowball Sampling: Recruiting participants based on recommendations from existing participants.
        • Quota Sampling: Selecting participants to match the proportions of specific characteristics present in the population.
      • Probability Sampling: Selection methods where each individual has an equal chance of being selected.
        • Random Selection: Ensures unbiased representation of the population and facilitates statistical error estimation.
        • Sampling Unit: The element or group of elements chosen for selection in sampling.
        • Probability Theory: Mathematical framework allowing researchers to estimate population parameters and sampling error.
    • Statistics: Summary descriptions of variables within a sample, used to estimate population parameters.
    • Parameters: Summary descriptions of a variable across the entire population.
    • Sampling Distribution: The distribution of sample statistics derived from numerous independent random samples from a single population.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Summary ISSR (2) PDF

    Description

    Explore the fundamental research methods used in social science, including deductive and inductive approaches. Understand the importance of logic, observation, and ethics in conducting unbiased research. This quiz covers techniques for ensuring objectivity through collaborative research and proper methodology.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser