Research Methods in Social Sciences

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of ethnography in research?

  • To validate existing hypotheses through numerical data
  • To immerse in the natural settings of people and their culture (correct)
  • To create statistical models from group data
  • To provide a superficial analysis of culture

Which of the following best defines a sampling frame?

  • A list or database of individuals from which a sample is drawn (correct)
  • A method of observing behavior in a fixed environment
  • A collection of hypotheses regarding cultural interactions
  • A tool for measuring the reliability of research

What is a characteristic of snowball sampling?

  • It relies only on randomly selected participants.
  • It uses detailed questionnaires for demographic analysis.
  • It involves a systematic approach to group data collection.
  • It allows participants to provide contacts for further participants. (correct)

What is the primary purpose of structured interviews?

<p>To ensure consistency and comparability across responses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term ecological fallacy refer to?

<p>The incorrect assumption that group data applies to all individuals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes reliability in research?

<p>It refers to the consistency of a research method or measurement tool. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using open questions in research interviews?

<p>They allow interviews to explore new topics and obtain rich answers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of closed questions in research?

<p>They are designed to yield binary or limited choices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethnography

The practice of researching people and their culture in natural settings. Ethnographers immerse themselves in the social setting, observing and interacting with individuals to gain an in-depth understanding of their behaviors, beliefs, and values.

Hypothesis

A tentative assertion that draws on existing data, designed to be tested against empirical findings. It's an educated guess about a relationship between variables.

Sampling Frame

A list or database of individuals, groups, or entities from which a sample is drawn for a study. It ensures the population of interest is accurately represented in the research.

Snowball Sampling

A convenient form of sampling where participants provide contact details of other potential participants. It's like networking your way to a sample.

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Structured Interview

A standardized method of data collection where the interviewer asks a set of pre-determined questions in a fixed order. This ensures consistency and comparability across responses.

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Ecological Fallacy

A fallacy that occurs when you make assumptions about an individual based on aggregate group data. Just because a group has a certain characteristic, it doesn't mean every member of that group shares it.

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Reliability

Measures the consistency of a research method or measurement tool. If a repeated measurement yields similar results, the method is reliable.

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Validity

Measures the accuracy of a research method or measurement tool. It assesses whether an indicator truly measures what it's supposed to.

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Study Notes

Ethnography

  • Ethnography is a research method focusing on studying people and their culture in their natural environment.
  • It provides an in-depth understanding through observation and interaction.

Hypothesis

  • A hypothesis is a testable statement based on existing data.
  • It's designed to be evaluated against evidence.

Sampling Frame

  • A sampling frame is a list of individuals or entities for selecting a sample.
  • It helps ensure the study's sample accurately reflects the population of interest.

Snowball Sampling

  • Snowball sampling is a convenient sampling method.
  • Researchers contact initial participants, who then refer other potential participants, making recruitment easier.

Structured Interview

  • A structured interview uses pre-determined, consistent questions.
  • This ensures comparable responses from participants.

Ecological Fallacies

  • Ecological fallacy is drawing conclusions about individuals based on group data.
  • Group consensus doesn't guarantee individual agreement.

Reliability

  • Reliability measures the consistency of a research method or measurement.

Validity

  • Validity assesses the accuracy of a measurement.
  • It determines if an indicator truly measures what it's intended to measure.

Open Questions

  • Open questions encourage participants to elaborate.
  • They allow for in-depth responses, unexpected insights, and new perspectives.

Closed Questions

  • Closed questions yield limited responses.
  • They are useful for collecting quantitative data and are typically yes/no or multiple choice.

Field Notes

  • Field notes document observations, interactions, and reflections during research.
  • They are detailed accounts of events, behaviours, and initial interpretations by the researcher.

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