Research Methods in Social Sciences

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes nominal variables?

Categories have a ranked order
Categories have no inherent order or relationship (correct)
Categories can be counted and ranked
Categories have equal intervals between them

Causation implies that one variable simply correlates with another.

False (B)

What is the primary difference between a longitudinal study and a cross-sectional study?

A longitudinal study collects data over an extended period, while a cross-sectional study collects data at a single point in time.

A __________ study tracks changes in the same individuals over time.

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Which of the following is a purpose of explanatory research?

To explain the meaning and effects of messages (A) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of variables with their descriptions:

Nominal variables = Categories have no inherent order or relationship Ordinal variables = Categories have a ranked order but not equal intervals Interval/ratio variables = Categories have a ranked order with equal intervals and a true zero point Spurious relationships = False association between variables due to a third factor Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nominal Variable

A type of variable where categories have no inherent order or relationship. For example, gender (Male, Female) or favorite color (Red, Blue, Green).

Ordinal Variable

A type of variable where categories have a ranked order but the intervals between them aren't equal. For example, movie ratings (Good, Better, Best) or satisfaction levels (Low, Medium, High).

Interval/Ratio Variable

A type of variable where categories have a ranked order with equal intervals and a true zero point. For example, temperature in Celsius (0° represents absolute zero), or height in centimeters.

Correlation

Two variables change in relation to each other. For example, there might be a positive correlation between hours spent studying and exam scores, meaning higher study time leads to higher scores.

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Causation

One variable directly causes a change in another. For example, increased exposure to sunlight may cause an increase in vitamin D levels in the body.

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Spurious Relationship

A false association between two variables, arising from a third, unseen factor. For example, ice cream sales and crime rates may both increase in the summer, but the real cause is the warm weather.

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Study Notes

Variable Types

Nominal variables categorize items without inherent order.
Ordinal variables categorize items with a ranked order, but intervals aren't equal.
Interval/ratio variables have ranked order, equal intervals, and a true zero point.

Relationships Between Variables

Correlation describes how variables change together.
Causation means one variable directly influences another.
Spurious relationships are false associations, caused by a third, hidden variable.

Research Designs

Cross-sectional research gathers data at a single moment, like a snapshot.
Longitudinal research gathers data over time, studying changes.
Trend studies examine changes in a general population, not specific individuals.
Panel studies track changes in the same individuals over time.

Research Purposes

Descriptive research characterizes messages and contexts.
Explanatory research finds meaning and effects of messages.
Predictive research forecasts future behavior based on messages.

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Description

Test your knowledge on various types of variable classifications, the relationships between these variables, and different research designs used in social sciences. This quiz also explores the purposes of research, helping you understand the foundational concepts in this field.