Research Methods 02 MCQs

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Questions and Answers

What is considered a principal way for a research piece to demonstrate a high degree of scientific rigour?

It remains free from researcher bias. (correct)

It presents multiple hypotheses.

It has been peer-reviewed multiple times.

It addresses a broad range of topics.

Which of the following statements best captures the concept of objectivity in research?

Research should include personal narratives to enhance understanding.

Research should align with the researcher’s beliefs.

Research must be devoid of personal feelings or opinions. (correct)

Research findings should be modified according to societal values.

What is the potential impact of a researcher’s values on the research process?

They can influence all aspects of research, including questions and data collection. (correct)

They serve to validate the research's findings.

They only affect the conclusion of the research.

They are irrelevant to the scientific method.

What do proponents of a positivist approach typically believe about the relationship between facts and values?

Facts exist independently of both the observer and their values. Signup and view all the answers

Why are values often regarded as an ‘evil’ in scientific research?

They can contaminate the objective nature of scientific inquiry. Signup and view all the answers

In which condition might scientific inquiry prioritize values over objectivity?

When societal implications of the research are paramount. Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the assumption that a researcher’s values influence their research carry?

It emphasizes the need for researchers to remain impartial. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general view of scientific research regarding its relationship with values?

It aims to produce knowledge that is independent from values. Signup and view all the answers

What does Max Weber argue regarding the objectivity of social sciences?

It is possible to strive for value-neutrality despite the subjective nature of research. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Rosenthal Effect primarily concerned with?

The influence of researchers’ expectations on research outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon suggests that observation can alter human behavior?

Heisenberg Effect Signup and view all the answers

How does Thomas Kuhn view the process of scientific progress?

It is dominated by community consensus and social factors. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kuhn mean by 'normal science'?

Research aligned with pre-established paradigms. Signup and view all the answers

According to Ernest Nagel, how can researchers address value biases?

By openly stating their value assumptions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Kuhn's view on the nature of scientific observation?

Observations cannot be separated from theoretical frameworks. Signup and view all the answers

What does Weber's concept of value-neutrality imply for social science research?

Researchers must recognize and strive to manage their biases. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is associated with the act of observation in social sciences?

Observation changes the behavior of the subjects being studied. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of Kuhn's criticism of the falsification thesis proposed by Karl Popper?

Observations are shaped by existing theoretical commitments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific Objectivity

Scientific research must be original and have a high degree of scientific rigor
To be considered objective, research must be free from bias
Objectivity: not influenced by personal feelings or opinions
Subjectivity: often deemed an "evil" in scientific research
Values can influence research, advertently or inadvertently
Positivists argue that facts are distinct from values and exist independently of the observer
Science is "value-free" and should be concerned with facts, not values
Intrusion of values contaminates the objectivity of science

Value Neutrality

Research questions, data gathering, observations, and experiments can be influenced by a researcher's values
Max Weber argued for a distinction between facts and values and the necessity for value-neutrality in social science
Weber believed that while value-neutrality is not possible, researchers should strive for it
Good social science practices can help researchers conduct value-neutral research
Contemporary scholars argue for the possibility of objective social inquiry despite the intrusion of values
Ernest Nagel suggested identifying and minimizing value bias by stating value assumptions explicitly

Bias in Research

Bias can arise from the interaction between the researcher and the subject
Rosenthal Effect: researcher expectations influence results
Heisenberg Effect: human behavior changes when being observed
Thomas Kuhn argued that observation is "theory-laden," meaning we cannot separate what we observe from our theoretical understanding

Kuhn's theory is that the growth of knowledge is not simply a logical process but a social one
Science is a social institution that socializes scientists to accept prevailing values, beliefs and rules
Paradigms: conceptual schemes that scientists agree upon, defining what is investigated and how
Normal Science: directs scientific investigation within the framework of a paradigm, focusing on refining the paradigm rather than challenging it

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Description

Explore the concepts of scientific objectivity and value neutrality in research. Understand how personal biases can influence scientific inquiry and the importance of separating facts from values, as discussed by Max Weber. This quiz evaluates your grasp of these essential topics in the philosophy of science.