Social Science Research: Principles

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the most accurate description of how social sciences differ from natural sciences?

Natural and social sciences follow similar procedures, with an exception of measurement of error since error is only applicable to social sciences
Social sciences rely solely on theoretical frameworks, while natural sciences focus on empirical data. (correct)
Natural sciences involve human behavior, while social sciences focus on naturally occurring objects.
Social sciences deal with less precise, deterministic, and unambiguous phenomena compared to natural sciences.

Applied sciences are dependent on which of the following for progress and advancement?

Their own practical applications.
Private enterprises and industry.
Universities. (correct)
Basic sciences.

Which of the following accurately reflects the roles of theories and observations in science?

Theories and observations are interrelated; theories help explain observations, and observations help refine theories.
Theories should be based on faith and authority, while the observations should be the source of truth. (correct)
Observations are the foundation of scientific knowledge and should be prioritized over theories.
Observations provide meaning and significance to what we observe, while theories help validate or refine existing theory or construct new theory.

A researcher aims to test concepts and patterns known from existing theoretical research, Which type of approach is used?

Descriptive research. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Theory-building and theory-testing are difficult in social sciences due to which of the following reason?

The absence of many unaccounted factors that can influence the phenomenon of interest. (D) Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are characteristics of the scientific method EXCEPT:

Precision. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of scientific research is most suitable when there is a need to clarify the scope and nature of a problem?

Exploratory research. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The earliest form of human inquiry usually recognized knowledge in terms of what?

Theological precepts based on faith. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A study finds a strong correlation between employee satisfaction and productivity, but fails to address other factors that may influence productivity. What type of validity is most threatened?

External validity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a literature review during the exploration phase of research?

To survey current knowledge and identify gaps (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of logic in the scientific method?

It is used to generate observed data (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what way are inductive and deductive research related to each other?

They are complementary halves of the research cycle. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a model in scientific research?

To represent a phenomenon (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key criterion for a good scientific theory?

It cannot be tested or falsified. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between theoretical and empirical research?

Theoretical research happens in a lab. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher measures temperature using the Fahrenheit scale instead of Celsius. Although all measurements are consistent, they deviate from a scientifically acceptable standard. Which of the following is true?

The measurements are valid and reliable. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a research question to be 'insufficiently motivated'?

The question is too easy to answer (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to examine the effect of a new teaching method on student performance, while also accounting for pre-existing knowledge. Which design is suitable?

Covariance design (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should a researcher do to ensure the findings are not impacted by what they assume to be factual?

They do not matter because they are facts (A) Signup and view all the answers

In research, what is a nomological network?

A specific statistical power test (D) Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is using existing data from survey methods. Which phase are they in?

Research design (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of research is best for complex social structures that cannot be replicated outside of a specific context

Action research (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a scientific investigation is intended to be objective, which of the following paradigms is most appropriate?

Subjectivism (C) Signup and view all the answers

What factors should be considered when selecting a research design?

The available software packages. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a major change to an existing study or process?

Innovation (B) Signup and view all the answers

A new process has been shown to be impossible to measure with science. What should be done with the process?

The process is safe to include as long as financial gain is not achieved. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What name is given to a set of standardized techniques for building scientific knowledge?

The Research Helix (C) Signup and view all the answers

A method of study does not contain a random process for studies, but allows some units to selection. What type of sampling technique is it?

Probability Sampling (C) Signup and view all the answers

Multiple departments are observed for their metrics, leadership, and structure, during a study to see success in an attempt to help other companies do better. What unit of analysis does this describe?

Dyad (C) Signup and view all the answers

Many people may be more interested in some topics vs others. Which is an appropriate action?

Write clear objectives (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of test should not be regarded due to low reliability?

Test which are complex (A) Signup and view all the answers

A social phenomena are intended to be seen in the best way by adding interventions. Choose the best type for this method.

Action Research (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a quality to expect?

External validity (C) Signup and view all the answers

A medical center is performing analysis on patients suffering a deadly disease. All variables are controlled to the best ability. What kind of approach is used?

Applied Sciences (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which is described as the point where it is hard to add a more meaningful data points to this theory for research?

Theoretical saturation (A) Signup and view all the answers

During measurement indicator is used to assess exactly what, it does not include what?

Meaning (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best classifies those people which does not give researchers enough information about what all to do?

Majority of the adapters (A) Signup and view all the answers

When would you consider there is a high change for bad conclusions being interpreted for researcher?

Researcher have good ability to create relationships, even if data lacks a data set (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which is the final decision that you must apply when trying to create measure in real life setting?

All process have logical sense (A) Signup and view all the answers

You want 8 units of something ,what kind of chart is used?

Bar Chart (C) Signup and view all the answers

For something to be testable, it need to be

Falsifiable (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following explains why things are made?

Models (D) Signup and view all the answers

Whats the definition of proposition?

Relationship expressed as declarative (A) Signup and view all the answers

If an organization uses many types of data points, what kind of validity is best?

Reliable origin (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which is a variable that influences independent and dependent variables?

Control Variable (C) Signup and view all the answers

Whats is ontology mean?

How certain people see the world (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do you call if test has different results, because of weather?

Internal effect (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most emphasized difference between methodological and theoretical skills in scientific research?

Methodological skills are more easily acquired through formal education than theoretical skills. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the 'logic' component in the structure of a theory?

To define the scope of the theory by setting spatial and temporal boundaries. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What considerations determine the choice between a research design that emphasizes generalizability OR one that emphasizes accuracy and detail?

The investigator's personal competence and preferences. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A marketing firm plans to study consumer behavior, how can they improve accuracy and generalizability of a consumer survey?

By ensuring the questions relate to brand recognition. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role should a researcher take to avoid biasing the results of data analysis and interpretation during a research study?

Take a flexible approach by considering political or organizational factors (D) Signup and view all the answers

A study measures effectiveness of a new educational program by giving standardized test to students and comparing it to the previous class. What is the main concern?

The external validity is compromised due to the lack of a control group. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary rationale for employing a multi-method approach in social science research?

To increase subjectivity, integrating data collection methods (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of a theory does falsifiability primarily ensure?

That it can be evaluated using testable data (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which activity should be completed prior to deciding what research design to implement?

Secure funding for the research (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is scientific research?

Knowledge acquired through the scientific method. Must contribute to a body of science and follow the scientific method.

What is Natural Science?

Science of naturally occurring objects/phenomena. Includes physics, chemistry, biology.