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Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of science in society?
What is the main purpose of science in society?
To generate new knowledge.
What is inquiry?
What is inquiry?
Inquiry is part of our everyday life.
Inquiry is part of our everyday life.
True
When the light goes off, we typically check the ______.
When the light goes off, we typically check the ______.
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What can black clouds in the sky indicate?
What can black clouds in the sky indicate?
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What does a theory provide according to Babbie?
What does a theory provide according to Babbie?
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Theory helps in identifying unrelated phenomena.
Theory helps in identifying unrelated phenomena.
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What is stigma according to Erwin Goffman's theory?
What is stigma according to Erwin Goffman's theory?
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A conceptual framework consists of logically interconnected __________.
A conceptual framework consists of logically interconnected __________.
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Match the following concepts with their definitions:
Match the following concepts with their definitions:
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Which of the following correctly describes the impact of stigma on individuals?
Which of the following correctly describes the impact of stigma on individuals?
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Theories prevent fragmentation of knowledge by ordering facts.
Theories prevent fragmentation of knowledge by ordering facts.
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What is the role of deductive reasoning in theory development?
What is the role of deductive reasoning in theory development?
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Which type of generalisation is the first step towards abstraction but remains close to concrete information?
Which type of generalisation is the first step towards abstraction but remains close to concrete information?
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All researchers strive to obtain abstract and generalisable propositions.
All researchers strive to obtain abstract and generalisable propositions.
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What does the term 'deduction' refer to in the context of theory and research?
What does the term 'deduction' refer to in the context of theory and research?
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Theory provides researchers with __________ by specifying key concepts.
Theory provides researchers with __________ by specifying key concepts.
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Which theory begins to organise empirical observations in a way that explains relationships more generally?
Which theory begins to organise empirical observations in a way that explains relationships more generally?
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Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
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Theory plays a non-essential role in the research process.
Theory plays a non-essential role in the research process.
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What is the relationship between theory and empirical studies?
What is the relationship between theory and empirical studies?
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The definition of theory in research includes which of the following elements?
The definition of theory in research includes which of the following elements?
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Social research aims only to describe social affairs without explaining causal relationships.
Social research aims only to describe social affairs without explaining causal relationships.
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What is conceptualisation in social science research?
What is conceptualisation in social science research?
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The process of developing a hypothesis involves generating a __________ from a research problem.
The process of developing a hypothesis involves generating a __________ from a research problem.
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Which statement best describes the relationship between theory and hypothesis?
Which statement best describes the relationship between theory and hypothesis?
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Match the research approach with its definition:
Match the research approach with its definition:
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Theories are often used carelessly in everyday conversation, equating them to speculation.
Theories are often used carelessly in everyday conversation, equating them to speculation.
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A research topic should be ________ in order to formulate a relevant hypothesis.
A research topic should be ________ in order to formulate a relevant hypothesis.
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Study Notes
Acquiring Knowledge in Social Sciences Research
- Research is the process of generating new knowledge for societal advancement.
- Science is a process of inquiry, where we observe the world and use logical thinking to understand it.
- Inquiry is an essential part of everyday life, such as troubleshooting electrical issues or understanding weather patterns.
Theory in Social Science Research
- Social scientists define "theory" with a systemic approach.
- Theories provide interpretations of facts collected and explain "why" and "how" phenomena occur.
- Theories are systematic explanations of observations relating to specific aspects of life.
- Theories consist of interrelated statements, providing a reasonable explanation for social life phenomena.
- Theories help understand causal relationships between phenomena and provide a deeper understanding of complex ones.
- Erwin Goffman's Stigma Theory posits that individuals are stigmatized due to attributes that differ from others in a particular environment. These attributes, considered "stigma" by Goffman, are discrediting to the person.
- Stigma can arise from societal perceptions of identities that don't conform to social norms like those faced by gay people due to their sexuality.
- A conceptual framework explains certain events or phenomena.
- Theories are collections of interconnected propositions, which are generalized abstractions about social reality based on evidence.
- The scope of a theory can be categorized into:
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Empirical Generalization
- Classifies, summarizes, and organizes observations.
- Remains close to collected information.
- Generalizability is limited.
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Middle-Range Theory
- Organizes empirical observations.
- Explains relationships between phenomena.
- Offers more general explanations.
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Theoretical Frameworks
- Provide overall explanations of phenomena.
- Studies provide partial evidence supporting or challenging the framework's propositions.
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- While not all researchers focus on abstract and generalizable propositions, some argue that providing a theoretical perspective avoids fragmentation of understanding.
The Relationship Between Theory and Research
- Theory acts as scaffolding in research, providing a framework for studying phenomena.
- Research without theoretical orientation is naive.
- The relationship between theory and research is reciprocal.
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Deduction
- Moves from general to specific.
- Utilizes general principles to predict specific outcomes.
- Empirical studies are based on theory.
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Induction
- Moves from specific to general.
- Derives general principles from specific observations.
- Theories are based on empirical study.
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Key Concepts
- Theory: A logical description of interconnected concepts, propositions, and definitions explaining certain processes or phenomena within a specific discipline.
- Social Research: A tool for investigating social issues, explaining phenomena, and providing explanations based on causal relationships. It also describes the state of social affairs.
- Conceptualization: A mental process that transforms vague notions or concepts into specific and precise ones. It clarifies the meaning of concepts used in research.
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Description
Test your understanding of social sciences research and its significance in generating new knowledge for societal advancement. This quiz explores the processes of inquiry and logical thinking that underpin scientific research in everyday contexts. Challenge yourself and see how well you grasp these essential concepts!
