Sociological Research Approaches

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of sociological research?

To answer questions about human behavior in social contexts. (correct)

To analyze economic trends in various industries.

To promote certain social movements.

To compare the popularity of different entertainers.

Which research method is best suited for exploring behavioral patterns in natural settings?

Field research (correct)

Secondary data analysis

Experiments

Surveys

What does reliability in research refer to?

The ethical standards maintained throughout the research process.

The ability to generalize findings to a broader population.

The accuracy of instruments used in the research.

The consistency of multiple measurements of the same concept. (correct)

What is one difference between positivist and interpretive approaches in sociology?

Interpretive approaches typically emphasize subjective meanings over objective facts. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are ethical standards important in sociological research?

They help ensure participants' well-being and improve the credibility of research. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which method of sociological research involves analyzing pre-existing documents or datasets?

Secondary data and textual analysis (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does value neutrality mean in the context of sociology?

The objective stance a researcher should take to avoid bias in their findings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of scientific research in sociology?

Relying on anecdotal evidence to support claims. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the social benefits observed in the mincome experiment?

Fewer accidents and injuries (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant finding was associated with the income supplement in the mincome experiment?

Communities profited overall despite limited recipients (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does field research primarily differ from lab experiments?

Field research gathers data in natural environments (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of field research is most suitable for observing individual behaviors in specific settings?

Case study (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can be a limitation of field research in terms of generalizability?

Small sample sizes hinder broader predictions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which research methodology is generally preferred for producing government policy documents needing quantitative evidence?

Experimental or quasi-experimental models (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge faced by researchers conducting fieldwork?

Maintaining complete objectivity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges associated with the InSite supervised safe-injection site?

It is controversial due to drug legality issues (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a common outcome from the mincome experiment?

It fostered healthier lives for participants (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of approach is field research best suited for?

Interpretive approach (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one major limitation of using observational research in sociology?

It can be influenced by the researcher's perceptions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role do health care professionals play at InSite?

They intervene in the case of overdose (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome was notably high among participants in the mincome experiment?

Improved educational achievements (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of using an interpretive approach in sociological research?

To generate descriptive and narrative findings (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which method is mostly associated with the positivist hypothetico-deductive approach?

Experiments (B) Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes the alteration of worker behaviors due to awareness of observation?

The Hawthorne effect (C) Signup and view all the answers

When designing a sociological study, which method allows for the collection of personal opinions through anonymity?

Surveys (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of the ethnographic study method?

It requires significant time investment (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research methods uses existing data for analysis?

Secondary data analysis (D) Signup and view all the answers

What determines when a researcher might choose to be anonymous in their observations?

Ethical considerations (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is least likely to provide insights into participants' lived experiences?

Experimental design (A) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sociology does the Hawthorne effect highlight?

Influence of researcher presence on behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the interpretive approach in sociology differ from quantitative methods?

It focuses on subjective understanding of social phenomena (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to sociological research principles, what must researchers consider when observing sensitive environments?

Their role and level of intrusiveness (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of observational studies in sociology?

To capture real social interactions as they happen (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would qualitative methods be most beneficial?

When exploring detailed perspectives of a small group (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary consideration for researchers when using surveys?

Ensuring complete participant anonymity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting sociological interviews?

To collect reliable information without bias. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between lab-based experiments and natural or field experiments?

Lab-based experiments provide controlled environments. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately characterizes the experimental group in a sociological experiment?

It is subjected to the independent variable. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue arose from the Stanford Prison Experiment?

Participants experienced psychological distress. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary objectives of the 'Mincome' experiment conducted in Dauphin, Manitoba?

To explore the impact of annual income on work incentives. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What methodology is commonly used to assess theories in sociological research?

Testing through experiments and observations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant limitation of the Stanford Prison Experiment?

It did not include a control group. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of experiments, what is the role of a control group?

To establish a baseline for comparison. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How are participants typically divided in a lab-based sociological experiment?

Using similar characteristics to create groups. (B) Signup and view all the answers

During the 'Mincome' experiment, which indicator was NOT measured?

Child's educational attainment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why did researchers choose to conduct the 'Mincome' experiment in Dauphin, Manitoba?

It was a controlled environment with limited outside factors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a unique feature of the Mincome experiment regarding the income provided to participants?

Participants had to match income from other sources. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one conclusion that could be drawn from the effects of the Stanford Prison Experiment?

Social roles can significantly influence individual behavior. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was one primary motive identified by Andrew Ivsins for sharing pipes among crack cocaine users?

The bond formed between friends or intimate partners (A) Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Rodney Rothman utilize to gather insights into white-collar work?

Participant observation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was one method used by researchers John S.Lynd and Helen Merrell Lynd in their study of small-town America?

Covert participant observation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of covert participant observation in sociological research?

It allows access to authentic, natural behaviors (B) Signup and view all the answers

What common health risks were noted by Andrew Ivsins regarding the practice of sharing pipes?

Hepatitis transmission (A) Signup and view all the answers

What method allows researchers to gather qualitative data in a non-intrusive manner?

Participant observation (D) Signup and view all the answers

During their study, what topic did the Lynds shift their focus to as they gathered data?

The effect of industrialization and urbanization (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of covert participant observation?

Difficulty in gaining insider access (C) Signup and view all the answers

What notable outcome did Rothman achieve through his participant observation study?

Publication of an article detailing his findings (D) Signup and view all the answers

In participant observation studies, what must researchers remain focused on?

Recording experiences accurately (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method emphasizes the experience of the observer as part of the study?

Participant observation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an inherent characteristic of participant observation as a research method?

Involvement in group activities (D) Signup and view all the answers

How long did Rodney Rothman pretend to work in a 'dot com' agency?

Two weeks (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a striking feature of the etiquette surrounding pipe sharing found by Ivsins?

Informal norms among users (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'case study' refer to in sociological research?

An analysis of a single event or individual (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which variable is affected by changes in another variable?

Dependent variable (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'control group' mean in experimental research?

A group not influenced by the independent variable (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ethnography' involve in sociological research?

Observing a complete social setting (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of conducting a literature review in research?

To identify existing studies for new research foundation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method seeks to derive general statements from a series of observations?

Inductive approach (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of operational definitions in research?

To explain abstract concepts specifically (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes research that does not influence participants' behaviors?

Nonreactive research (A) Signup and view all the answers

In sociological research, what is characterized as 'primary data'?

Data collected directly from firsthand experience (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Hawthorne effect' in research?

When participants alter their behavior due to observation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What primary drives fans of Justin Bieber to follow his social media closely?

The search for an escape from boredom (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of approach do sociologists rely on to ensure their findings are valid?

Systematic research processes (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific sociological study process?

Publishing the results of casual observations (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of casual observation in sociology?

It lacks standardized methods for accuracy (C) Signup and view all the answers

What concept compares the behavior of Beliebers to that of Beatles fans?

The emotional engagement of fans (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of methodologies do sociologists employ in their research?

Both quantitative and qualitative methods (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role does empirical evidence play in sociological research?

It is fundamental for testing theories (B) Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Ehrenreich to join the low-wage service sector?

Her editor encouraged her to perform a study. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the scientific method in sociological research?

It establishes parameters for objective research (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which job roles did Ehrenreich take on during her study?

Waitress, cleaning woman, and retail employee (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why do sociologists question the world and human behavior?

To investigate patterns and improve understanding (A) Signup and view all the answers

What major finding did Ehrenreich discover about minimum-wage work?

It's almost impossible to subsist on such income. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Disney World is emphasized in understanding its appeal?

It allows families to live inside a cartoon environment (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ethnography as a research method?

Observing the social perspective of an entire community (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is key in assessing the impact of workplace patterns discovered by sociologists?

Their contribution to industry transformation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the concept of institutional ethnography?

Dorothy Smith (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of sociological research?

To provide insights into human societal functions (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does institutional ethnography differ from traditional ethnography?

It examines the influence of institutions on daily life. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What illustrates the group's collective behavior dynamics during events?

The phenomenon of groupthink (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the interpretive approach in sociological research focused on?

Understanding meanings and experiences (B) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge might a sociologist face when studying domestic abuse victims through ethnography?

The need to understand complex legal processes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does an ethnographer do during their study?

Observe and immerse themselves in the community. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of activities might an ethnographer study in a small community?

Cultural rituals and daily routines (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of conducting surveys in sociological research?

To contribute knowledge to the field of sociology (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a random sample from other sampling methods?

Every person has an equal chance of selection (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of low-wage workers' lives did Ehrenreich highlight?

Their struggle to make ends meet (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the methods used in Ehrenreich's study?

Living among low-wage workers and using their income (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is typically easier to tabulate and analyze in surveys?

Quantitative data (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'textually mediated' practices refer to in institutional ethnography?

The role of written documents in shaping experiences (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major drawbacks of using structured questionnaires in surveys?

They may not reflect true feelings due to their artificiality (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a focus when surveying a specific population?

Unrelated general knowledge (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of environments do ethnographers study?

Naturalistic social environments (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Ehrenreich’s experiences reveal about societal perceptions of low-wage workers?

They face systemic issues and poor treatment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What approach allows subjects in a survey to express complex thoughts unrestrained by fixed response choices?

Open-ended questions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What factor can threaten the validity of survey results?

Inadvertently excluding part of the population (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative data differ from quantitative data in surveys?

It cannot be counted or tabulated (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method to gather information from subjects in a survey that allows for personal elaboration?

Conducting structured interviews (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a limitation of surveys concerning people's honesty?

Questions may seem too personal (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to inaccurate representations of public opinion in surveys?

Utilizing a specific show's audience for polls (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential part of informing subjects about a study before they participate?

Clearly stating the nature and purpose of the study (D) Signup and view all the answers

In sociological surveys, which of the following statements about interviews is true?

Interviews allow for clarity and elaboration (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of properly citing existing sources in research?

To avoid plagiarism and acknowledge previous work (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines a hypothesis?

An educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables (C) Signup and view all the answers

In positivist sociology, how are hypotheses primarily treated?

As testable propositions that can be proven or disproven (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes independent variables in research?

They are the factors that cause change in dependent variables (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required criterion to establish causation between variables?

The independent variable must occur after the dependent variable (D) Signup and view all the answers

How could a researcher define 'good' grades for an educational study?

Using a fixed point like a B+ based on their own standards (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher hypothesizes that 'affordable housing affects homeless rates', what are the independent and dependent variables?

Affordable housing and homeless rate (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes qualitative research methodologies from quantitative approaches in sociological studies?

Qualitative methods gather personal stories and experiences (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a change in one variable coincides with a change in another variable?

It suggests there is a correlation between them (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a prediction in the context of a hypothesis?

A logical deduction from the formulated hypothesis (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role do operational definitions play in research?

They ensure that all researchers interpret variables in the same way (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is the relationship between independent and dependent variables typically presented in research?

Quantitatively with data analysis techniques and graphs (A) Signup and view all the answers

What might a sociologist conclude about data contradicting the hypothesis?

Contradicting data can provide valuable insights into the research (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary obligation of researchers concerning their human subjects?

To obtain informed consent and inform subjects of risks (C) Signup and view all the answers

What must sociologists do if a participant becomes endangered during a study?

Stop the work immediately (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'value neutrality' in sociological research entail?

Remaining impartial and not allowing personal values to affect findings (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding confidentiality is correct?

Researchers must protect the privacy of research participants (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential conflict of interest for researchers?

Accepting funds from organizations that may influence research results (A) Signup and view all the answers

Max Weber emphasized the importance of which ethical concern in sociology?

Personal values shaping research methods (C) Signup and view all the answers

What must sociologists do when their research findings contradict personal beliefs?

Report results without omitting significant data (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do built-in interests affect sociological research according to Jürgen Habermas?

They devalue the objectivity of researchers (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the practice of establishing value neutrality NOT include?

Using research data for persuasive purposes (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sociology is concerned with power dynamics and emancipation?

Critical sociology (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the scientific method in sociological research?

To maximize the study's reliability and validity in measuring social phenomena. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect ensures that research results can be replicated in other studies?

Reliability (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an operational definition in sociological research?

A concept defined in terms of measurable variables. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for sociologists to conduct a literature review?

To gain insights into existing research and position their study accordingly. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following shows an example of fatal flaws in study design?

Formulating a vague research question regarding personal happiness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What might researchers be interested in studying according to the sociological approach?

Trends and attitudes across various community aspects. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What defines validity in a research study?

The degree to which findings are accurate and applicable to the population. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sociological research, what is the significance of objectivity?

To detach researchers from the results of their studies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical first step in the scientific method?

Asking a question. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers maintain uniformity in outcomes during studies?

By establishing clear operational definitions for concepts. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relevance of studying non-problematic behaviors in sociology?

It broadens understanding of everyday social dynamics. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of defining concepts too narrowly in research?

It can overlook key variables relevant to the study. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When researchers state that sociologists must 'operationalize' a variable, what does it mean?

They need to convert the variable into measurable units. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the characteristics that sociologists study?

Characteristics related to both positive and negative social dynamics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is neutrality important in sociological research?

It eliminates the potential bias from influencing the outcomes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of institutional ethnography?

To make documents visible as parts of social relations (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do institutions typically translate personal experiences into a formal context?

Through abstract categories on forms and screens (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are case studies criticized as a primary research method?

They do not provide enough evidence for generalizations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the story of a disabled child transformed within an institution?

It is recorded as a checklist for funding decisions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What quality do case studies provide to researchers when dealing with unique subjects?

In-depth understanding of specific phenomena (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one major advantage of using secondary data in sociological research?

It saves time and adds depth to a study. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What might researchers do in a case study of a feral child’s development?

Engage in participant observation and interviews (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical outcome of institutional processing of an individual's narrative?

Detachment of meanings from lived experience (B) Signup and view all the answers

What method is commonly employed by sociologists using secondary data?

Content analysis (C) Signup and view all the answers

What restricts the use of case studies in sociological research?

Their limitation to single individuals or events (B) Signup and view all the answers

What transformation occurs when an individual's experience is documented for institutional purposes?

It is often translated into abstract bureaucratic categories. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the study of women’s behaviors in the 1960s, which source might a sociologist analyze?

Movies and television shows from that era (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of a crisis like unemployment becomes abstracted in institutional responses?

Anonymous criteria for eligibility assessments (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Gilens discover in his content analysis of photographs of poor people?

Less sympathetic groups were overrepresented in the media. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of secondary data in sociological research?

It does not alter or influence people's behaviors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge is associated with using available data in research?

It may not be available in the desired format. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ethical responsibilities of sociologists during their research?

To ensure that findings do not harm subjects or groups. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of Richard Sennett's research in 'The Craftsman'?

The human desire to perform quality work throughout history. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does content analysis primarily involve?

Quantifying the prevalence of specific textual items. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might researchers struggle with public records in their studies?

Accessing public records can require significant effort. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What limitation did Lynd and Lynd's research face due to their publication date?

It was not representative of modern attitudes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do sociologists use research findings from agencies like Statistics Canada?

To analyze trends related to social issues and inequalities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is crucial when conducting secondary data analysis?

The date of publication and cultural perspectives influencing it. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a variable coded in Gilens' content analysis?

Income level (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does nonreactive research imply?

It does not influence participants' behaviors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ethical standards emphasized by the Canadian Sociological Association?

To maintain confidentiality and anonymity of subjects. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about secondary data collection?

It requires extensive direct contact with subjects. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes