PG74-77 Sociological Research Bias and Objectivity Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What does reliability refer to in sociological research?

  • The objectivity of the researcher in interpreting data
  • The use of quantitative research methods exclusively
  • The ability to draw valid conclusions from the data
  • The consistency and accuracy of data collected (correct)

    • Which statement about qualitative research methods is true?

  • They are not affected by the characteristics of the subjects being studied
  • They tend to be low in reliability due to difficulty in replication (correct)
  • They are easy to replicate and standardize across different studies
  • They are generally considered more reliable than quantitative methods

    • What is objectivity in sociological research?

  • The ability to make statements about behavior without personal bias (correct)
  • The interpretation of social behavior from a subjective perspective
  • The use of quantitative methods to study social phenomena
  • The process of discovering objective truths about the social world

    • According to the positivist view, what is the role of the researcher in achieving objectivity?

    <p>To distance themselves from the behavior being studied</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the interpretivist view on objectivity in sociological research?

    <p>There are multiple realities based on individual interpretations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor makes it harder for sociologists to achieve objectivity compared to researchers in natural sciences?

    <p>The nature of studying human behavior and social phenomena</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between the positivist and interpretivist views on objectivity?

    <p>Positivists believe in a single objective reality, while interpretivists believe in multiple realities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the aim of social research from an interpretivist perspective?

    <p>To achieve subjective understanding of how individuals interpret the social world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the researcher in achieving subjective understanding, according to the interpretivist view?

    <p>To be an objective channel for individuals to 'tell their story'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason cited for the findings being invalid if the research approach is unreliable?

    <p>The conclusions drawn would be limited in their applicability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors can influence a researcher's choice of topic?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ethical concern is raised regarding the purposes to which research is put?

    <p>Whether the researcher should be held responsible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do positivists and interpretivists differ in their approach to questioning respondents?

    <p>Positivists prefer closed questions, interpretivists prefer open-ended questions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What decisions must a researcher make regarding data analysis?

    <p>What data to include and what to exclude</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is more likely to be funded by research funding bodies?

    <p>Projects with a clear practical outcome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of validity refer to in sociological research?

    <p>The extent to which methods and data accurately measure what they claim to measure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of research method is considered to have higher ecological validity?

    <p>Covert participant observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are qualitative research methods generally considered to have higher validity than quantitative methods?

    <p>Qualitative methods get closer to the experiences and perceptions of those being studied</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason mentioned in the text for why respondents may give incorrect answers in surveys?

    <p>They may want to make a good impression by giving socially approved answers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important aspect of the relationship between theory and methods in sociology?

    <p>There is no general agreement on how to collect data about the social world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between sociological knowledge and other forms of knowledge?

    <p>Sociological knowledge is more objective and fact-based.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best that sociologists can do to limit the influence of their values on the research process?

    <p>Recognize the various points at which values can intrude and adjust the research strategy accordingly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do researchers' personal values influence the choice of research topic and the decision of who or what to study?

    <p>Researchers' values influence the choice of research topic and who/what to study, but are not the only factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason why sociologists may choose to study the activities of the powerful or the relatively powerless?

    <p>Sociologists choose to study the powerful or the powerless based on their personal values and perceptions of importance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the meaning of the term "value-neutral" as used in the text?

    <p>The data collected and presented is not influenced by the values, beliefs, and prejudices of the researcher, but it is not possible to truly act without values.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best way for sociologists to establish sociological knowledge?

    <p>Collect and analyze data objectively, while recognizing the potential for value-based influences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do interpretivists argue that sociologists should be open about their values?

    <p>So that others can judge if the researchers have successfully put aside their values</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does representativeness refer to in sociological research?

    <p>Both A and B</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential problem with low response rates in postal questionnaires?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor complicates sociological research according to the text?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a fundamental difference in beliefs that leads to different research approaches?

    <p>Whether the social world consists of natural responses to social stimulation or is socially constructed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue does the article 'On the Problem of Over-researched Communities' draw attention to?

    <p>The fact that some groups and communities are researched far more than others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential benefit and drawback of being an 'over-researched' community are mentioned?

    <p>Benefit: Access to resources, Drawback: Resentment towards researchers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue is raised regarding the research relationship between researchers and respondents?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What point is made about the global distribution of sociological research?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the information provided, what groups or topics are likely to be 'over-researched'?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

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