36 Questions
What does reliability refer to in sociological research?
The consistency and accuracy of data collected
Which statement about qualitative research methods is true?
They tend to be low in reliability due to difficulty in replication
What is objectivity in sociological research?
The ability to make statements about behavior without personal bias
According to the positivist view, what is the role of the researcher in achieving objectivity?
To distance themselves from the behavior being studied
What is the interpretivist view on objectivity in sociological research?
There are multiple realities based on individual interpretations
Which factor makes it harder for sociologists to achieve objectivity compared to researchers in natural sciences?
The nature of studying human behavior and social phenomena
What is the main difference between the positivist and interpretivist views on objectivity?
Positivists believe in a single objective reality, while interpretivists believe in multiple realities
What is the aim of social research from an interpretivist perspective?
To achieve subjective understanding of how individuals interpret the social world
What is the role of the researcher in achieving subjective understanding, according to the interpretivist view?
To be an objective channel for individuals to 'tell their story'
What is the main reason cited for the findings being invalid if the research approach is unreliable?
The conclusions drawn would be limited in their applicability
Which of the following factors can influence a researcher's choice of topic?
All of the above
What ethical concern is raised regarding the purposes to which research is put?
Whether the researcher should be held responsible
How do positivists and interpretivists differ in their approach to questioning respondents?
Positivists prefer closed questions, interpretivists prefer open-ended questions
What decisions must a researcher make regarding data analysis?
What data to include and what to exclude
What is more likely to be funded by research funding bodies?
Projects with a clear practical outcome
What does the concept of validity refer to in sociological research?
The extent to which methods and data accurately measure what they claim to measure
Which type of research method is considered to have higher ecological validity?
Covert participant observation
Why are qualitative research methods generally considered to have higher validity than quantitative methods?
Qualitative methods get closer to the experiences and perceptions of those being studied
What is one reason mentioned in the text for why respondents may give incorrect answers in surveys?
They may want to make a good impression by giving socially approved answers
What is an important aspect of the relationship between theory and methods in sociology?
There is no general agreement on how to collect data about the social world
What is the primary difference between sociological knowledge and other forms of knowledge?
Sociological knowledge is more objective and fact-based.
What is the best that sociologists can do to limit the influence of their values on the research process?
Recognize the various points at which values can intrude and adjust the research strategy accordingly.
How do researchers' personal values influence the choice of research topic and the decision of who or what to study?
Researchers' values influence the choice of research topic and who/what to study, but are not the only factors.
What is the main reason why sociologists may choose to study the activities of the powerful or the relatively powerless?
Sociologists choose to study the powerful or the powerless based on their personal values and perceptions of importance.
What is the meaning of the term "value-neutral" as used in the text?
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.
What is the best way for sociologists to establish sociological knowledge?
Collect and analyze data objectively, while recognizing the potential for value-based influences.
Why do interpretivists argue that sociologists should be open about their values?
So that others can judge if the researchers have successfully put aside their values
What does representativeness refer to in sociological research?
Both A and B
What is a potential problem with low response rates in postal questionnaires?
All of the above
What factor complicates sociological research according to the text?
All of the above
What is a fundamental difference in beliefs that leads to different research approaches?
Whether the social world consists of natural responses to social stimulation or is socially constructed
What issue does the article 'On the Problem of Over-researched Communities' draw attention to?
The fact that some groups and communities are researched far more than others
What potential benefit and drawback of being an 'over-researched' community are mentioned?
Benefit: Access to resources, Drawback: Resentment towards researchers
What issue is raised regarding the research relationship between researchers and respondents?
All of the above
What point is made about the global distribution of sociological research?
All of the above
Based on the information provided, what groups or topics are likely to be 'over-researched'?
All of the above
Test your understanding of how sociological research findings can be biased by the actions and values of the researcher, as well as the choices made in designing and conducting the research. Explore the concept of objectivity in sociological knowledge.
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