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 (C)</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 (D)</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 (A)</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 (D)</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 (A)</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' (A)</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 (C)</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 (D)</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 (B)</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 (D)</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 (A)</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 (B)</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 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Covert participant observation (A)</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 (D)</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 (A)</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 (D)</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. (A)</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. (D)</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. (D)</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. (C)</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. (B)</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. (A)</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 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does representativeness refer to in sociological research?

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

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

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

What factor complicates sociological research according to the text?

<p>All of the above (D)</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 (D)</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 (A)</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 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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