Sociological Research Methods Titus Bargeboe
32 Questions
13 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a literature review in the research process?

  • To generate new research questions.
  • To provide context and identify gaps in existing research. (correct)
  • To collect primary data.
  • To test a hypothesis.

    • Which of the following is NOT a key principle for formulating a good research question?

  • Clarity
  • Feasibility
  • Objectivity (correct)
  • Specificity

    • What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables in research?

  • Both variables are manipulated simultaneously to observe their interaction.
  • The dependent variable is manipulated to see its effect on the independent variable.
  • There is no relationship between independent and dependent variables.
  • The independent variable is manipulated to see its effect on the dependent variable. (correct)

    • Which type of research method primarily relies on numerical data collected through surveys?

    <p>Quantitative methods (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When conducting research, what does 'reliability' refer to?

    <p>The consistency of findings across different situations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key feature of decolonizing methodologies in research?

    <p>Acknowledging the unique histories and cultures of Indigenous Nations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of conflict theory in social research?

    <p>Examining inequalities and power dynamics in society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following research methodologies is often associated with feminist research?

    <p>Standpoint theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of symbolic interactionism as a research approach?

    <p>To understand how people create and interpret meaning through social interaction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research method is often used to study social interactions and behaviors within a specific group?

    <p>Participant observation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key distinction between a population and a sample in research?

    <p>Population is a specific group of people studied, while a sample is the broader group of people to which the findings are generalized. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sampling technique involves selecting every nth individual from a list?

    <p>Systematic sampling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data would be most helpful for studying the impact of sports betting ads on gambling addiction rates?

    <p>Quantitative data on betting frequency and addiction rates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of using mixed methods in research?

    <p>It provides a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon by combining different perspectives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research methodology emphasizes understanding how people create and maintain social order through their interactions?

    <p>Symbolic interactionism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sampling technique allows every member of a population to have an equal chance of being selected?

    <p>Simple random sampling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key feature of conflict theory in social research?

    <p>Analysis of social institutions and their functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of sociological research that involves testing theories through observations?

    <p>Explanation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which social research method focuses on collecting data to inform policy strategies?

    <p>Predictive research (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following approaches begins with a theory and uses research to test that theory?

    <p>Deductive approach (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research aims to describe social reality or provide facts about specific groups?

    <p>Descriptive research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the sociological research goal known as 'Debunk'?

    <p>To show that popular belief or common sense is wrong (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of stratified sampling?

    <p>To ensure various categories of people are represented proportionally (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes in-depth interviews?

    <p>Interviews that allow for open-ended exploration of topics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of snowball sampling?

    <p>Participants recruit other participants through referrals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a distinctive feature of ethnography in research?

    <p>Long-term immersion and involvement in the participants' environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does informed consent entail in human research?

    <p>Participants must understand the research and their role before agreeing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which technique is often categorized as a non-probability sampling method in qualitative research?

    <p>Purpose sampling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary ethical consideration when conducting research with indigenous communities?

    <p>To ensure historical understanding and cultural sensitivity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does secondary data analysis involve?

    <p>Analyzing data that has already been collected by others (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of qualitative sampling technique is characterized by selecting participants based on their accessibility and willingness?

    <p>Convinced sampling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of participant observation in field research?

    <p>Participating in activities while observing the community (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Sociological Research Methods

    • Social Research Methods: Systematic techniques and strategies for collecting information.
    • Ways of Knowing:
      • Personal experience
      • Tradition
      • Authority
      • Religion
      • Science (controlled, systematic observation)
    • 5 Main Goals of Sociological Research:
      • Enumeration and Description (e.g., census)
      • Prediction (policy analysis)
      • Explanation (theories)
      • Debunking (challenging common beliefs)
      • Social Justice (understanding marginalized groups)
    • Theory and Research Cycle:
      • Deductive Approach: Deriving specific observations from general ideas. (Theory -> Hypothesis -> Observations -> Generalizations)
      • Inductive Approach: Deriving general ideas from specific observations. (Observations -> Generalizations -> Tentative Theory -> Hypothesis -> Observations)
    • Basic Concepts of Social Research:
      • Descriptive Research: Describes social reality; facts, groups, practices, events.
      • Explanatory Research: Explains relationships and reasons for events.
      • Independent Variable: Manipulated to explore its effect.
      • Dependent Variable: Changes in response to the independent variable.
      • Causality: One variable causing a change in another.

    Research Process

    • Identifying an Area of Study:
      • Choosing a topic area
      • Understanding previous studies
      • Identifying research gaps & questions
    • Literature Review:
      • Overview of past research
      • Understanding previous studies and research gaps
      • Clarifying the study's significance.
    • Research Questions: Well-defined, answerable questions about a phenomenon.
      • Characteristics of good research questions: Clarity, specificity, feasibility.
    • Research Design: Blueprint of the study.
      • Study type, questions, hypotheses, variables, data collection/analysis, ethics.
      • Operationalization: Measuring abstract concepts.
      • Variable: Measurable attribute or characteristic.
      • Justifying decisions on data collection, populations, and analysis, with ethics in mind.
    • Collecting and Analyzing Data:
      • Quantitative Methods: Numerical data (surveys).
        • Hypotheses: Predictions about relationships between variables.
        • Correlation: Measure of association between variables (positive or negative).
        • Reliability: Consistency and replicability of findings.
        • Validity: Accuracy in representing the real world.
        • Statistics: Analysing large quantities of data.
      • Qualitative Methods: Non-numerical data (interviews, images).
      • Mixed Methods: Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
      • Benefits of mixed methods: Data triangulation (verifying findings).
      • Disadvantages of mixed methods: Time-consuming, multiple data collection methods.

    Decolonizing Methodologies, Conflict Theory, Feminism, Functionalism, and Symbolic Interactionism

    • Decolonizing Methodologies: Emphasize Indigenous histories, life courses, phenomenology, and cultural sensitivity in research and acknowledging Indigenous histories and cultures.
    • Conflict Theory: Examines inequalities in access to resources, power, and privileges with attention to researchers' positions as authority figures and critical reflection.
    • Feminism: Investigates inequalities among social groups, experiences of marginalized groups (Black women, Indigenous women, transgender individuals), and different social locations based on background, status, class, etc.
    • Functionalism: Examines societal organization and institutions' roles in maintaining order, often relying on quantitative methods.
    • Symbolic Interactionism: Studies how people understand the world through interactions and the role of symbols in meaning-making. Often using qualitative methods like participant observation & ethnomethodology.

    Survey Research

    • Survey Research:
      • Used to describe trends, relationships, or analyze a phenomenon.
      • Collects data from a population (complete group) using a sample (subset representative of the population).
    • Survey Types:
      • Self-administered questionnaires
      • Researcher-administered questionnaires
    • Sampling Techniques:
      • Simple random sampling (selection by chance)
      • Systematic sampling
      • Stratified sampling (proportional representation of categories)
    • Quantitative Research Process: Selecting and defining problems, literature review, hypothesis formulation, research design, data collection/analysis, findings and conclusions.

    Interviews, Qualitative Sampling, Field Research, Secondary Data Analysis

    • Interviews: Conversations with sampled individuals.
      • In-depth, unstructured: Flexible interviewing approach.
      • Semi-structured: Based on a guide with topics and questions.
    • Qualitative Sampling Techniques:
      • Purpose sampling (judgmental sampling): Selecting participants based on their characteristics.
      • Convenience sampling: Selecting accessible participants.
      • Snowball sampling (referral sampling): Participants recruit other participants.
    • Field Research: Observation in natural settings (schools, hospitals).
      • Participant observation: Researcher observes and participates.
      • Ethnography: Researcher fully immerses in a setting.
      • Photovoice: Understanding marginalized experiences through participant expression.
    • Secondary Data Analysis: Analyzing existing data (written or visual).
      • Institutional data (government reports)
      • Digital data (e.g., social media).

    Ethics of Conducting Human Research

    • Ethics: Minimize harm to participants.
    • Informed consent: Obtaining permission after providing details about the study.
    • Coercion: Avoiding persuasion to participate.
    • Indigenous data sovereignty: Respecting Indigenous peoples' control over their data.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Explore the systematic techniques and strategies essential for sociological research. This quiz covers the five main goals, the theory and research cycle, and the various approaches to understanding social phenomena. Test your knowledge of key concepts in social research and their applications.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser