Sociology Research Methods

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What is the primary consideration when choosing a research method based on the sample size?

The amount of time required to complete the research method.

What is the purpose of gaining permission from gatekeepers in research?

To gain access to participants

What is the primary difference between open and closed questionnaires?

The level of respondent freedom in answering questions

What is the key characteristic of a web-based questionnaire?

It is administered via the internet or a website Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between overt and covert observation?

Whether the participants are aware they are being observed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using structured interviews?

The questions are set in advance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a lab experiment and a field experiment?

The setting in which the experiment is conducted Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using participant observation in research?

To gain a deeper understanding of the participants' behaviors and perspectives Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using an opportunity sample?

It may not be representative as it only includes people who are available at the time Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using volunteer participants?

Only a certain type of person may participate, resulting in a biased sample Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using stratified sampling?

It is likely to be the most representative of the population Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using self-report questionnaires?

Participants may not complete them truthfully due to social desirability bias Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using questionnaires?

They can be easily distributed and completed, allowing for a larger and more representative sample size Signup and view all the answers

Why may participants be more honest when completing questionnaires?

They are completing them anonymously Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using questionnaires with closed-ended questions?

Participants may not understand the questions, and the researcher cannot clarify the meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using questionnaires with low response rates?

The sample may be biased, and the results may not be generalizable to the population Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with using personal documents as a research method, and how can it be addressed?

Invasion of privacy; Informed Consent Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using official statistics in research, and what is the potential limitation of this method?

Easily accessible and reliable; May not ask the questions specific to the research Signup and view all the answers

How can going native, a method of data collection, be both a strength and a weakness in research?

Allows for verstehen and in-depth data; Risk of lack of detachment and objectivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between official statistics and unofficial statistics, and how does this impact their validity?

Official statistics are produced by government agencies, while unofficial statistics are collected by other organizations; Unofficial statistics may be biased to the views of the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with using surveys or questionnaires, and how can it be addressed?

Right answerism; Participants may lie; Ensure anonymity and use scales to encourage honest responses Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using large samples in research, and what is the potential limitation of this method?

Increased reliability and generalizability; May be difficult to quantify and analyze Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between closed and open research methods, and how do they impact the type of data collected?

Closed methods provide quantitative data, while open methods provide qualitative data; Closed methods are easier to quantify and analyze, while open methods provide more detailed and in-depth data Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hawthorne effect, and how can it impact the validity of research findings?

The phenomenon where participants modify their behavior in response to being studied; It can lead to unreliable results and a lack of generalizability Signup and view all the answers

What type of research methodology involves the researcher becoming a member of the group they are studying?

Participant Observation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using self-administered questionnaires in research?

They are easy, cheap, and quick to analyze Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of using leading questions in research?

They can influence respondents' answers and bias the results Signup and view all the answers

In what type of research is the researcher able to manipulate and control all the variables?

Laboratory Experiments Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using interviews in research, especially when dealing with sensitive topics?

They can cause harm or distress to participants Signup and view all the answers

Why might a researcher choose to use observational studies in a real-life setting?

To increase ecological validity and study behavior in a natural environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of using case studies in research?

They rely on memory and may lack generalizability Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential advantage of using informed consent in research?

It ensures participants are aware of the potential risks and benefits Signup and view all the answers

What is primary data, and what are its advantages?

Primary data is data collected first-hand by the researcher. Its advantages include being aware of issues with data, being able to target the research question directly, and having control over the data collection process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of secondary data?

The main limitation of secondary data is that it may not target the researcher's question, and may be biased or invalid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of quantitative data in terms of sample size?

The advantage of quantitative data is that it can have a larger sample size, making it easier to compare between participants and analyse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of qualitative data in terms of comparison between participants?

The limitation of qualitative data is that it can be difficult to compare responses between participants. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of laboratory experiments in terms of control over variables?

The advantage of laboratory experiments is that they have high control over variables, which can help establish cause and effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of laboratory experiments in terms of real-life applicability?

The limitation of laboratory experiments is that they may not apply to real-life settings, and may be affected by the Hawthorne effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of field experiments in terms of real-life applicability?

The advantage of field experiments is that they are likely to reflect real-life settings, and are less likely to be affected by the Hawthorne effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of field experiments in terms of establishing cause and effect?

The limitation of field experiments is that it can be difficult to establish cause and effect, due to the lack of control over variables. Signup and view all the answers