Deck 2: How Sociology Is Done

Question 1

A set of statements that describe reality is called __________.

A) A value
B) A theory
C) Survey data
D) Content analysis

Answer 1

B

Question 2

"A decrease in federal social programs leads to an increase in mental illness diagnoses" is an example of a _______________.

A) A value
B) An operational definition
C) A hypothesis
D) An Independent variable

Answer 2

C

Question 3

An example of a quantitative study would be which of the following:

A) A researcher creates a survey and mails it to 500 households for completion.
B) A researcher interviews a prison inmate about prison conditions.
C) A researcher interviews five prison inmates about prison conditions.
D) None of the above.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Research that is carried out in a classroom or laboratory that is controlled by a researcher is referred to as a(n) _______________.

A) Survey research
B) Experiment
C) Natural experiment
D) Social experiment

Question 5

A(n) _____________ is a single statement about reality that can be tested.

A) Experiment
B) Value
C) Control variable
D) Hypothesis

Question 6

Social scientists use __________ to identify relationships of cause and effect.

A) Variables
B) Operational definitions
C) Content analysis

Question 7

A qualitative research study,

A) might include a study that counts the number of times a particular word appears in commercials.
B) might be a study that interviews veterans about their experiences during their service.
C) might include a table that tracks how many veterans in the U.S. are receiving educational benefits.
D) might include a study that uses statistical techniques to compare local political leaders' missed votes on proposed bills.

Question 8

Which early sociologist pioneered urban mapping and reform?

A) Max Weber
B) Emile Durkheim
C) Karl Marx
D) Jane Addams

Question 9

The lack of societal consensus regarding norms and rules that bind society together is called _____.

A) Mechanical solidarity
B) Organic solidarity
C) Anomie
D) Differentiation

Question 10

Sociologist C. Wright Mills argued that

A) Society was made up of people who were bound together through various rituals.
B) Decision-making in government happened largely behind the scenes by powerful interests.
C) Social upheaval results from the breaking of social bonds.
D) The market system would lead to competition and greed.

Question 11

The statement "conflict is a bad thing" is a value.

Question 12

The statement "social inequality causes conflict" is a value.

Question 13

The statement "divorce is bad" is a theory.

Question 14

An important element in workplace relations identified by Karl Marx was the idea that the capitalist class exploited the working class in modern society.

Question 15

How are content analysis studies conducted? Give two examples of studies that might use content analysis as its methodology.

Question 16

Sociologists often gather data through established and credible sources that already exist. Name at least three existing resources that a sociologist might use to conduct research, besides using original data of their own. Give examples of how each of these specific resources might be used to study society or a phenomena in society?

Question 17

What is field observation and how is a field observation methodology used by sociologists? How is this type of research different from general observation?

Question 18

Define participant-observation and provide two examples. What are some benefits from using participant-observation?

Question 19

What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research, and what can one help us understand that the other cannot? Begin by defining both terms and contrasting them.

Question 20

What is the relationship between research and theory? How are they both used to explain social phenomenon? How does a theory differ from a hypothesis?

Question 21

How does a sociologist select which research method to use in their research study? Provide two examples of particular studies and which methods would be most appropriate and why.

Question 22

Describe the relationship between theory and research. Begin by defining both terms.

Question 23

What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable? What is a control variable and how are all of these variables used in research? Begin your response by defining all three variables.

Question 24

Select two of the following major methods of research and define and discuss each one including any strengths that they offer to the research model: Survey research; Field observation; Personal interviews; Content analysis.

Question 25

What is participant observation? Identify the strengths and weaknesses of participant observation research methodology and provide an example of such a study.

Question 26

Provide an example of a content analysis research study. Begin by defining content analysis. What is the advantage of this type of study?