Deck 1: Doing Social Research

Question 1

What is the difference between basic and applied research?

Answer 1

Basic research, also known as fundamental or pure research, is driven by a scientist's curiosity or interest in a scientific question. The main motivation is to expand knowledge, not to create or invent something. Basic research lays the groundwork for further knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles of phenomena without targeted applications in mind. It is exploratory in nature and is conducted to have a better understanding of the underlying principles and laws of nature. For example, understanding the structure of an atom or the mechanics of an enzyme are outcomes of basic research.

Applied research, on the other hand, is designed to solve practical problems and improve the human condition by applying scientific knowledge. It is a form of systematic inquiry involving the practical application of science. It accesses and uses some part of the research communities' (the academia's) accumulated theories, knowledge, methods, and techniques, for a specific, often state-, business-, or client-driven purpose. Applied research is used to find solutions to everyday problems, cure illness, and develop innovative technologies. For example, developing a new vaccine to combat a pandemic is a form of applied research.

In summary, the key differences between basic and applied research are:

1. Purpose: Basic research aims to increase knowledge of fundamental principles, while applied research aims to develop technology, techniques, or products that can be used to address specific problems.

2. Application: Basic research is not intended for immediate commercial application, whereas applied research is driven by the need to address practical problems.

3. Nature: Basic research is more exploratory and focuses on understanding the reasons behind various natural phenomena. Applied research is more descriptive and directive in its attempt to apply this knowledge to real-world issues.

4. Outcome: The outcomes of basic research are often universal truths and discoveries that form the foundation of further scientific advancements. Applied research results in the development of new products, processes, or policies that have direct implications for society.

Both types of research are crucial to the advancement of science and technology. Basic research provides the foundation of knowledge necessary for applied research, and applied research often leads to new questions that can be explored through basic research.

Question 2

In exploratory research, one does all of the following, EXCEPT

A) become familiar with the basic facts, people, and concerns involved.
B) develop a well-grounded mental picture of what is occurring.
C) generate many ideas and develop tentative conjectures.
D) determine the feasibility of doing additional research.
E) test a theory or explanation.

Answer 2

test a theory or explanation.

Question 3

In 2001, Professor Dennis Wrong decided to conduct a study of 1,000 persons who were married in 1946 to 1948 and were still married. He believed that the social climate, returning veterans, and other changes around the end of World War II affected the decision to marry and what occurred in their first year of marriage. Most likely, he was conducting what type of study?

A) case study
B) panel
C) cohort
D) time-series
E) cross-sectional

Answer 3

cohort

Question 4

Talk about:
-basic social research

Question 5

Talk about:
-case study

Question 6

Talk about:
-cohort study

Question 7

Talk about:
-data

Question 8

Talk about:
-descriptive research

Question 9

Talk about:
-empirical evidence

Question 10

Talk about:
-experimental research

Question 11

Talk about:
-explanatory research

Question 12

Talk about:
-exploratory research

Question 13

Talk about:
-field research

Question 14

Talk about:
-halo effect

Question 15

Talk about:
-longitudinal research

Question 16

Talk about:
-overgeneralization

Question 17

Talk about:
-panel study

Question 18

Talk about:
-premature closure

Question 19

Talk about:
-qualitative data

Question 20

Talk about:
-quantitative data

Question 21

Talk about:
-scientific community

Question 22

Talk about:
-scientific method

Question 23

Talk about:
-secondary data analysis

Question 24

Talk about:
-selective observation

Question 25

Talk about:
-social research

Question 26

Talk about:
-survey research