Deck 1: Approaches to Methods

Question 1

The positivistic approach to the social sciences is most like:

A) the approach emphasized by Max Weber
B) feminist theory and methods
C) the approach used within the physical sciences
D) the Symbolic Interactionist approach

Answer 1

C

Question 2

The focus of critical research emphasizes:

A) micro level variable
B) social facts
C) macro level variables
D) social action

Answer 2

C

Question 3

A mechanistic model is one that asserts behaviour:

A) is susceptible to reductionist logic
B) is controlled completely by 1 or more external factors
C) is not subject to social understanding
D) is understood only by a critical approach

Answer 3

B

Question 4

A prominent figure in the development of the interpretive approach was:

A) Durkheim
B) Comte
C) Goffman
D) Lastrucci

Question 5

The independent variable is the one which is:

A) the "cause" of the cause-effect relationship
B) the "effect" of the cause-effect relationship
C) synonymous with a spurious variable
D) equivalent to Y

Question 6

Descriptive research emphasizes:

A) the accurate depiction of an individual
B) the accurate depiction of a whole society
C) a comparative description of various societies
D) the accurate depiction of any population

Question 7

The dependent variable is the one which is:

A) the "cause" of the cause-effect relationship
B) the "effect" of the cause-effect relationship
C) controlled for by means of statistical methods
D) equivalent to X

Question 8

An intervening variable is one which:

A) links the dependent variable to the independent variable in that order
B) links the independent variable to a confounding variable (s/s)
C) links the independent variable to the dependent variable in that order
D) explains how the dependent variable affects the independent variable

Question 9

Qualitative research differs from quantitative research in that:

A) it stresses numbers and statistics
B) it stresses observation and in-depth description
C) it stresses theory rather than methodology
D) it stresses precise measurement

Question 10

Quantitative research is characteristic of:

A) the critical approach
B) the positivistic approach
C) the interpretive approach
D) none of the above

Question 11

A unit of analysis is:

A) the detailed examination of one question in a survey
B) always the individual in a society
C) always a social group within a society
D) the individual or aggregation level for which a researcher collects data

Question 12

According to Durkheim, a social fact is an example of:

A) thinking, feeling and acting external to the individual
B) thinking, feeling and acting internal to the individual
C) phenomenon understandable by means of psychology
D) unmeasurable phenomenon

Question 13

The pure researcher does not attempt to:

A) test proposed or existing social theories
B) explain patterns of social behaviour
C) form new theories to explain social patterning
D) achieve social change

Question 14

Along with Karl Marx, which figure contributed to the development of the critical approach:

A) Simmel
B) Weber
C) Mead
D) Becker

Question 15

A source of spuriousness variable:

A) is the same as a conditional variable
B) is viewed as possibly affecting the independent variable
C) is viewed as possibly affecting the dependent variable
D) is one that may affect both the dependent and independent variables

Question 16

To positivist social scientists, truth is:

A) unknowable
B) relative
C) absolute
D) abstract

Question 17

The goal of explanatory research is to:

A) describe social behaviour.
B) explain social patterns and relationships.
C) compare social systems.
D) change the way people behave and interact.

Question 18

By Verstehen, Weber meant:

A) a positivistic approach to understanding behaviour
B) a critical approach to social scientific research
C) value-free research
D) an empathetic understanding of behaviour

Question 19

Pure researchers wish to:

A) have an effect on the society he/she is studying
B) produce knowledge for practical application
C) explain observed social patterns
D) identify differences between good behaviour and bad behaviour