Question 1

The statement "Women who receive welfare are less likely than other women to have babies" is an example of

Accepted Answer

The statement presents a tentative explanation for a phenomenon, and thus represents a hypothesis. It suggests that receiving welfare might be associated with a lower likelihood of having babies among women, and this hypothesis could be tested through research.

Question 2

Which one of the following statements is true regarding the subjects of Adler and Adler's study of self-injurers?

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

Sociological studies have indicated that people who are married are less likely to commit suicide than people who are divorced.In this example,suicide is a(n)

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the variable that is being studied and is affected by the independent variable, which in this case is marital status. Therefore, suicide is the dependent variable as it is being affected by marital status. The hypothesis is the initial prediction that is being tested and the index is a measure or indicator used to quantify a phenomenon.

Question 4

A variable is

Accepted Answer

A variable is a measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions. It can be manipulated or controlled by the researcher and is what is being measured or manipulated in an experiment.

Question 5

Which of the following is the second step of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing the literature is typically the second step in the scientific method, following the definition of the problem. This step involves examining existing research to gain a better understanding of the topic and to refine the research question.

Question 6

The use of the discipline of sociology to yield practical applications for human behavior and organizations is known as

Accepted Answer

Applied sociology focuses on utilizing sociological research and theories to solve practical problems and develop strategies in various fields such as education, health care, criminal justice, and business. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. Ethnography is a qualitative research method that involves studying a particular culture or group. Clinical sociology aims to apply sociological theories and techniques to clinical settings to improve treatment outcomes for patients. Qualitative research is a research method that focuses on exploring subjective experiences and understanding social phenomena through non-numerical data. While all of these concepts are related to sociology, the concept best described in the question is applied sociology.

Question 7

Income,religion,race,gender,and marital status can all be examples of

Accepted Answer

Income, religion, race, gender, and marital status are all examples of variables, which are characteristics or attributes that can vary among individuals or groups. Variables can be measured or categorized, and are often used in research to study relationships or differences between groups. Indexes and scales are specific types of measures used to quantify variables, while operational definitions are descriptions of how a variable is being measured or used in a study.

Question 8

Adler and Adler's work on self-injury reflects which of the three major sociological approaches?

Accepted Answer

Adler and Adler's work on self-injury reflects the three major sociological approaches of functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives. The functionalist perspective focuses on the purpose and function of self-injury in society, the conflict perspective examines power imbalances and social inequalities that may contribute to self-injury, and the interactionist perspective looks at how self-injury is defined and treated by individuals and the broader society.

Question 9

An operational definition is

Accepted Answer

An operational definition is a specific explanation of an abstract concept that allows for measurement in research. It defines how a variable is being measured, and it is crucial to ensure that researchers are consistent in their use of that definition throughout the study. Option A describes a hypothesis, option B describes reliability, and option D describes correlation.

Question 10

The variable that is hypothesized to cause or influence another variable is referred to by social scientists as a(n)

Accepted Answer

The variable that is hypothesized to cause or influence another variable is known as the independent variable.

Question 11

The use of photographic and video documentation in sociological study is known as

Accepted Answer

The use of photographic and video documentation in sociological study is known as visual sociology. This method involves using visual media to observe, analyze, and understand social phenomena, and it has become increasingly common in sociological research. The other options are not directly related to this method of research.

Question 12

If you were interested in studying the relationship between date and acquaintance rape victims and the characteristics of the rapist,your first step would be to

Accepted Answer

Defining the problem is the first step in research to clearly understand what you are investigating.

Question 13

The race of a criminal offender is found to determine the frequency with which capital punishment is administered.In this example,the frequency with which capital punishment is administered would be considered the

Accepted Answer

The frequency with which capital punishment is administered is the outcome being studied and is therefore the dependent variable. The race of the criminal offender is the characteristic being studied and is therefore the independent variable. The other options do not accurately describe the variable being studied in this scenario.

Question 14

Sociologists conduct reviews of literature to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Conducting reviews of literature is a crucial step in refining the problem under study by providing an understanding of previous research and identifying gaps in current knowledge. While identifying potential sources of funding may indirectly result from a literature review, it is not the primary purpose. Evaluating feasibility and analyzing data are separate steps in the research process that come after a literature review.

Question 15

A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more variables is known as a

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a statement that predicts a relationship between variables, without yet having any data to support or refute it. Correlation refers to the degree to which two variables are related, but does not necessarily involve a prediction. Sample refers to a group of individuals or subjects that are being studied. Research design refers to the overall plan or blueprint for a study, which includes the methods being used to measure variables and collect data.

Question 16

Which of the following terms is used to describe a systematic,organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem?

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is a systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem. It involves gathering empirical data and formulating theories based on that data, testing those theories through experimentation, and revising or discarding them as necessary. Social science is a broad field that includes the study of human behavior and social patterns, but it is not a specific term for the systematic and organized process of researching a problem. An experiment is a specific type of systematic and controlled study designed to test a hypothesis, but it is not a term that describes the overall process of research. Value neutrality is a concept that refers to the idea of conducting research without bias or personal values influencing the outcome, but it is not a specific process or series of steps.

Question 17

Researchers find that pet owners live longer,healthier lives.Within this study,pet ownership is the

Accepted Answer

Pet ownership is the independent variable because it is being manipulated to determine its effect on the dependent variable (living longer, healthier lives).

Question 18

After a sociologist reviews the literature,what is the next step in the process?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis is the next step after reviewing the literature in the research process. This involves making a tentative statement about the relationship between variables that can be tested empirically.

Question 19

A sociologist who is interested in examining racism in sports might determine what percentage of team owners,general managers,coaches,and managers are members of each racial group.This would be an example of developing a(n)

Accepted Answer

An operational definition specifies how the concepts in a study are measured or defined in practical, real-world terms. In this case, determining the percentage of team owners, general managers, coaches, and managers who are members of each racial group is an operational definition because it provides a specific, measurable way to examine racism in sports.

Question 20

Sociological studies have indicated that people who are married are less likely to commit suicide than people who are divorced.In this example,marital status is a(n)

Accepted Answer

In the given example, marital status is being examined to see its effect on the likelihood of committing suicide. Therefore, marital status is the independent variable, and suicide is the dependent variable.

Quiz 2: Sociological Research