Question 1

Evidence that is based in numbers is known as ________ data.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data is based on numbers and can be measured, counted, or expressed in numerical terms. Computer-based data refers to data that is stored and manipulated electronically on a computer. Survey data may be either qualitative or quantitative, depending on the type of questions asked and the way in which the responses are analyzed. Qualitative data, on the other hand, is based on non-numerical information such as descriptions, observations, and perceptions.

Question 2

Researchers who make their findings known to nonacademic audiences are engaging in

Accepted Answer

Public sociology refers to the practice of sociologists sharing their research findings with groups outside of academia, including policymakers, community organizations, and the general public. This is different from the peer-review process, which is the vetting of research by experts in the same field, and from basic and applied research, which refer to the types of research questions being asked rather than the audience for the research.

Question 3

Marisol conducted a study in which she counted the number of times world leaders used specific words in their speeches. What type of data is she using?

Accepted Answer

Marisol is collecting quantitative data by counting the number of times specific words are used in speeches. This type of data involves numerical measurements or counts, and can be analyzed using statistical methods.

Question 4

An educated guess that explains the relationship between two variables in a study is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

An educated guess that explains the relationship between two variables in a study is called a hypothesis.

Question 5

What is the term that refers to a relationship in which one variable is connected to change in another variable?

Accepted Answer

Correlation refers to a statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two or more variables are related and how they vary in a predictable way. Correlation is often used to describe the strength of the relationship between two variables.

Question 6

Raymond found that as mothers' educational achievement increases, the greater the level of education their daughters are likely to attain. What is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the variable that is being measured or predicted in response to changes in the independent variable. In this case, the dependent variable is the education level attained by the daughters, which is being influenced by the mothers' educational achievement (the independent variable).

Question 7

In a sociological study of the relationship between variables, what is associated with and/or causes change in the value of the other?

Accepted Answer

Independent variables are the variables that are manipulated or controlled in a study to observe the effect on the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the variable that is being measured or observed and is affected by the independent variable. Therefore, the independent variable is associated with and/or causes change in the value of the dependent variable.

Question 8

Manuel interviewed new parents to learn how gender, both the parents' and the babies', shapes the interactions parents have with their babies. He is conducting

Accepted Answer

Manuel is conducting a study to learn about the relationship between the gender of the parents and the baby and how it affects their interactions. This type of research is exploratory, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of the topic. Basic research is designed to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the natural or social world, and this study falls under that category.

Question 9

Studies that aim to understand and work toward solving social problems are referred to as

Accepted Answer

Applied research is focused on solving real-world problems and finding practical solutions. In contrast, basic research is conducted to gain knowledge and understanding of a phenomenon, while field research is a methodological approach that involves collecting data through direct observation and interaction with people in their natural settings. Public sociology is a perspective that emphasizes the relevance and responsibility of sociologists to engage with and inform the public about social issues. While public sociology may inform or be part of applied research, it is not a distinct type of research in itself.

Question 10

In a study, Hans found that the length of a prison sentence varied based on the convict's race, social class, and number of prior arrests. What was the dependent variable in his study?

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the outcome that is being measured or observed, which in this case is the length of the prison sentence. The race, social class, and number of prior arrests may be independent variables that are being examined to see if they have an effect on the dependent variable of sentence length.

Question 11

Studies that describe and help us better understand some aspect of society are examples of

Accepted Answer

Studies that aim to expand knowledge and theory in a particular field are considered examples of basic research. Applied research, on the other hand, aims to address specific practical problems or issues. Public sociology refers to the practice of engaging with and involving the public in sociological research and discussions, while experiments refer to a specific research design used to test hypotheses or causal relationships.

Question 12

Evidence that is non-numerical, such as information gathered from interviews or observation, is known as ________ data.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data is non-numerical data that is descriptive in nature, such as information gathered from interviews or observation. Surveys and content analysis, on the other hand, are methods used to collect quantitative data, which is numerical in nature.

Question 13

In designing a study of the relationship between grades and class attendance, Mana states that she expects grades to improve as class attendance increases. This statement is her study's

Accepted Answer

Mana's statement that grades will improve as class attendance increases is a hypothesis, which is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

Question 14

Reina interviewed young girls about their perceptions of media images of women in order to understand how those images influenced the girls' self-esteem. She is conducting

Accepted Answer

Reina's study aims to understand a fundamental aspect of how media images influence young girls' self-esteem, which is an example of basic research. Basic research is focused on gaining more knowledge or understanding of a subject without necessarily having a direct application in mind.

Question 15

Bryan collected homicide and suicide statistics from different cities so he could examine the relationship between these two causes of death. What kind of data is he using?

Accepted Answer

Bryan is collecting numerical data for homicide and suicide statistics, which falls under quantitative data.

Question 16

Minoosh created a study to measure how different after-school programs affected students' grades. She will use her findings to help schools allocate funding into after-school programs. Her study is an example of

Accepted Answer

Minoosh's study is an example of applied research because it is specifically designed to address a practical problem – the allocation of funding into after-school programs. Basic research, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with advancing knowledge and understanding in a particular field without necessarily having practical implications. Public sociology and research methods do not accurately describe the nature of Minoosh's study.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT an element of social research?

Accepted Answer

Social research is concerned with collecting empirical evidence, explaining how the research was conducted, and observing patterns in social life. However, it is not primarily concerned with uncovering or learning the ultimate truth about human nature, as this is a broader philosophical and theoretical question that cannot be fully answered through social research alone.

Question 18

Beth conducted a study and found that individuals with more education tend to marry later and have fewer children. What is the independent variable in her study?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable in the study is education, as it is the variable that is being manipulated or changed in order to observe its effect on the dependent variables (age at marriage and number of children). The individuals, age at marriage, and number of children are all dependent variables in this study.

Question 19

In a sociological study of the relationship between two variables, which one changes in response to changes in the other?

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable changes in response to changes in the independent variable in a study.

Question 20

Heng uses interviews and field research to study how neighborhoods rebuild after natural disasters. What kind of data is he using?

Accepted Answer

Heng is using interviews and field research which are qualitative methods of gathering data.

Quiz 2: Understanding the Research Process