Question 1

As a field researcher,Sally Ann adopts the attitude of strangeness.This means that she
A) is strange, because only strange people want to do social research.
B) finds it difficult to conduct social research on strangers.
C) acts as if she knows less than she really does and puts on a "front" as if she were ignorant of what is going on.
D) remains distant, cold, and angry toward members in the field setting.
E) questions and notices ordinary details as if she was a stranger.

Accepted Answer

Adopting the attitude of strangeness means that Sally Ann approaches the field as an observer of the everyday, questioning and noticing details as if she were a stranger. It is a way of remaining objective and avoiding assumptions based on prior knowledge or preconceived notions.

Question 2

During his observation of behaviour in a university computer lab,Dren Derob made a map that illustrated the placement of chairs,tables,computer monitors,the chalkboard,doorways,and windows.What kind of map did Dren make?
A) A spatial map
B) A spatial map and a temporal map
C) A temporal map and a social map
D) A temporal map
E) A social map

Accepted Answer

Dren made a map that illustrated the physical arrangement of objects and features within the computer lab, which is characteristic of a spatial map.

Question 3

When observing in the field observation,Sally Ann helped the daycare teachers clean up at the end of the day.She also answered the telephone when everyone else was busy.This illustrates
A) "cooling out" the gatekeepers.
B) the use of small favours.
C) appearances of interest.
D) managing conflicts in the field.
E) cultivating social relations.

Accepted Answer

Sally Ann's actions of helping the daycare teachers clean up at the end of the day and answering the telephone when everyone else was busy demonstrate the use of small favours. This is a strategy used to cultivate social relations and build trust with gatekeepers in the field. By doing small favours, Sally Ann may be able to gain more access and information from the daycare teachers in the future.

Question 4

During her field research project at a daycare centre,Sally Ann described social research to the daycare centre workers,told them about her own background,and ignored minor violations of official rules.This illustrates
A) normalizing field research.
B) use of small favours.
C) negotiating with a gatekeeper.
D) appearance of interest.
E) attitude of strangeness.

Accepted Answer

Sally Ann's actions are consistent with normalizing field research, which involves making the research process as routine and unremarkable as possible to minimize its impact on the participants.

Question 5

Professor John Johnson has selected a field research site based on the following criteria: the amount of time available to him for carrying out the project,his research skills,and the kinds of conflicts that exist between people who inhabit the site.On what basis did the professor make his choice?
A) Unfamiliarity with the site
B) Familiarity with the site
C) Suitability of the site
D) Richness of data
E) Accessibility to the site

Accepted Answer

The professor selected the field research site based on its suitability, taking into consideration factors such as the amount of time available, his research skills, and the kinds of conflicts that exist between people who inhabit the site. This suggests that the professor made his choice based on the site's potential for providing relevant and useful data for his research project.

Question 6

The field researcher should
A) not expect personal stress or psychological discomfort, but plan for a relaxing and totally enjoyable experience.
B) disguise or obscure the names of those being studied and keep information confidential or even write them in code.
C) never use personal connections or friendships to gain entry into a field setting.
D) resolve all ethical dilemmas, problems, and issues before entering the field.
E) avoid the "learner" or "incompetent" social role, but instead appear to be in command at all times and be the expert on the scene.

Accepted Answer

Maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of participants is crucial in field research to protect their privacy and avoid any negative repercussions. This can be done by disguising or obscuring their names and other identifying information.

Question 7

When does "guilty knowledge" occur?
A) A researcher becomes overinvolved in the field setting and loses objectivity or the role of researcher becomes a complete participant
B) The researcher selects a smaller set of observations based on time or activity in order to further develop theory and test developing hypotheses
C) Members tell the researcher untruths to purposely mislead or give a false view
D) A researcher learns about secret, illicit, or illegal activities during the course of conducting field research
E) A person with formal or informal authority controls access to the field setting

Accepted Answer

Guilty knowledge occurs when a researcher learns about secret, illicit, or illegal activities during the course of conducting field research. This knowledge can potentially compromise their objectivity and put them in a difficult ethical situation.

Question 8

As a ________,the researcher's role is limited to simple observation.
A) complete participant
B) semi-observer
C) complete observer
D) overt observer
E) semi-participant

Accepted Answer

A complete observer is a researcher who plays no active role in the situation being observed and limits their role to simple observation only. They do not participate in any way or interact with the participants. This is in contrast to a complete participant or semi-participant, who are actively involved in the situation being observed. A semi-observer or overt observer are not commonly used terms in the context of research methods.

Question 9

Dren Derob's field notes containing his observations of behaviour in a university computer lab contained the following observation: "Sandy appears very self-conscious of herself today ...she seems a little out of place ...I think she's nervous about something." What type of field note does this kind of observation refer to?
A) Direct observation note
B) Researcher inference note
C) Jotted note
D) Analytic note
E) Personal note

Accepted Answer

The observation includes the researcher's interpretation of Sandy's behavior and therefore is classified as a researcher inference note.

Question 10

If one is in a field setting where there are opposing groups in conflict with one another,the best thing to do is
A) immediately choose one group and side with it. Becoming a strong advocate for its position is the best way to gain trust and intimacy.
B) leave the field immediately. Researchers must avoid all conflict and stay neutral.
C) try to be as impartial as possible. Explain that you are neutral to both sides to keep lines of communication open.
D) take an active role as mediator. Use your influence to get the groups to be friendly with each other and end their fighting.
E) use the opportunity to leave the setting entirely. A field researcher must never be privy to group conflict.

Accepted Answer

Remaining impartial and neutral is important for maintaining trust and credibility with both sides of the conflict. Taking sides or leaving the field can compromise the researcher's objectivity and ability to gather accurate data. Mediation is a possible option, but it may not be appropriate or feasible in all situations.

Question 11

A field researcher's jotted notes should
A) only include key words or short phrases to stir the memory.
B) be written inconspicuously, especially for covert observation.
C) never be a complete substitute for field notes.
D) be written in a small notebook, the back of a pamphlet, or even on a napkin if necessary.
E) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

A field researcher's jotted notes should include key words or short phrases to stir the memory, be written inconspicuously for covert observation, never be a complete substitute for field notes, and be written in a small notebook, the back of a pamphlet, or even on a napkin if necessary. Therefore, all of the above options are the best choice.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT one of the things a field researcher does?
A) Observes ordinary events and everyday activities as they happen in natural settings, in addition to any unusual occurrences
B) Acquires an insider's point of view while maintaining the analytic perspective or distance of an outsider
C) Maintains cool detachment from members in a field setting
D) Produces data in the form of extensive written notes, as well as diagrams, maps, or pictures to provide very detailed descriptions
E) Copes with high levels of personal stress, uncertainty, ethical dilemmas, and ambiguity

Accepted Answer

Maintaining cool detachment from members in a field setting is not something a field researcher does. On the contrary, field researchers aim to establish relationships and connections with the individuals and groups they are studying to obtain valid and reliable data. Maintaining a sense of detachment could jeopardize the validity of the research findings.

Question 13

During which of the following steps or phases in field research does a researcher need to become concerned with issues of negotiation and disclosure?
A) During the preparation, reading, and defocusing phase
B) When selecting a field site and thinking about how to gain access to it
C) When entering the field and establishing social relations with members of the field site
D) During the process of adopting a social role and learning the ropes
E) At every step of the research process

Accepted Answer

Issues of negotiation and disclosure arise when entering the field and establishing social relations with members of the field site. This is when the researcher must negotiate access to the site and disclose their research intentions to potential participants. While negotiation and disclosure may happen at other stages of field research, it is most crucial during the initial entry into the field.

Question 14

Which of the following is a recommendation for taking good field notes?
A) Totally substitute tape or video recording for the old-fashioned system of writing notes.
B) Record field events in any order; do not worry about putting them in a time order or organizing them chronologically.
C) Ignore small talk or routine information that does not seem important to save space.
D) Do not "let your feelings flow," but be objective and think through everything before writing, using complete sentences, proper punctuation, and correct spelling.
E) Reread notes periodically and record any ideas that come to you from the rereading.

Accepted Answer

Rereading notes periodically and recording any new ideas helps in reflecting on the data and ensuring that important insights are not missed.

Question 15

In relation to the quality of data gathered during observations of a field site,which of the following statements best describes the concern regarding transferability?
A) How consistent the results would be if the study were repeated under similar conditions
B) An awareness of how the researcher may be influencing the behaviour of the group being studied
C) Asking members of the group whether or not they agree with the researcher's findings and conclusions
D) The extent to which the researcher has remained in the field long enough in order to make informed conclusions about what is being observed
E) The extent to which the findings of the study can be applied to other contexts

Accepted Answer

Transferability refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to other contexts or situations. It is important to consider whether the observations made at a specific field site can be generalized to other populations or settings. This is especially important in qualitative research, where the sample size is often small, and the findings may not be representative of a larger population. Therefore, researchers must consider transferability when evaluating the quality of data gathered during observations.

Question 16

During the process of observation in the field site,the researcher notes seemingly mundane and trivial details,such as neatness,dress,and hairstyle.What broader category of observations do neatness,dress,and hairstyle refer to?
A) Physical surroundings
B) Physical characteristics
C) Behaviour
D) Physical appearances
E) The rhythms of the setting

Accepted Answer

Neatness, dress, and hairstyle are physical appearances.

Question 17

What are the three most relevant factors a beginner should consider when selecting a field research site?
A) Richness of data, familiarity with the site, and suitability of the site
B) Ease of entry, familiarity with the site, and suitability of the site
C) Richness of data, ease of entry, familiarity with the site
D) Richness of data, unfamiliarity with the site, and suitability of the site
E) Richness of data, ease of entry, and suitability of the site

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the three most relevant factors...

Question 18

When does theory come into play in the writing of field notes?
A) Personal notes
B) Inference notes
C) Direct observation notes
D) Jotted notes
E) Analytical notes.

Accepted Answer

Theory comes into play when writing analytical notes in field notes. Analytical notes involve interpreting and analyzing observations based on existing theories and concepts. This helps to make sense of the data recorded in field notes and provides a framework for understanding the observations made during the research.

Question 19

Some experienced researchers argue that when theory building ceases or reaches a closure,it is time to
A) write up the results.
B) analyze the field notes and other sources of data taken from the research site.
C) start looking for additional sources of information.
D) leave the field.
E) consider what the secondary literature has said about similar kinds of research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some experienced researchers argue that when theory...

Question 20

In field research,the instrument(s)for measuring field data
A) is the field site.
B) are the recorded conversations and observations with the members of the field site.
C) are the members of the field site.
D) are the field notes.
E) is the researcher.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In field research,the instrument(s)for measuring field data
A)...

Quiz 13: Field Research

As a field researcher,Sally Ann adopts the attitude of strangeness.This means that she

During his observation of behaviour in a university computer lab,Dren Derob made a map that illustrated the placement of chairs,tables,computer monitors,the chalkboard,doorways,and windows.What kind of map did Dren make?

When observing in the field observation,Sally Ann helped the daycare teachers clean up at the end of the day.She also answered the telephone when everyone else was busy.This illustrates

During her field research project at a daycare centre,Sally Ann described social research to the daycare centre workers,told them about her own background,and ignored minor violations of official rules.This illustrates

Professor John Johnson has selected a field research site based on the following criteria: the amount of time available to him for carrying out the project,his research skills,and the kinds of conflicts that exist between people who inhabit the site.On what basis did the professor make his choice?

The field researcher should

When does "guilty knowledge" occur?

As a ________,the researcher's role is limited to simple observation.

If one is in a field setting where there are opposing groups in conflict with one another,the best thing to do is

A field researcher's jotted notes should

Which of the following is NOT one of the things a field researcher does?

During which of the following steps or phases in field research does a researcher need to become concerned with issues of negotiation and disclosure?

Which of the following is a recommendation for taking good field notes?

In relation to the quality of data gathered during observations of a field site,which of the following statements best describes the concern regarding transferability?

During the process of observation in the field site,the researcher notes seemingly mundane and trivial details,such as neatness,dress,and hairstyle.What broader category of observations do neatness,dress,and hairstyle refer to?

What are the three most relevant factors a beginner should consider when selecting a field research site?

When does theory come into play in the writing of field notes?

Some experienced researchers argue that when theory building ceases or reaches a closure,it is time to

In field research,the instrument(s) for measuring field data