Question 1

Observation that is guided by a particular plan or involves a system that can be evaluated on the basis of technical standards is referred to as __________ observation.

Accepted Answer

Systematic observation is planned and follows a set of technical standards, which allows for more objective and reliable data collection. Everyday observation is not guided by a plan or set of standards, and pure observation suggests there is no influence or interference from the observer, which is nearly impossible in practice. Unbiased observation is important but does not necessarily imply a systematic approach.

Question 2

Alternative explanations for the results of a study are called

Accepted Answer

Rival hypotheses are alternative explanations for the results of a study that compete with the original hypothesis. They must be considered and ruled out before drawing conclusions from the study.

Question 3

Observations that affect the behavior of those being observed are called __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

Reactivity refers to the phenomenon where the act of being observed affects the behavior of those being observed. Therefore, reactive observations are those that affect the behavior of the observed participants. The other options, partially concealed and concealed, refer to the degree to which the observer is hidden from view, while nonreactive observations do not alter the behavior of the participants.

Question 4

Numerical observations are referred to as __________ observations while nonnumerical observations are called __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative observations involve numerical data and measurements, while qualitative observations do not involve numerical data and are based on descriptive characteristics.

Question 5

Observations made by the researcher without the participants' awareness are called __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

Unobtrusive observations are those that are made without the participants' knowledge or awareness. This allows for more natural and unbiased observations as participants may alter their behavior if they know they are being observed. Systematic observations involve a set plan and specific behaviors being observed, participant observations involve the researcher being involved in the group being observed, and secondary observations involve using previously recorded data.

Question 6

Michelle interviews shoppers at a local food store about their food preferences, but she is really noting their use of food coupons. Michelle is employing the use of

Accepted Answer

Michelle is using partial concealment because she is not fully disclosing the true purpose of her observation, which is to note the use of food coupons rather than just interviewing about food preferences.

Question 7

Judy is interested in whether a local newspaper tends to have a conservative or liberal constituency of readers. She randomly selects letters to the editor from the paper's op-ed section and then codes the letters based on whether they express conservative or liberal ideas. Judy is trying to answer her question by doing a(n)

Accepted Answer

Judy is conducting a content analysis by coding the letters based on whether they express conservative or liberal ideas.

Question 8

To understand the role of camaraderie on a sports team, Kim rides on the team bus so that she can observe the players' interactions before and after every game. Kim's research is an example of

Accepted Answer

Kim is observing the players' interactions as a participant on the team bus, making her research an example of participant observer research.

Question 9

Research that involves the recording of data in numerical form is referred to as __________ research.

Accepted Answer

The question specifically requests for a term that refers to research where data is recorded in numerical form. This is the definition of quantitative research. Option A) naturalistic research involves observing behavior in natural settings without any manipulation or intervention, and typically involves qualitative data collection methods. Option B) qualitative research involves collecting non-numerical data through methods such as interviews, observations, and focus groups. Option C) robust is not a term that specifically relates to a type of research methodology.

Question 10

In a study of cancer, it was observed that higher levels of milk consumption were positively correlated with higher incidence of cancer. Instead of claiming that higher milk consumption directly leads to higher incidence of cancer, the researcher explained that this correlation was explained by increased longevity. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

The given scenario is an example of the third-variable problem. The observed correlation between higher milk consumption and higher incidence of cancer could be due to a third variable, which in this case is increased longevity. Thus, the researcher proposed that the correlation is not a causation but a spurious relationship.

Question 11

While observing individuals living in a nursing home, John counts the number of times a resident must ask for help before help is provided. John is making __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

John is making quantitative observations because he is counting the number of times a resident asks for help, which involves numerical data.

Question 12

The principal benefit of a laboratory experiment is that it allows a scientist to simulate __________ in a highly controlled setting.

Accepted Answer

A laboratory experiment allows a scientist to manipulate the independent variable and observe the effect on the dependent variable. This control allows for the identification of causal relationships between variables. Real-life situations may be too complex and entail extraneous variables that may interfere with the conclusion of the study. Thus, a laboratory experiment isolates the variables under investigation, leading to a clearer inference.

Question 13

To examine the use of politeness among children, Kim records conversations between school children and their teachers. She then randomly samples some of these conversations and counts the number of times the children said "please" or "thank you" during the conversation. Which research methodology is Kim employing to answer her research question?

Accepted Answer

Kim is using content analysis to examine the use of politeness among children by analyzing the frequency of "please" and "thank you" in recorded conversations between children and teachers. Content analysis involves the systematic analysis of communication content, which makes it an appropriate research methodology for this study. Participant observation involves observing and interacting with participants in their natural settings, ethnography involves the study of cultural patterns and practices, and experimentation involves manipulating variables to test cause-and-effect relationships, none of which are applicable to this study.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a general guideline noted in the text for successfully doing a content analysis?

Accepted Answer

The text does not mention selecting more intelligent judges as a general guideline for successfully doing a content analysis. In fact, intelligence level is not a significant factor in judge selection for content analysis, but rather their training and reliability are emphasized.

Question 15

Research that involves the collection of data that is in a nonnumerical form is referred to as __________ research.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data such as observations, interviews, and open-ended survey responses to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. Empirical research refers to any research that is based on observation or experiment. Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data, often through statistical methods. Systematic research refers to research that follows a rigorous and structured approach to data collection and analysis, but does not specifically refer to the type of data being collected.

Question 16

All of the following are possible strategies for selecting independent judges to assist in making research observations EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following are possible strategies...

Question 17

Using multiple methods of observation to "zero in" on the effect of interest is called methodological

Accepted Answer

Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methods or sources of data to confirm or cross-check findings. By using different methods, researchers can increase the validity and reliability of their observations, as well as gain a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study.

Question 18

John is interested in how older individuals cope with institutional living, so he is visiting a nursing home and tape recording conversations with some of the residents. His research methodology would be considered to be

Accepted Answer

John is using a qualitative research methodology as he is gathering data in the form of tape-recorded conversations with the nursing home residents. Qualitative research focuses on gathering data through observation and open-ended conversations with individuals.

Question 19

The use of some form of concealment is characteristic of __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

Nonreactive observations refer to observations where the subjects are not aware that they are being observed. Concealment is a common technique used in nonreactive observations to ensure that the subjects do not alter their behavior. Ethical concerns are not directly related to the use of concealment in observations, but they may arise depending on the specific circumstances. Participant observations involve direct interaction between the observer and the subjects, and reactive observations are those where the subjects are aware that they are being observed.

Question 20

The use of archival material is an example of __________ observations.

Accepted Answer

Archival material is considered a secondary source because it involves the use of existing documents and records to gather data, rather than collecting data firsthand as in primary observations.

Quiz 4: Carpenter, S 1998 Content Analysis Project for Research Novices Teaching of Psychology