Question 1

Informal observation occurs when we make observations without any systematic process for observing or assessing accuracy of what is observed.

Accepted Answer

Informal observation is based on personal experience and perception and lacks consistency and reliability as there is no structured or standardized approach to it.

Question 2

Selective observations involve observations without any systematic process for observing or assessing accuracy of what is observed.

Accepted Answer

Selective observation involves deliberately choosing specific events or phenomena to observe while ignoring others, but it does not imply a lack of systematic process or concern for accuracy.

Question 3

The problem with informal observation is that sometimes it is right and sometimes it is wrong.

Accepted Answer

Informal observations are based on personal perceptions and interpretations, which may not always be accurate or reliable. Thus, sometimes they may be correct, but sometimes they may be wrong.

Question 4

Qualitative methods of data collection can be represented by and condensed into numbers.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative methods are focused on gathering non-numerical data, such as descriptive observations and subjective experiences. They cannot be easily quantified or condensed into numbers. Quantitative methods, on the other hand, are based on numerical data and statistical analysis.

Question 5

The scientific study of human groups is better known as sociology.

Accepted Answer

Sociology is the scientific study of human groups and social behavior.

Question 6

Sociology seldom relies on a systematic process of inquiry for gaining knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Sociology relies on a systematic process of inquiry, using various research methods to gather empirical data and gain knowledge about social phenomena.

Question 7

Overgeneralization is a socially defined source of knowledge that might shape our beliefs about what is true and what is not true.

Accepted Answer

Overgeneralization is a cognitive bias where an individual applies a general rule too broadly based on limited experience or evidence, rather than a socially defined source of knowledge. It is more about how individuals process information and form beliefs rather than a societal consensus on knowledge.

Question 8

Overgeneralization is a source of knowledge that might shape our own beliefs about what is true and what is not true.

Accepted Answer

Overgeneralization is a cognitive bias where a person draws a broad conclusion from a single or limited set of observations, rather than a source of knowledge. It can lead to inaccuracies in understanding and does not necessarily shape beliefs based on what is true.

Question 9

Public sociology lies near the middle of the basic/applied continuum.

Accepted Answer

Public sociology is focused on applying sociological concepts and research to real-world problems and issues, but it also emphasizes the importance of engaging with the public and promoting social change. This places it somewhere in the middle of the basic/applied continuum, as it moves beyond purely theoretical research and seeks to have practical impacts on society.

Question 10

While individuals make up social patterns,every individual need not be a part of a pattern in order for a pattern to exist.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Social patterns can exist even if not every individual is participating in them.

Question 11

A person's ontological perspective shapes her or his beliefs about the nature of reality.

Accepted Answer

Ontology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the study of the nature of reality. Therefore, one's ontological perspective shapes their beliefs about what is real and what is not.

Question 12

Evaluation research is the research conducted to assess the effects of speciﬁc programs or policies.

Accepted Answer

Evaluation research is indeed conducted to assess the effects of specific programs or policies. It is used to determine whether the program or policy has achieved its intended outcomes and to make recommendations for improvements.

Question 13

Epistemology deals with research questions about "what is",rather than "how" we know what is.

Accepted Answer

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledge, focusing on the nature, origin, and scope of knowledge and justified belief. It deals with questions regarding how we know what we know, rather than merely what exists.

Question 14

Authority occurs when we assume that broad patterns exist even when our observations have been limited.

Accepted Answer

Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, not to the assumption of broad patterns from limited observations, which is more related to generalization or bias.

Question 15

Sociology is a social science focused on patterns in society.

Accepted Answer

Sociology is the study of social structures, institutions, and interactions that create and shape human society. Its main objective is to analyze and understand the patterns and dynamics of social life and social change.

Question 16

An individual's life is seldom shaped by social scientific research.

Accepted Answer

Social scientific research often influences policies, educational systems, healthcare, and social norms, which in turn shape individuals' lives by affecting their opportunities, behaviors, and understanding of the world.

Question 17

Ontology deals with research questions about "how" we know what is,rather than "what is."

Accepted Answer

Ontology is concerned with the nature of reality and what exists, focusing on the question of "what is," whereas epistemology deals with the theory of knowledge, including how we know what we know.

Question 18

A research method is an organized,logical way of learning and knowing about our social world.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. A research method helps us to gather and analyze information about the social world in an organized and logical manner.

Question 19

Basic research is conducted for some purpose beyond or in addition to researcher interest.

Accepted Answer

Basic research is conducted primarily for the purpose of gaining a more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific applications towards processes or products in mind.

Question 20

Applied research is motivated solely by the researcher's interest.

Accepted Answer

Applied research focuses on solving practical problems and meeting specific needs, so it is usually commissioned or sponsored by organizations or clients who have specific goals in mind. Therefore, it is not solely motivated by the researcher's interest.

Quiz 1: Introduction