Question 1

The method of studying natural social processes as they happen, leaving them relatively undisturbed and minimizing your presence as a researcher, is ______.

Accepted Answer

Participant observation is a research method in which the researcher immerses themselves in the natural setting of the people they are studying, observing their behavior and interactions without directly intervening.

Question 2

Groups of individuals that are formed by a researcher and then led in group discussions of a topic are ______.

Accepted Answer

The groups of individuals formed by a researcher and led in group discussions of a topic are commonly referred to as focus groups. They are used to gather qualitative data and insights about a specific product, service, or topic. They are not necessarily good for providing generalized information or developing reliable, well-known information, but they are a useful qualitative research tool.

Question 3

Wyse (2018) conducted interviews with men over 50 that had been released from prison for a year or less and found that ______.

Accepted Answer

The study found that all participants faced substantial barriers, including disconnections from family and friends and an inability to secure employment. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they contradict the findings of the study.

Question 4

In his research on how riots happen at sporting events, Geoff Pearson (2009) engaged in covert participation of 'hooligans' at ______.

Accepted Answer

Geoff Pearson's research on how riots happen at sporting events involved the covert participation of 'hooligans' at English football (soccer) events.

Question 5

The point at which subject selection is ended in intensive interviewing, when new interviews seem to yield little additional information is known as the ______.

Accepted Answer

The point at which subject selection is ended in intensive interviewing, when new interviews seem to yield little additional information is known as the saturation point.

Question 6

In his role as "watch queen" in his study of male homosexual behavior in a public restroom, Laud Humphreys was adopting the role of ______.

Accepted Answer

Laud Humphreys was not simply an observer in his study, but rather a covert participant who disguised himself as a watch queen in order to gain access to and study the behavior of men in public restrooms.

Question 7

What is ethnography?

Accepted Answer

Ethnography is the study of a particular culture or cultures that a group of people share. It involves observing and interviewing members of the culture, as well as analyzing artifacts and documents to gain insight into their way of life. Ethnography is a qualitative method of research that seeks to understand the cultural meanings and practices of a particular group. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 8

The field research role that involves informing at least some group members of their research interests is ______.

Accepted Answer

The role of a participant as observer involves informing at least some group members of their research interests while maintaining an active participation in the group. A complete observer is only an observer, without any participation or interaction with the group. A complete participant fully participates in the group, without informing anyone of their research interests. There is no such role as a study overseer in the field of research.

Question 9

The systematic approach to sampling in participant observational research is known as ______.

Accepted Answer

The systematic approach to sampling in participant observational research is known as theoretical sampling. This method involves selecting and observing participants based on a specific theory or hypothesis that the researcher wants to test or explore. The researcher collects data from participants who can best inform the theory or hypothesis being investigated. It is a purposeful and selective sampling approach rather than a random selection of participants.

Question 10

The primary means of recording participant observation data is(are) ______.

Accepted Answer

While some researchers may also use jottings and theoretical notes to supplement their field notes, the primary means of recording participant observation data is through written field notes. Using a tape recorder may be invasive and can also miss important nonverbal cues and observations.

Question 11

The use of ethnographic methods to study online communities is known as ______.

Accepted Answer

The use of ethnographic methods to study online communities is known as netnography. Computer-based ethnography is a similar concept but is less commonly used. Ethno-behavior analysis and social behavior analysis are not specific to studying online communities and may encompass other types of research.

Question 12

Qualitative data focuses on ______.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data focuses on non-numerical data and is often collected through interviews, observations, or open-ended surveys, resulting in text-based data.

Question 13

When a researcher develops a standard form on which to record variation within the observed settings in terms of his/her variables of interest, he or she is utilizing

Accepted Answer

Systematic observation involves creating a standardized procedure or protocol for observing and recording behavior. Developing a standard form is one way to ensure that observations are systematic and consistent. Choice A may also be a valid response as the use of a standardized form is an example of a systemic observational technique. Choice B is not a commonly used term in research methodology. Choice D refers to the practice of maintaining objectivity and avoiding bias in one's observations, but is not directly related to the use of a standard form.

Question 14

Williams and Stahl (2008) examined whether race was a determining factor in ______.

Accepted Answer

The question states that Williams and Stahl (2008) examined whether race was a determining factor in whether a driver was searched after a traffic stop, which is option D. The other options presented have no connection to the study mentioned.

Question 15

In her study of community policing, which role did Susan Miller (1999) adopt?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In her study of community policing, which...

Question 16

Decker and VanWinkle's (1996) interview narrative illustrates how to

Accepted Answer

Decker and VanWinkle's interview narrative showcases how to strategically conduct an interview, considering both the objectives of the interview and the responses of the interviewee. They adapt their questioning style and follow-up questions accordingly to elicit detailed and comprehensive information.

Question 17

One of the ways Peter St. Jean (2007) advanced the research of Sampson and Raudenbush was to use multiple methods including ______.

Accepted Answer

Peter St. Jean (2007) advanced the research of Sampson and Raudenbush by using multiple methods including resident surveys, in-depth interviews with residents and offenders, and video cameras mounted on each side of a vehicle while it was slowly driven through neighborhood streets. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 18

The more involved researchers are in multiple aspects of an ongoing social situation, the more important personal issues become and the ______.

Accepted Answer

When researchers are heavily involved in a social situation, there is a greater risk of "going native," meaning they become too immersed in the culture and may lose objectivity. This can lead to personal issues becoming more important, such as the researcher's relationships with the people they are studying. Option A is not necessarily true and not directly related to the question. Option C is contradicted by the premise of the question. Option D is also not directly related to the question.

Question 19

Intensive interviewing relies on ______.

Accepted Answer

Intensive interviewing relies on open-ended questions to allow the interviewee to elaborate and provide in-depth responses. Closed-ended questions limit the answer choices and provide less opportunity for the interviewee to express their thoughts and feelings. The absence of a question schedule refers to the flexible nature of intensive interviewing where the interviewer can adapt their questions to the conversation flow. Finally, intensive interviewing does not presume that the interviewer knows their subjects well and may require preparatory research beforehand.

Question 20

In intensive interviewing, more details can be elicited through ______.

Accepted Answer

Nondirective probes encourage the interviewee to provide more detailed responses by allowing them to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings without being led by the interviewer.

Quiz 8: Qualitative Methods and Data Analysis