Question 1

The process of defining, observing, and recording ideas, experiences, and outcomes of interest is known as what

Accepted Answer

The process of defining, observing, and recording ideas, experiences, and outcomes of interest is known as measurement. Concepts refer to abstract ideas or mental constructs. Operationalization is the process of defining how a concept will be measured or observed in a study. Research refers to the systematic investigation of a topic. Therefore, measurement is the best answer that describes the process of defining, observing, and recording data in a research study.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a task of measurement?

Accepted Answer

The main task of measurement is to provide an accurate and precise description of a concept or phenomenon. Proving a hypothesis involves testing a particular idea or theory, which may or may not involve measurement. Therefore, B is not a task of measurement. A, C, and D are all important tasks of measurement as they help ensure that the measurement is accurate and reliable.

Question 3

The ______________ of a study's findings rests on how appropriately indicators are measured.

Accepted Answer

The credibility of a study's findings depends on the accuracy and appropriate measurement of the indicators used. Popularity, applicability, and readability may also be important factors, but they are not directly related to the accuracy of measurements.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a reason to pay careful attention to measurement?

Accepted Answer

While measurement may provide support for our hypothesis, it is not the only reason to pay careful attention to it. The other choices (A, C, and D) all demonstrate the importance of measurement in accurately describing, distinguishing, and providing evidence for differences between people or groups.

Question 5

A term that describes the ideas, phenomenon, people, and patterns that researchers are interested in are known as

Accepted Answer

The term that describes the ideas, phenomenon, people, and patterns that researchers are interested in is known as a concept. Hypotheses are specific predictions that are derived from a theory and tested through research. Independent variables are the variables that researchers manipulate or control in an experiment. Indicators are measures that are used to operationalize abstract concepts.

Question 6

How many concepts were identified in Wingfield's research?

Accepted Answer

Wingfield's research identified nine concepts related to the cognitive psychology of aging.

Question 7

The concepts in Wingfield's study about the racialized aspects of the glass escalator effect fell all the following categories EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Wingfield's study does not categorize the racialized aspects of the glass escalator effect based on time. Instead, her study focuses on the locations, processes, and people involved in the phenomenon.

Question 8

In Wingfield's research, which category of concepts was the most abstract?

Accepted Answer

Wingfield's research found that the most abstract category of concepts was Processes. Locations and People were also abstract, but less so than Processes.

Question 9

Clarifying or describing a concept meaning is called

Accepted Answer

Clarifying or describing the meaning of a concept is called conceptualization.

Question 10

Researchers have to specify the process through which they will observe the presence, absence, or degree of a concept's existence. This is known as

Accepted Answer

Operationalization is the process of defining a concept in a way that makes it measurable and observable. This involves specifying the observable indicators or measures that will be used to assess the presence, absence, or degree of the concept. Validity refers to the accuracy and relevance of the measures used to assess a concept, while conceptualization is the process of defining and clarifying a concept in abstract terms. Measurement refers to the actual collection of data using the specified indicators or measures.

Question 11

When concepts are more abstract or less understood in a straightforward way, what can researchers turn to when conceptualizing?

Accepted Answer

When concepts are abstract or less understood, researchers can turn to social theory for guidance and understanding. Social theory provides frameworks and concepts to help researchers make sense of complex social phenomena.

Question 12

Kanter (1977) theorized about the experiences of what she termed "tokens," who are highly visible workers in a field where they are in the numeric minority. What did Williams find when applying this theory in her research about the glass escalator effect?

Accepted Answer

Williams found that men in feminized professions, such as nursing and teaching, were more likely to be promoted and given preferential treatment. This is consistent with the idea of a glass escalator, where men in female-dominated fields experience faster career advancement due to their minority status.

Question 13

Wingfield's research added complexity to the concept of the glass escalator with the concept _____________.

Accepted Answer

Wingfield's research added complexity to the glass escalator concept by introducing the idea of gendered racism, which refers to the intersection of gender and race discrimination experienced by people of color. This means that men of color may face additional barriers and biases in their careers, in addition to those related to gender.

Question 14

As a concept is operationalized, it moves from the ____________ to the _______.

Accepted Answer

As a concept is operationalized, it moves from abstract (a theoretical idea) to specific (concrete measures or variables that can be observed and quantified).

Question 15

Something that points to, provides evidence of, or otherwise measures a concept is called a

Accepted Answer

An indicator is a specific sign or signal that provides evidence or measures a concept. It is commonly used in social sciences to measure intangible concepts such as attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors. A concept refers to a general idea or notion, while a variable is a characteristic that can be measured or manipulated in research. A measure is a tool used to quantify a variable or concept.

Question 16

Which of the following would be the best direct indicator of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Declared income below the official poverty line is the best direct indicator of poverty as it measures a person's earnings compared to a benchmark poverty line identified by the government. It is a standardized measure used to compare poverty levels across populations and to determine eligibility for poverty-related assistance programs. Buying second-hand clothes, renting rather than owning a house, or car ownership can be indicative of poverty, but they are not definitive or exclusive indicators.

Question 17

Which of the following would be the best indirect indicator of academic success?

Accepted Answer

While grade point average and ACT test scores are direct indicators of academic success, they do not necessarily indicate a student's attitude towards studying or motivation to succeed academically. Therefore, attitude towards studying would be the best indirect indicator of academic success as a positive attitude and motivation towards learning is often correlated with better academic performance. Degree earned is not an indicator of academic success as it only indicates completion of a program or degree, not necessarily the level of success achieved within that program.

Question 18

California's Proposition 45 was criticized by the American Sociological Association primarily because it _____________________.

Accepted Answer

The American Sociological Association criticized Proposition 45 because it would make it more difficult to study how race impacts outcomes, such as in education or employment. Proposition 45 proposes to eliminate affirmative action in public education, employment, and contracting. This could potentially limit the ability of sociologists to study and address issues related to race and inequality.

Question 19

When a single indicator does not capture the complexity of a concept, the researcher might have to

Accepted Answer

Including multiple indicators in the study can help capture the various dimensions of a complex concept. This approach allows the researcher to gather more comprehensive data and provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied. Reframing the research question or simplifying the concept may not fully capture the complexity of the concept, and revisiting the literature may not provide a clear solution for measuring the concept in question.

Question 20

Which of the following would not be an indicator of student satisfaction with school?

Accepted Answer

The name of their school alone does not indicate anything about student satisfaction. The other options either directly or indirectly relate to their satisfaction levels.

Quiz 3: How Do Researchers Identify and Evaluate Social Concepts Measurement