Question 1

Cumulative disadvantage theory focuses on

Accepted Answer

Cumulative disadvantage theory suggests that early disadvantages in life can have lifelong effects, resulting in greater inequality as individuals age. This theory focuses on the long-term impact of inequality on individuals and society.

Question 2

Researchers criticize the conflict perspective because it

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective is criticized for not adequately considering how older people respond to social pressures, focusing instead on structural inequalities and power dynamics.

Question 3

________ offers one new theoretical framework for studying aging.

Accepted Answer

Narrative gerontology offers a new theoretical framework for studying aging that focuses on the personal stories and contexts of older adults. The theory emphasizes the importance of individual narratives and meaning-making in the aging process, and how these narratives shape experiences of aging. Conflict theory, age stratification theory, and the functionalist perspective are all traditional theoretical frameworks for studying aging that have been in use for several decades.

Question 4

Researchers use ________ to explore issues such as retirement, long-term care, and community volunteerism.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Researchers use ________ to explore issues such...

Question 5

Gerontologists use many different methods to study aging. Research methods

Accepted Answer

Gerontologists use a variety of research methods to study aging, including laboratory work, intelligence tests, studies, and surveys. The specific methods used may vary depending on the research question and approach, but these are all commonly used methods in the field. It is important to note that different disciplines may have different research methods, so answer A is not accurate. Answer B is also not accurate, as research methods are not necessarily based on a philosophical paradigm. Answer D is not accurate, as research methods can produce reliable and valid results with appropriate methodology and analysis.

Question 6

________ want to understand the changes that take place in individuals over time.

Accepted Answer

Social gerontologists study the aging process, including the physical, psychological, and social changes that take place over time. They are interested in understanding how individuals experience aging and how they adapt to the changes that come with it.

Question 7

Gerontologists place changes in older people into one of three categories. Which of the following is not a category of change?

Accepted Answer

The three categories of change according to gerontologists are age effect, cohort effect, and period effect. Gender effect is not a category of change.

Question 8

Gerontologists use a number of research designs to look at the APC problem. Which of the following is not used to examine this problem?

Accepted Answer

Vertical studies are not used to examine APC (age, period, and cohort) problem. Cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, and time-lag studies are commonly used research designs to examine this problem.

Question 9

According to the text, paradigms are

Accepted Answer

The text defines paradigms as frameworks used to organize our understanding of natural and social phenomenon.

Question 10

Gerontology has a long history of using a natural science paradigm to conduct studies. This is known as

Accepted Answer

Positivist gerontology emphasizes the use of empirical methods and scientific observation to study aging and the elderly, which fits the description of using a natural science paradigm. Critical gerontology, literary interpretation, and participant observation all involve different theoretical perspectives or methodologies.

Question 11

Critical gerontologists often use ________ to conduct their research.

Accepted Answer

Critical gerontologists often use qualitative methods to conduct their research because they focus on understanding the subjective experiences of aging individuals and the social constructions of aging rather than numerical data or statistics.

Question 12

How do the interests of critical gerontology and positivist gerontology differ?

Accepted Answer

Positivist gerontology focuses on using scientific methods to understand aging and seeks prediction and control over aging. In contrast, critical gerontology aims to challenge and transform the social structures and ideologies that perpetuate ageism and aims to empower older people.

Question 13

________ allow researchers to gather a great deal of information on a wide range of issues.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods involve data collection through numerical measurements and statistical analyses, allowing researchers to gather large amounts of data on a variety of topics. Qualitative methods focus on in-depth subjective experiences and may not provide as much generalizable data. Age stratification theories and critical gerontology perspectives are theoretical frameworks, not research methods.

Question 14

________ examine how individuals understand and give meaning to their lives.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative methods are best suited for examining how individuals understand and give meaning to their lives as they allow researchers to gather rich, detailed data on individuals' subjective experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. Quantitative methods and longitudinal studies, while useful in other areas of research, may not capture the depth and nuance of individual meaning-making processes. Moral economy refers to a specific theoretical framework for understanding economic behavior and may not be directly relevant to examining individual meaning-making.

Question 15

According to the text, the study of aging has grown to include

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the text, the study of...

Question 16

The Internet offers a storehouse of information on aging, but provides no guide to the quality of the information. Therefore, a gerontologist must be

Accepted Answer

A gerontologist must be information literate to effectively evaluate the quality of the information available on the Internet. They should be able to discern reliable sources of information from biased or inaccurate ones and approach data critically to make informed decisions about their research and practice. Being biased or noncritical while evaluating data can compromise the accuracy of their findings and recommendations, and being a naive reader can make them vulnerable to misinformation.

Question 17

Research studies on human subjects face ________ challenges.

Accepted Answer

Research studies on human subjects face ethical challenges as they involve conducting experiments on human beings that may cause harm or discomfort. It is essential to ensure that the study participants are fully informed about any potential risks and provide their voluntary consent before participating in the study. Additionally, researchers must maintain the confidentiality and privacy of the participants' personal information. Failure to adhere to ethical standards can result in severe consequences for the researcher, institution, and potentially the study participants.

Question 18

Why do health and social service professionals want to increase the role of evidence-based practices in the delivery of services to older people?

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based practices are rooted in research and use findings to provide better quality services to older people. By increasing the role of evidence-based practices, health and social service professionals can ensure that they are providing effective interventions and care to the aging population. This can lead to improved health outcomes and a higher quality of life for older individuals.

Question 19

How will gerontological research change in the future?

Accepted Answer

Gerontological research will change by the creation of new theories and methods for studying aging. As science continues to advance, new techniques and models will be developed to better understand the aging process and its effects on individuals and society.

Quiz 2: Theories and Methods