Question 1

A______ coding scheme uses a large number of categories to capture the behavior of interest.
A) manifest
B) narrow
C) broad
D) latent

Accepted Answer

The answer of A______ coding scheme uses a large number...

Question 2

In general, ______ makes for a better coding system.
A) having fewer categories
B) coding latent content
C) using a single coder
D) using rating scales

Accepted Answer

Having fewer categories makes for a better coding system because it reduces the likelihood of error and increases the reliability of the coding.

Question 3

Marco is setting up his categories for a behavior coding study. He needs to make sure that
A) each behavior fits into one and only one category.
B) each behavior can be consistently categorized.
C) he retains all theoretically meaningful categories.
D) he does all of the above.

Accepted Answer

All three choices are important considerations when setting up categories for behavior coding. A) Ensuring that each behavior fits into one and only one category prevents overlap and ambiguity. B) Ensuring that each behavior can be consistently categorized ensures reliability and validity of the coding. C) Retaining all theoretically meaningful categories ensures that important aspects of the behavior are captured. Therefore, Marco needs to do all of the above to ensure a thorough and accurate behavior coding study.

Question 4

Juan conducted a pilot test of his coding scheme with his four coders and found that the interrater agreement was quite low. What can Juan do to improve the reliability of his coding scheme?
A) revise the definitions of categories that the coders often disagreed on.
B) provide more detailed, objective descriptions of the codes.
C) review the theoretical purpose of each category.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

All of the above choices can help improve the reliability of the coding scheme. Clarifying and defining categories, providing detailed and objective descriptions, and reviewing the theoretical purpose can all help to enhance interrater agreement.

Question 5

Maria is building her coding scheme for a content analysis study. To make sure her study has a high degree of reliability she will need to
A) use few rather than many categories.
B) code only for manifest content.
C) use a Q-sort technique.
D) use broad categories.

Accepted Answer

Using few rather than many categories helps ensure a high degree of reliability in a content analysis study.

Question 6

Keeping accurate records in participant observation studies can be a problem because
A) it is not always possible to record events as they happen.
B) observers may interpret events to conform with what they already believe about the situation being observed.
C) people have mental scripts that provide them with a framework for remembering things, so that memory tends to follow the script even when the actual event departs from it.
D) of all of these factors.

Accepted Answer

All of these factors contribute to the difficulty of keeping accurate records in participant observation studies. It can be challenging to record events as they happen in real time, and observer bias can impact interpretations of those events. Additionally, people tend to have mental scripts that guide their memories, which can lead to inaccuracies in recollection.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a bias that can affect naturalistic observation?
A) latency
B) selective attention
C) point of view
D) reconstructive memory

Accepted Answer

Latency refers to the time delay between a stimulus and response, which is more relevant to reaction time studies than a bias in observational research. Selective attention, point of view, and reconstructive memory are biases that can affect how observations are made, interpreted, and remembered.

Question 8

Dr. McCormick trained coders to observe preschoolers' behavior. When reviewing the coding, she found that her coders were paying more attention to the behaviors of the more active children. Which type of bias was likely operating?
A) latency
B) selective attention
C) point of view
D) reconstructive memory

Accepted Answer

The bias that was likely operating is selective attention, as the coders were focusing more on the behaviors of the more active children, possibly overlooking or ignoring the behaviors of the less active children.

Question 9

Dr. McCormick trained preschool teachers to keep diaries of the children's behavior; they made their recordings at the end of the day. When reviewing the coding, she found that the teachers were mainly recording the preschoolers' gender-role congruent behaviors. Which type of bias was likely operating?
A) latency
B) reactivity
C) point of view
D) reconstructive memory

Accepted Answer

Reconstructive memory bias occurs when memories are influenced by the individual's expectations or beliefs, leading to selective recall. In this case, teachers may have selectively remembered and recorded behaviors that aligned with gender-role expectations.

Question 10

In observational research, reactivity is most likely to be a problem if
A) covert observations are used.
B) the behaviors to be observed are not socially acceptable.
C) nonparticipant observations are recorded.
D) verbatim responses are recorded.

Accepted Answer

Reactivity is a concern when individuals alter their behavior because they are aware they are being observed. If the behaviors being observed are not socially acceptable, individuals are more likely to change their behavior to conform to social norms or expectations, thus affecting the accuracy of the observations. Covert observations, nonparticipant observations, and recording verbatim responses are methods that can actually help reduce reactivity by minimizing the observer's intrusion or influence on the participants.

Question 11

Jane is a participant observer; she is LEAST likely to experience stress if she
A) maintains a dual role of participant and observer.
B) is making covert observations.
C) realizes that her being there is changing the people being observed.
D) identifies herself as a researcher to the other people in the setting.

Accepted Answer

Identifying herself as a researcher to the other people in the setting is likely to reduce stress because it eliminates the need to maintain a cover story or manage the ethical and practical complexities associated with covert observation and dual roles. This transparency can simplify interactions and reduce the cognitive and emotional load associated with managing multiple identities or the effects of one's presence on the observed group.

Question 12

"Going native" in participant observation studies means that the observer
A) completely adopts the value system, attitudes, and behaviors of the people being studied.
B) begins to influence events that take place in the observation setting.
C) discloses his or her role as a researcher to the real members of the research setting.
D) has trouble controlling her or his emotional reactions to the situation.

Accepted Answer

"Going native" in participant observation studies means that the observer fully immerses themselves into the culture of the group being studied, adopting the value system, attitudes, and behaviors. This allows for a deeper understanding of the culture and perspective of the group, but it also presents the risk of losing objectivity and becoming too involved in the group to conduct objective research.

Quiz 10: Field Research

A______ coding scheme uses a large number of categories to capture the behavior of interest.

In general, ______ makes for a better coding system.

Marco is setting up his categories for a behavior coding study. He needs to make sure that

Juan conducted a pilot test of his coding scheme with his four coders and found that the interrater agreement was quite low. What can Juan do to improve the reliability of his coding scheme?

Maria is building her coding scheme for a content analysis study. To make sure her study has a high degree of reliability she will need to

Keeping accurate records in participant observation studies can be a problem because

Which of the following is NOT a bias that can affect naturalistic observation?

Dr. McCormick trained coders to observe preschoolers' behavior. When reviewing the coding, she found that her coders were paying more attention to the behaviors of the more active children. Which type of bias was likely operating?

In observational research, reactivity is most likely to be a problem if

Jane is a participant observer; she is LEAST likely to experience stress if she

"Going native" in participant observation studies means that the observer