Question 1

A _____ is a graphical representation of the pattern of interpersonal relationships (such as friendships) within a group.

Accepted Answer

A sociogram is a visual representation of the relationships and interactions within a group, often used to map friendships and social connections.

Question 2

To study the workings of a right-wing political group, you join the group and make observations at the group's regular meetings. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Participant observation involves the researcher actively engaging in the environment and activities of the group being studied, which is what is described in the scenario.

Question 3

Observations that do not alter your participant's behavior are said to be _____ observations.

Accepted Answer

Unobtrusive observations are those that do not interfere with or alter the behavior of the participants being observed.

Question 4

Both the case history method and archival research are:

Accepted Answer

Both the case history method and archival research are descriptive methods, which means they can describe phenomena but cannot establish causal relationships.

Question 5

Broca's famous study of Tan is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Broca's study of Tan is a case history because it involved an in-depth examination of a single individual, Tan, to understand the relationship between brain damage and language ability.

Question 6

You are a psychotherapist who has a client with a unique combination of symptoms. With your client's permission, you write an article summarizing and interpreting those symptoms. The method of research being used here is:

Accepted Answer

The case history method involves an in-depth study of an individual or group, often used in clinical settings to explore unique cases, which aligns with writing an article about a client's symptoms.

Question 7

_____ is defined as a descriptive technique in which one observes and reports on a single case.

Accepted Answer

The case history is a descriptive technique where an individual case is observed and reported in detail.

Question 8

The case history method can be used to:

Accepted Answer

The case history method can be used to describe a single case, contrast two cases, and analyze a case to illustrate empirical or theoretical points, making all the options correct.

Question 9

In _____, you study existing records.

Accepted Answer

Archival research involves studying existing records or data sets to find answers to research questions.

Question 10

When doing archival research, you:

Accepted Answer

When conducting archival research, having specific research questions helps guide the analysis and interpretation of existing data.

Question 11

Which of the following is a concern you might have if you were planning an archival study?

Accepted Answer

All the options are valid concerns in planning an archival study: gaining access to records, deciding on focus areas, and ensuring the completeness of records.

Question 12

A disadvantage of archival research is that:

Accepted Answer

Existing records may be difficult to access and may be incomplete, which can limit the scope and reliability of archival research.

Question 13

_____ is used when one wants to analyze a written or spoken record for the occurrence of specific categories or events, items, or behavior.

Accepted Answer

Content analysis is a research method used to identify patterns, themes, or biases in written or spoken material by systematically categorizing and analyzing the content.

Question 14

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of content analysis as a nonexperimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Content analysis should have generality, meaning it should be applicable to a wide range of content and contexts, allowing for broader conclusions.

Question 15

If you were to analyze the transcripts of congressional hearings for instances of certain types of behavior, you would be using:

Accepted Answer

Content analysis involves systematically analyzing communication, such as transcripts, to identify patterns, themes, or behaviors.

Question 16

In a content analysis of jury deliberations, you record the number of times that each of several phrases is used. These phrases constitute the _____ unit.

Accepted Answer

The recording unit is the specific element that is counted or measured in content analysis, such as the number of times a phrase is used.

Question 17

In a content analysis of children's literature, you record the number of times that either males or females are portrayed in dominant roles. You also record the type of situation in which those dominant roles are displayed. The information about the situations constitutes the _____ unit.

Accepted Answer

The context unit refers to the situation or context in which the dominant roles are displayed.

Question 18

A requirement for performing content analysis is:

Accepted Answer

A clear operational definition of terms is essential in content analysis to ensure consistency and reliability in coding and interpreting the data.

Question 19

_____ can help in ensuring a valid content analysis.

Accepted Answer

All the options listed contribute to ensuring a valid content analysis by providing structure, context, and objectivity to the research process.

Question 20

Identify a true statement about the information extraction technique.

Accepted Answer

Information extraction involves identifying and using specific words, expressions, and numeric values to analyze and extract relevant data from archived records.

Quiz 8: Doing Nonexperimental Research