Question 1

When a researcher analyzes the content of advertisements appearing in cartoons on a Saturday morning in terms of the types of characters that appear in the ads,this is an example of what type of observation?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of content analysis, which involves analyzing the content of media for specific patterns or themes. In this case, the researcher is analyzing the types of characters that appear in the ads, which is a form of content analysis. Contrived analysis (A) involves creating a specific situation in order to observe behavior, while indirect analysis (C) involves using secondary sources of data (such as surveys or statistical data) rather than direct observation. Entrapment (D) refers to a deceptive or unethical practice of luring someone into committing a crime.

Question 2

A researcher was observing consumers' facial expressions as they looked over the menu at a restaurant.One consumer forgot her reading glasses,so she was having trouble reading the menu and had to squint her eyes,causing her to look mad.The researcher interpreted this to mean she didn't like what she was seeing on the menu because he didn't know she couldn't see the words.The researcher's misreading the consumer's facial expression as dissatisfaction is an example of _____.

Accepted Answer

The researcher's misinterpretation of the consumer's facial expression is an example of observer bias, which occurs when the observer's expectations or preconceptions influence their interpretation of the behavior or data they are observing.

Question 3

When an airline passenger (who is really an employee of the airline)complains loudly about his not being served a vegetarian meal so that he can note the behavior of the flight attendant in this type of situation,this is an example of what type of observation?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a contrived observation, as the employee is intentionally creating a situation in order to observe the behavior of the flight attendant.

Question 4

All of the following are errors associated with direct observation EXCEPT _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following are errors associated...

Question 5

_____ are things that people made and consumed within a culture that signal something meaningful about the behavior taking place at the time of consumption.

Accepted Answer

Artifacts are tangible objects made by humans that convey cultural meanings and practices. They can give insight into the behavior and beliefs of a society during the time of their creation and use. Trace elements are small amounts of substances present in an object, inventories refer to lists of goods or materials, and physiological responses are bodily reactions to stimuli.

Question 6

When an employee who works at McDonald's headquarters outside Chicago travels around the U.S.and observes franchises to see if they are acting in the best interests of McDonald's good name in terms of friendly service,cleanliness,and quality of food,this observer is acting as a(n)_____.

Accepted Answer

This observer is acting as a mystery shopper, someone who visits businesses incognito to evaluate the quality of customer service or products.

Question 7

Which of the following is a question that can be asked to help address the question of whether or not a subject's privacy is violated?

Accepted Answer

All of these choices are important considerations when deciding whether or not a subject's privacy has been violated. Adequate notification, public observation, and anonymity all play a role in determining the level of privacy infringement.

Question 8

All of the following are examples of nonverbal behavior EXCEPT _____.

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal behavior refers to actions and expressions that convey meaning without the use of words. Talking involves the use of words, so it is not an example of nonverbal behavior. The other options (smiling, nodding, raised eyebrows) are all examples of nonverbal behavior.

Question 9

A researcher was observing how children play on playground equipment at a public park.The observers were out in the open and parents were told that their children were being observed.This type of observation is called _____ observation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A researcher was observing how children play...

Question 10

_____ is the systematic observation and quantitative description of the manifest content of communication.

Accepted Answer

Content analysis is the systematic observation and quantitative description of the manifest content of communication. Descriptive analysis refers to any method of analyzing data that helps to describe or summarize the data's characteristics. Schemata analysis is a method of analyzing text or graphic data by identifying recurrent themes or patterns in the data. Hermeneutic analysis is an interpretive approach to understanding texts or other forms of communication.

Question 11

Observation in which the subject is unaware that observation is taking place is called _____ observation.

Accepted Answer

Hidden observation is when the subject is not aware that they are being observed. In ethnographic observation, the observer interacts with the subject to understand their culture or behavior. In indirect observation, the observer gathers data from sources other than directly observing the subject. Invisible observation is not a commonly used term in research.

Question 12

Observation in which the investigator creates an artificial environment in order to test a hypothesis is called _____.

Accepted Answer

Contrived observation involves creating an artificial environment or set up in order to test a specific hypothesis. This is different from naturalistic observation, where the investigator observes behavior in a natural setting without manipulating it. Biased observation refers to observing in a way that confirms a preexisting belief or hypothesis, and secondary observation refers to using pre-existing data or sources of observation. Pseudo observation is not a commonly used term in research methods.

Question 13

When the manager of a shopping mall records the counties listed on the license plates on cars parked at the mall in order to determine where the shoppers come from,this is an example of _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When the manager of a shopping mall...

Question 14

_____ is a straightforward attempt to observe and record what naturally occurs.

Accepted Answer

Direct observation involves simply observing and recording what naturally occurs without any manipulation or intervention. It is a straightforward way of gathering data without influencing the behavior or situation being observed.

Question 15

John is measuring the amount of time it takes for people to make a choice between two options regarding what to select for lunch to infer the strength of their preferences for one alternative over the other.The recorded choice time is referred to as _____.

Accepted Answer

Response latency refers to the amount of time it takes for an individual to make a response or choice. Response lag and response interval are similar concepts but not commonly used in this context. Response bias refers to systematic error in responses or choices.

Question 16

Which of the following obtains data by observing and analyzing the contents of advertisements,newspaper articles,television programs,websites,and the like?

Accepted Answer

Content analysis is a method of obtaining data by observing and analyzing the contents of various forms of media, such as advertisements, newspaper articles, television programs, websites, and more. It involves identifying and quantifying certain characteristics of the media, such as the frequency of certain words or themes. This type of analysis can be applied to various research areas, including media studies, market research, and social sciences.

Question 17

A situation in which an observer's presence,or the mechanical device doing the recording,is easily known to the subject involves _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A situation in which an observer's presence,or...

Question 18

When a researcher counts the percentage of African Americans who have appeared on the cover of Newsweek during the past decade,this is an example of what type of observation?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of content analysis, which involves the systematic examination of media content, such as articles or photographs, to identify patterns or trends. In this case, the researcher is examining the racial representation on the cover of Newsweek.

Question 19

_____ is the amount of time it takes to make a choice between two alternatives and is used as a measure of the strength of preference.

Accepted Answer

Response latency is the amount of time it takes someone to make a choice, and it can serve as a measure of the strength of their preference. A shorter response latency indicates a stronger preference for the chosen option. The other options (B, C, and D) do not accurately describe this concept.

Question 20

A distortion of measurement resulting form the cognitive behavior or actions of a witnessing observer is called _____.

Accepted Answer

Observer bias refers to the tendency of an observer to skew measurements or observations due to their personal beliefs or experiences. This can result in a distortion of the data and inaccuracies in the conclusions drawn from the data. Response latency refers to the amount of time it takes for a person to respond to a stimulus, researcher error refers to mistakes made by the researcher during data collection or analysis, and entrapment refers to a situation in which a person is coerced or persuaded to engage in illegal behavior they would not have otherwise done.

Quiz 8: Observation