Question 1

According to Brym and Lie,the single biggest problem for sociological research is ____.

Accepted Answer

Brym and Lie argue that since experience filters perception of reality, researchers may not be able to fully understand the experiences of the people they are studying. This can lead to a bias in the research and affects the validity of the findings.

Question 2

When researchers introduce an independent variable to an experimental group in the normal course of social life,this is called:

Accepted Answer

A field experiment is when researchers introduce an independent variable in the normal course of social life, rather than in a laboratory setting. This type of experiment allows for greater ecological validity and generalizability of results.

Question 3

The example of OTTFFSSENT demonstrates that:

Accepted Answer

The example of OTTFFSSENT, where one is asked to guess the next letter in the sequence, demonstrates that our understanding of reality is shaped by our experience. Our brains automatically try to find patterns based on our past experiences, which can limit our understanding of what reality truly is.

Question 4

A community holds a parade every year after which area farmers are then allowed to plant their lands.While the parade does not influence the growing season in any demonstrable way,the community believes that a good parade does positively influence the crop yields.This would be an example of:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of traditional thinking, where beliefs and customs of a community are followed without any scientific evidence or reasoning to support them. The belief that a good parade can positively influence crop yields is not based on any scientific or logical reasoning but is a traditional belief held by the community.

Question 5

The question of whether a researcher's findings apply beyond the specific case examined is a question of:

Accepted Answer

Generalizability refers to the extent to which research findings apply beyond the specific case examined. Reliability refers to the consistency of results over time and across different researchers or methods. Validity refers to the extent to which a study measures what it intends to measure. Causality refers to the relationship between cause and effect. Accuracy refers to the extent to which a measurement reflects the true value of what it is intended to measure.

Question 6

One of the problems in gathering data in social research is:

Accepted Answer

Bias is one of the major problems in gathering data in social research. It refers to the tendency of researchers to collect, interpret, and present data in a way that supports their hypotheses or preconceived notions, rather than objectively and impartially. This can lead to inaccurate or misleading results, and undermine the credibility and validity of the research.

Question 7

One of the means of dealing with bias in sociological research is:

Accepted Answer

Publicly acknowledging interests that influence our perceptions is a means of dealing with bias in sociological research. This allows for transparency and potential adjustment of the research process and findings. Privately reflecting on one's ideas is also important but may not be sufficient alone. Conversing with students about sociological research and avoiding the sociological literature on the subject are not effective means of dealing with bias.

Question 8

The question of whether a researcher's interpretations are accurate,that is,whether his or her measurements measure what they are supposed to measure,is a question of:

Accepted Answer

Validity refers to the degree to which a measure or test accurately measures what it is supposed to measure. Therefore, if a researcher's interpretations are accurate, it means that their measurements have validity.

Question 9

In experiments,members of experimental and control groups are selected using:

Accepted Answer

Randomization techniques are the best method for selecting members of experimental and control groups as they ensure that every member of the population has an equal chance of being assigned to either group. This helps to minimize the effect of any confounding variables and increase the internal validity of the study. Sampling frames, representative samples, probability samples, and baseline community drawing may be used to select a sample from a larger population, but they do not ensure equal group assignment.

Question 10

To be included in a representative sample,respondents must:

Accepted Answer

A representative sample requires that every member of the population has a known and non-zero chance of being selected, which is not described by any of the provided options. Options A, B, C, and D all describe scenarios that would likely result in biased or non-representative samples.

Question 11

The question of whether researcher A would interpret or measure a variable in the same way as researcher B is a question of:

Accepted Answer

Reliability refers to the consistency or stability of research findings or measurements over time and across different researchers. In this scenario, the question pertains to whether two different researchers would obtain consistent measurements or interpretations of a variable, so it is a question of reliability. Validity refers to the extent to which a study or measurement accurately captures the concept or variable that it claims to be measuring, so it is not the best choice in this case. Generalizability pertains to the extent to which findings can be applied to different populations or contexts, which is not directly relevant to the question at hand. Causality refers to the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships between variables, and accuracy refers to the correctness or truthfulness of measurements or observations, neither of which address the issue of consistency between different researchers.

Question 12

Two observers standing on a street corner saw an automobile accident.While both observers witnessed the same event,they disagreed over which driver was responsible for the accident.This is an example of knowledge based on:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Two observers standing on a street corner...

Question 13

Knowledge based on the assumption about the past that may or may not be accurate is known as:

Accepted Answer

This is because traditional thinking is based on beliefs and assumptions passed down from generation to generation, and it may not necessarily be accurate or based on facts.

Question 14

Dr.Shelter is interested in the problem of homelessness.He decides to study homelessness because he is personally moved by the social problem.Dr.Shelter's choice of research topic is based on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Shelter's choice of research topic is based on his personal values, as he is moved by the social problem of homelessness.

Question 15

A neighbor talking to others in a community said that all members of the working class prefer to wear blue jeans rather than slacks.He said this because all working class people whom he knew wore jeans.This statement is an example of knowledge based on:

Accepted Answer

The statement is an example of overgeneralization because it assumes that all members of the working class prefer to wear blue jeans based on a limited sample size of individuals that the neighbor knows.

Question 16

Which of the following is usually the first step in the research cycle?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a research question is typically the first step in the research cycle as it sets the direction and purpose for the research. Without a clear research question, it is difficult to proceed with selecting a research method, reviewing the literature, or collecting data.

Question 17

Someone who would ignore contradictory evidence because they challenge cherished beliefs is creating their ideas from what kind of observation?

Accepted Answer

Selective observation is a type of observation in which an individual only notices information that supports their beliefs, values or attitudes and ignores any contradictory evidence. In this scenario, the individual is ignoring contradictory evidence because it challenges their pre-existing beliefs, indicating that they are using selective observation.

Question 18

The attempt to observe a social milieu objectively and take part in the activities being observed is called:

Accepted Answer

Participant observation involves both observing and participating in a social milieu, allowing the researcher to gather data from an insider's perspective while still remaining objective. The Hawthorne effect refers to changes in behavior resulting from being observed or studied. Validation refers to the process of verifying the accuracy of data. Surveying and experimentation are research methods that do not necessarily involve direct participation in a social milieu.

Question 19

A sports commentator insists that football teams from Florida can not win in cold weather because these teams have lost 55% of their past games when played in cold weather.This statement represents which form of knowledge?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A sports commentator insists that football teams...

Question 20

Which of the following filters perceptions and ensures that we never perceive society in a pure or objective form?

Accepted Answer

All of these choices—values, theories, previous research, and research methods—act as filters on our perceptions, influencing how we understand and interpret society. They shape our viewpoints and prevent us from perceiving society in a purely objective manner.

Quiz 2: How Sociologists Do Research