Ch 3: Research Methods

Question 1

The first step in the research process is to ask questions about the social phenomenon of interest and discuss the __________

Answer 1

purpose to the study

Question 2

Some studies answer very specific questions, while others can be more ____

Answer 2

open

Question 3

A _____ is an abstract system of meaning that enables us to perceive a phenomenon in a particular way

Answer 3

concept

Question 4

Concepts are often measured as ________

Answer 4

variables

Question 5

What are examples of variables?

Answer 5

years married and level of income

Question 6

An ________ is a definition of a concept or variable such that is can be measured during research

Answer 6

operational definition

Question 7

An operational definition is a definition of a concept or variable such that it can be measured during _______

Answer 7

research

Question 8

The second step in the research process is conducting a _________ where you review the previous research findings regrading your topic

Answer 8

literature review

Question 9

_____ can be found in the literature review

Answer 9

theory

Question 10

_____ is a set of logically interrelated propositions that explains some process or set of phenomena in a testable fashion

Answer 10

theory

Question 11

Good theories are a key source of ideas for testing _________

Answer 11

hypotheses

Question 12

______ are research methods focused on non numeric data

Answer 12

Qualitative methods

Question 13

______ generally use propositions which are statements about the nature of some phenomenon, or hypothesis if the statement is formulated so it can be tested , rather than questions

Answer 13

quantitative methods

Question 14

A _________ indicates how stated relations can be tested and serves as an important link between theory and empirical inquiry

Answer 14

hypothesis

Question 15

The variable that is presumed to cause a change or an effect is known as the ___________

Answer 15

independent variable

Question 16

The variable that is affected by the independent variable is the _______

Answer 16

dependent variable

Question 17

A ________ is said to exist when the variables change in the same direction

Answer 17

direct relationship

Question 18

Income level goes up as education level goes up is an example of _________

Answer 18

direct relationship

Question 19

An __________ exists when the variables change in opposite directions

Answer 19

inverse relationship

Question 20

Fertility rate goes down as age goes up is an example of ________

Answer 20

inverse relationship

Question 21

________ refers to the rules and guidelines followed in research

Answer 21

methodology

Question 22

(T/F) All research is statistical

Answer 22

False; not all

Question 23

Who attempts to study conditions or processes

Answer 23

qualitative researchers

Question 24

_______ is when the researcher or research team watched what is happening and makes no attempt to control, modify, or influence the ongoing activity

Answer 24

observational research

Question 25

_______ is a form of research focusing on the sociology of meaning through close observation of sociocultural phenomena

Answer 25

ethnographic research

Question 26

______ systematically asks people about their attitudes, feelings, ideas, opinions, behaviors, or anything else

Answer 26

survey research

Question 27

There are several advantages to surveys and they are the most common _______

Answer 27

quantitative method

Question 28

(T/F) Surveys are easier to use than other methods

Answer 28

True

Question 29

_____ uses information that already exists independently of one’s research

Answer 29

secondary analysis

Question 30

_______ is a scientific procedure used to determine cause-effect relationships in controlled situations

Answer 30

experimental design

Question 31

The experiment typically involves two matched groups of subjects called the ______ and the ______

Answer 31

experimental group; control group

Question 32

The _______ is the effect that occurs when researchers themselves contaminate a study and cause a change in the dependent variable

Answer 32

Hawthorne Effect

Question 33

_____ is the extent to which repeated observations of the same phenomenon yield similar results

Answer 33

Reliability

Question 34

_____ is the extent to which observations actually yield measures of what they are purported to measure

Answer 34

Validity

Question 35

A ______ is a group of people chose from a population who are thought to represent the population

Answer 35

sample

Question 36

(T/F) Participation is voluntary

Answer 36

True

Question 37

(T/F) There will be no harm to the participants

Answer 37

True

Question 38

(T/F) Participants are not informed of all risks associated with the study

Answer 38

True