Chapter 2 Research Process and Research Methods

Question 1

Scientific research is based on [___] obtained through direct experience, scientifically gathered data, or experimentation.

Answer 1

[…empirical evidence]

Question 2

Meta-analysis

Answer 2

A technique in which the results of virtually all previous studies on a specific subject are evaluated together.

Question 3

Scientific research

Answer 3

Done to test, or debunk, popular or common sense explanations; and/or to benefit society.

Question 4

Generalizations

Answer 4

Made about different aspects of social life.

Question 5

Our knowledge and understanding come from five sources

Answer 5

Personal experience; Common sense; The media; Expert authorities; Tradition

Question 6

The scientific method

Answer 6

Formulating a Hypothesis; Measuring and Gathering Data; Analyzing Data; Drawing a conclusion

Question 7

Research should be conducted as [___]as possible.

Answer 7

[…objectively ]

Question 8

Units of analysis

Answer 8

Refers to the type of entity a researcher is studying.

Question 9

Variable

Answer 9

Any feature or factor that may differ among the units of analysis that a researcher is studying.

Question 10

Key variables in sociological studies

Answer 10

Gender; Race and ethnicity; Social class; Age; Any number of attitudes and behaviors

Question 11

Independent variable

Answer 11

Variable that can affect another variable

Question 12

Qualitative Data

Answer 12

Non-numerical data that is analyzed for what people say and do, like data gathered through observation and/or intensive interviewing.

Question 13

Quantitative Data

Answer 13

Survey data that is collected numerically, like data gathered through a questionnaire where responses are coded for computer analysis.

Question 14

Sample

Answer 14

Subset of the population of people in whom the researcher is interested.

Question 15

Random sample

Answer 15

Everyone in the target population has the same chance of being included in the study.

Question 16

Non-random sample

Answer 16

Members of the population do not have the same chance of being included in the study.

Question 17

Convenience sample

Answer 17

A type of a nonrandom sample that is used because it is relatively quick and inexpensive to obtain.

Question 18

Quota sample

Answer 18

A nonrandom that resembles one or more characteristics of the population as closely as possible.

Question 19

Concepts of quantitative analysis

Answer 19

Measures of central tendency tell us what the most common, or average, response is on a question.

Question 20

Concepts of quantitative analysis

Answer 20

The mode refers to the most common response given to a question.

Question 21

Concepts of quantitative analysis

Answer 21

The median refers to the middle point in a distribution of responses.

Question 22

Concepts of quantitative analysis

Answer 22

The mean refers to the sum of the value of all responses on a given variable divided by the total number of responses.

Question 23

Correlation

Answer 23

Means there is a relationship between variables.

Question 24

Causality

Answer 24

Refers to the idea that one event, behavior or belief will result in the occurrence of another, subsequent event, behavior or belief.

Question 25

Criteria for Causality

Answer 25

The independent variable and dependent variable must be statistically related; The independent variable must precede the dependent variable in time and/or in logic; The relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable must not be spurious; No better explanation exists for the relationship between the independent and dependent variable

Question 26

Spurious

Answer 26

A third variable accounts for the relationship because it affects both the independent and dependent variables.

Question 27

The Gallup Poll

Answer 27

Uses questionnaires to gather data on a limited range of variables, making it a useful but basic starting point for research.

Question 28

The Census

Answer 28

A widely recognized public survey that covers a broader range of variables.

Question 29

Surveys

Answer 29

Using questionnaires, are the most common method sociologists use to collect data.

Question 30

Response rates

Answer 30

Are the percentage of all people in the sample who agree to be interviewed.

Question 31

Experiment

Answer 31

The manipulation of one variable to find out if it causes changes in another variable.

Question 32

Experimental group

Answer 32

The group that receives a change applied to it.

Question 33

Control group

Answer 33

The group that does not have a change made to it.

Question 34

Participant Observation

Answer 34

Involves the researcher both studying and participating in the group being researched.

Question 35

Non-Participant Observation

Answer 35

Involves observing the group without participating.

Question 36

Secondary Data Analysis

Answer 36

Involves the researcher analyzing data that was collected by another researcher.

Question 37

Content analysis

Answer 37

Involves systematically recording and evaluating information from secondary data related to the study.

Question 38

Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment’s

Answer 38

This case highlights ethical standards in research, like the neglect of subjects’ well-being and privacy issues in the cases of Mario Brajuha, Rick Scarce, and Laud Humphreys

Question 39

Informed consent

Answer 39

Must take place before any data with human subjects can take place. The participants sign a form giving their legal permission to participate voluntarily in the project.

Question 40

For consent to have any real meaning, [___].

Answer 40

[…potential research subjects
must have the right to refuse to take part in a research project
without any penalties whatsoever.]

Question 41

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Answer 41

Reviews proposed human-subject research to ensure that federal guidelines are followed.