Chapter 7&8

Question 1

What is anonymity in survey research?

Answer 1

No identifying information is ever recorded to link the respondent to the survey

Anonymity ensures that responses cannot be traced back to individuals.

Question 2

Define confidentiality in the context of survey research.

Answer 2

Information is kept private by the researchers and not shared.

Confidentiality protects the privacy of respondents.

Question 3

What are common errors in survey research?

Answer 3

Errors include:
* Poor measurement
* Nonresponse
* Inadequate coverage
* Sampling error

Each error can significantly impact the validity and reliability of survey results.

Question 4

What does poor measurement in survey research refer to?

Answer 4

Ambiguous questions leading to invalid responses, satisficing by the respondent etc.

Poor measurement can distort the data collected.

Question 5

What is nonresponse in survey research?

Answer 5

When many do not reply to the survey.

High nonresponse rates can lead to biased results.

Question 6

What does inadequate coverage mean in survey research?

Answer 6

When a sample does not adequately reflect the population.

This can result in skewed data and unrepresentative findings.

Question 7

Define sampling error.

Answer 7

Difference between characteristics of the sample and the population.

Sampling error is always present because the sample and population are not the same.

Question 8

What are guidelines for writing survey questions?

Answer 8

Guidelines include:
* Avoiding confusing phrasing
* Minimizing bias
* Maximizing utility of response categories
* Avoiding making agreement or disagreement disagreeable

These guidelines help in crafting effective survey questions.

Question 9

What is meant by avoiding confusing phrasing in survey questions?

Answer 9

Includes avoiding double barreled questions and double negatives.

Confusing phrasing can lead to misinterpretation of questions.

Question 10

What is bias in survey questions?

Answer 10

Avoid loaded language that evokes bias or the inclination to answer in a particular way.

Bias can manipulate responses and affect data integrity.

Question 11

What does maximizing utility of response categories entail?

Answer 11

Including all possible responses to ensure it is exhaustive.

This helps capture the full range of opinions or experiences.

Question 12

What is fence sitting in survey responses?

Answer 12

Respondents that are neutral and select a neutral answer.

Fence sitting can dilute the overall findings of a survey.

Question 13

What are floaters in survey research?

Answer 13

Respondents that take a position on questions when no neutral position is offered but really don’t have one.

Floaters can lead to unreliable data.

Question 14

What are indexes in survey research?

Answer 14

Using a scale of 1-10 or a series of questions instead of a single item to measure a variable.

Indexes provide a more nuanced view of respondents’ attitudes.

Question 15

What does mutually exclusive mean in survey categories?

Answer 15

Variables or categories where an individual can only belong to one, ensuring no overlap or ambiguity.

Examples include income brackets or educational attainment.

Question 16

What are Likert items?

Answer 16

Consists of a statement followed by a series of 5 to 7 responses.

Likert items are commonly used to measure attitudes or opinions.

Question 17

What is a case study in qualitative research?

Answer 17

A qualitative study that focuses on an organization, community, social group or individual.

Case studies provide detailed insights into specific subjects.

Question 18

Define ethnography.

Answer 18

A single investigator immerses themselves into a culture or society.

Ethnography provides a deep understanding of social practices.

Question 19

What are focus groups?

Answer 19

Group interviews utilizing open ended questions in a group setting.

Focus groups can generate diverse perspectives on a topic.

Question 20

What is the role of a gatekeeper in qualitative research?

Answer 20

Important in accessing study settings and participants.

Gatekeepers can facilitate or hinder research access.

Question 21

What is a grand tour question?

Answer 21

Broad open ended question that gets to people talking.

Grand tour questions are useful for initiating discussions.

Question 22

What is intensive (in-depth) interviewing?

Answer 22

Open ended relatively unstructured questioning in which the interviewer seeks in-depth insights.

This method allows for comprehensive exploration of topics.

Question 23

What is netnography?

Answer 23

Type of ethnography that studies an online virtual community.

Netnography adapts traditional ethnographic methods to digital spaces.

Question 24

What is participant observation?

Answer 24

Observing people while they go about their lives.

This method provides context and depth to research findings.

Question 25

What is covert observation?

Answer 25

Where the researcher observes others without participating in interaction with those under study and the researcher does not identify as a researcher. ## Footnote Covert observation minimizes the influence of the researcher's presence.

Question 26

Define complete covert observation.

Answer 26

Researcher does not reveal researcher's identity but participates in interaction with those under study. ## Footnote This approach allows for naturalistic observation while maintaining anonymity.

Question 27

What is overt observation?

Answer 27

Discloses the identity as a researcher but does not participate in interaction with those under study. ## Footnote Overt observation allows for transparency in the research process.

Question 28

What is participant observation (overt participation)?

Answer 28

Researcher reveals identity as a researcher, participates in interaction with those under study. ## Footnote This method can enhance rapport and trust with participants.

Question 29

What are qualitative methods?

Answer 29

Methods enclosed participant observations. ## Footnote Qualitative methods focus on understanding human behavior in context.

Question 30

What are reactive effects in qualitative research?

Answer 30

Occurs when participants change their behavior when taking part in the research process. ## Footnote This may be due to awareness of being studied or social expectations.

Question 31

What is thick description?

Answer 31

A description of human social action that describes not just physical behaviors but also context and how that context is interpreted. ## Footnote Thick description provides deeper insight into social phenomena.