research methods Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of sociological research?
To understand social behavior and the structures that influence it.
Define quantitative research.
Research that focuses on quantifying relationships, behaviors, or phenomena using statistical methods.
What is qualitative research?
Research that seeks to understand social phenomena through in-depth interviews, observations, and analysis of texts.
True or False: Surveys are a common method of quantitative research.
True
What is a hypothesis?
A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables.
Fill in the blank: In research, a __________ is a variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on another variable.
independent variable
What is a dependent variable?
The variable that is measured in an experiment to see how it is affected by changes in the independent variable.
Define sampling in research.
The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a population to represent the entire population.
What is the difference between random sampling and stratified sampling?
Random sampling selects individuals randomly, while stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups and samples from each.
True or False: A case study is a qualitative research method.
True
What is the purpose of a literature review?
To summarize and evaluate existing research on a topic to identify gaps and inform new research.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a data collection method? A) Interviews B) Surveys C) Theoretical Frameworks D) Observations
C) Theoretical Frameworks
What is ethnography?
A qualitative research method that involves the in-depth study of people in their natural environment.
Define participant observation.
A research method where the researcher actively engages in the daily lives of the participants.
True or False: Validity refers to the accuracy of a measurement.
True
What is reliability in research?
The consistency of a measure or instrument over time.
Fill in the blank: A __________ is a detailed description of a research study’s methods and procedures.
methodology
What is a pilot study?
A small-scale preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility of a research approach.
Multiple Choice: Which type of research design is best for establishing cause-and-effect relationships? A) Descriptive B) Correlational C) Experimental D) Qualitative
C) Experimental
What is the significance of ethical considerations in research?
To protect the rights and welfare of research participants.
True or False: Informed consent is not necessary for observational research.
False
What is a focus group?
A qualitative research method involving guided discussions with a small group of people.
Define secondary data.
Data that has been collected by someone else for a different purpose and is used in new research.
Fill in the blank: __________ analysis involves examining existing data to draw new conclusions.
Secondary data
What is a longitudinal study?
A research study that follows the same subjects over a period of time to observe changes.
True or False: Cross-sectional studies analyze data from a population at a single point in time.
True
What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, while causation implies that one variable directly affects the other.
Multiple Choice: What type of sampling involves selecting individuals based on specific characteristics? A) Random B) Systematic C) Purposive D) Snowball
C) Purposive
Define operationalization.
The process of defining the measurement of a phenomenon that is not directly measurable.
What is a control group?
A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison.
Fill in the blank: __________ sampling involves selecting every nth individual from a list.
Systematic
True or False: Qualitative data can be analyzed using statistical methods.
False
What is a variable?
Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an advantage of qualitative research? A) Generalizability B) Depth of understanding C) Speed of data collection D) Objectivity
B) Depth of understanding
What does the term ‘bias’ refer to in research?
A systematic error that affects the validity of the results.
Fill in the blank: __________ validity assesses whether a study measures what it claims to measure.
Construct
What is triangulation in research?
The use of multiple methods or data sources to enhance the credibility of research findings.
True or False: A mixed-methods approach combines both qualitative and quantitative research.
True
What is the purpose of a research question?
To guide the direction and focus of the research study.
Define the term ‘operational definition.’
A clear and precise definition of how a variable will be measured in a study.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a disadvantage of surveys? A) Cost-effective B) Quick data collection C) Limited depth of responses D) High response rates
C) Limited depth of responses
What is a field experiment?
An experiment conducted in a natural setting rather than a laboratory.
Fill in the blank: __________ ethics ensure that participants are treated fairly and with respect.
Research
True or False: Secondary analysis can provide new insights into existing data.
True
What is the main goal of descriptive research?
To provide a detailed account of a phenomenon without manipulating variables.
Define ‘social desirability bias.’
The tendency of respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others.
Multiple Choice: Which type of interview allows for the most flexibility in responses? A) Structured B) Semi-structured C) Unstructured D) Focus group
C) Unstructured
What is the role of a researcher in qualitative research?
To interpret and analyze data while acknowledging their own biases and perspectives.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a measure of how well a study’s findings can be generalized to a larger population.
External validity
True or False: Observational research can be conducted without the knowledge of the participants.
True
What is the purpose of a research proposal?
To outline the planned research, including objectives, methods, and significance.
