Research Methods - Paper 2 Flashcards
What is the definition of sociology?
The study of society, social institutions, and social relationships.
True or False: Qualitative research focuses on numerical data.
False
Fill in the blank: _________ is a method of collecting data through direct observation.
Observation
What is a hypothesis?
A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a qualitative research method? A) Surveys B) Experiments C) Interviews D) Statistics
C) Interviews
What does ‘validity’ refer to in research?
The extent to which a study measures what it claims to measure.
True or False: Secondary data is data collected by the researcher themselves.
False
What is ethnography?
A qualitative research method focused on studying cultures and communities through immersion.
Fill in the blank: The _________ variable is the variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment.
Dependent
Multiple Choice: Which sampling method involves selecting participants based on specific characteristics? A) Random Sampling B) Stratified Sampling C) Systematic Sampling D) Convenience Sampling
B) Stratified Sampling
What is operationalization?
The process of defining measurement procedures for the variables in a study.
True or False: A case study is a detailed examination of a single instance or event.
True
What is a survey?
A research method that involves collecting data from a sample of individuals using questionnaires or interviews.
Fill in the blank: _________ is the degree to which a study can be generalized to a larger population.
Generalizability
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of qualitative data? A) Text B) Video C) Numbers D) Interviews
C) Numbers
What is the purpose of a literature review?
To summarize and evaluate existing research on a particular topic.
True or False: Longitudinal studies collect data at one point in time.
False
What does ‘reliability’ refer to in research?
The consistency of a measure; the extent to which results can be reproduced.
Fill in the blank: A _________ is a graphical representation of the relationship between two variables.
Scatter plot
Multiple Choice: Which type of research design is best for establishing cause-and-effect relationships? A) Descriptive B) Correlational C) Experimental D) Observational
C) Experimental
What is a pilot study?
A small-scale preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility of a research design.
True or False: Qualitative research is more subjective than quantitative research.
True
What is the main advantage of using secondary data?
It is often less time-consuming and less expensive than collecting primary data.
Fill in the blank: In a _________ study, participants are assigned to different groups to compare the effects of a variable.
Experimental
Multiple Choice: What is the term for a sample that is not representative of the larger population? A) Random B) Biased C) Stratified D) Systematic
B) Biased
What is qualitative data?
Non-numerical data that captures qualities, characteristics, and experiences.
True or False: A focus group is a qualitative research method involving a small group discussion.
True
What is triangulation in research?
The use of multiple methods or data sources to enhance the credibility of research findings.
Fill in the blank: _________ is a systematic way of collecting and analyzing data to answer research questions.
Research methodology
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a disadvantage of surveys? A) Low cost B) Limited depth of responses C) High response rates D) Flexibility
B) Limited depth of responses
What is the purpose of informed consent in research?
To ensure that participants are fully aware of the research and agree to participate voluntarily.
True or False: A longitudinal study follows the same subjects over a long period of time.
True
What is a cross-sectional study?
A study that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.
Fill in the blank: The _________ variable is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.
Independent
Multiple Choice: Which method is best for understanding complex social phenomena? A) Surveys B) Experiments C) Ethnography D) Content Analysis
C) Ethnography
What is the significance of sampling in research?
It determines the representativeness and generalizability of the research findings.
True or False: Qualitative research can be used to generate hypotheses.
True
What is the difference between primary and secondary data?
Primary data is collected firsthand by the researcher, while secondary data is collected by others.
Fill in the blank: _________ is a research method that analyzes existing texts and documents.
Content analysis
Multiple Choice: What is the main focus of quantitative research? A) Understanding meanings B) Testing theories C) Exploring experiences D) Describing phenomena
B) Testing theories
What is a research question?
A clear, focused question that a study aims to answer.
True or False: A researcher using a qualitative approach is likely to use statistical analysis.
False
What is a cohort study?
A type of observational study that follows a group of people over time who share a common characteristic.
Fill in the blank: _________ refers to the ethical principles guiding research involving human participants.
Research ethics
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of qualitative data? A) Age B) Income C) Interview transcripts D) Survey results
C) Interview transcripts
What is the aim of descriptive research?
To provide an accurate portrayal of characteristics of a population or phenomenon.
True or False: Random sampling ensures that every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected.
True
What is a meta-analysis?
A statistical technique for combining the findings from multiple studies to arrive at a conclusion.
Fill in the blank: The _________ method is based on gathering information through structured questions.
Survey
Multiple Choice: Which research method is characterized by the researcher being part of the community being studied? A) Observational B) Ethnographic C) Experimental D) Survey
B) Ethnographic
What is a sample in research?
A subset of individuals selected from a larger population for study.
True or False: Ethical considerations are not important in sociological research.
False
What does ‘confounding variable’ mean?
An external variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables, potentially skewing results.
Fill in the blank: _________ is when research findings can be replicated by other researchers.
Reproducibility
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a qualitative approach? A) Correlation B) Case study C) Regression D) Survey
B) Case study
What is the role of a research proposal?
To outline the plan for a research project, including objectives, methods, and significance.
True or False: Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured.
True
What is the significance of ethical approval in research?
It ensures that the study meets ethical standards to protect participants’ rights and welfare.
Fill in the blank: _________ data is often analyzed using statistical methods.
Quantitative
Multiple Choice: Which sampling technique involves selecting individuals based on easy availability? A) Random B) Stratified C) Convenience D) Systematic
C) Convenience
What is a longitudinal study?
Research that follows the same subjects over an extended period to observe changes.
True or False: A control group is used in experiments to compare with the experimental group.
True
What is participant observation?
A qualitative research method where the researcher becomes part of the group being studied.
Fill in the blank: _________ is a systematic approach to understanding human behavior through research.
Sociology
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a qualitative research method? A) Focus groups B) Surveys C) Ethnography D) Case studies
B) Surveys