Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between concrete and abstract experience in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Concrete experience is based on sensory evidence, while abstract experience involves organizing these experiences using concepts and propositions.

Question 2

A researcher claims that eating ice cream causes polio because both rates rise in the summer. Which error in inquiry does this scenario best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Spuriousness

Question 3

Which of the following is a key feature of the positivist tradition in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on quantitative methods and the belief that social realities are objective.

Question 4

In the context of research ethics, what is the main difference between anonymity and confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Anonymity means the researcher cannot identify subjects, while confidentiality means the researcher can identify them but agrees not to disclose their identities.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a common error in unscientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning

Question 6

A sociologist wants to study the lived experiences of refugees in Canada by spending time in their communities and conducting open-ended interviews. Which research approach is the sociologist using?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative interpretivist approach

Question 7

What is operationalization in the context of quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

The process of translating abstract concepts into measurable variables and hypotheses.

Question 8

Which of the following is a criterion for establishing causality in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Sequencing: The cause must precede the effect.

Question 9

A researcher uses a probability sample to select participants for a survey. What is a key advantage of this sampling method?

Accepted Answer

Every member of the population has a known and nonzero chance of being selected, increasing the representativeness of the sample.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'authenticity' in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

The extent to which qualitative investigation captures social realities as experienced by insiders.

Question 11

A sociologist is concerned that participants in her study may answer questions in a way that makes them look good rather than truthfully. What is this type of error called?

Accepted Answer

Social desirability bias

Question 12

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using big data in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Big data may not be representative of the general population and can contain 'dirty data.'

Question 13

In the context of research involving Indigenous peoples, which of the following is an additional ethical requirement beyond individual consent?

Accepted Answer

Community consultation and engagement with Indigenous organizations and leaders.

Question 14

Which of the following best illustrates the use of mixed methods in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys in a single study.

Question 15

What is the main goal of randomization in experimental research?

Accepted Answer

To assign individuals to groups by chance, reducing bias and increasing the validity of the results.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a nonreactive research method in digital sociology?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing social media posts without interacting with users.

Question 17

A researcher is interested in how women’s personal experiences have contributed to changes in sociological knowledge. Which statement best reflects this process?

Accepted Answer

Subjective experiences can enhance objective sociological knowledge.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key difference between structured and unstructured qualitative interviews?

Accepted Answer

Structured interviews follow a set protocol, while unstructured interviews allow respondents to answer in their own words.

Question 19

What is the main purpose of debriefing in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

To clarify what occurred during the study and address any issues related to deception.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of inductive reasoning in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

It begins with concrete cases and proceeds to identify general patterns and themes.

Study Guide: Research Methods in Sociology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards