Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between basic and applied social research?

Accepted Answer

Basic research is conducted for the sake of knowledge, whereas applied research seeks to address specific practical issues.

Question 2

A sociologist wants to study the impact of remote work on family dynamics. She develops a set of research questions, collects survey data, and analyzes the results using statistical methods. Which type of research design is she most likely using?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a primary source of data in social research?

Accepted Answer

Interview transcripts collected by the researcher

Question 4

A researcher is coding survey responses to categorize them into themes. This process is most closely associated with which stage of social research?

Accepted Answer

Data analysis

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of objectivity in social research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that personal biases do not influence the collection or interpretation of data

Question 6

A researcher wants to test whether a new teaching method improves student performance. She randomly assigns students to two groups: one uses the new method, the other uses the traditional method. Which research design is being used?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used method of data collection in social research?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment

Question 8

A pilot study is conducted before the main research project. What is the primary purpose of a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

To test and refine research instruments and procedures

Question 9

Which measure of central tendency is most appropriate when analyzing the most frequently occurring value in a dataset?

Accepted Answer

Mode

Question 10

A researcher presents data using a bar graph to show the distribution of responses to a survey question. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Diagrammatic and graphic presentation of data

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, while qualitative research explores meanings and experiences.

Question 12

A researcher wants to ensure that her sample accurately reflects the population she is studying. Which technique should she use?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Question 13

Which of the following is an ethical consideration in social research?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Question 14

If a dataset contains the following values: 2, 4, 4, 6, 8, what is the mean?

Accepted Answer

$\frac{2+4+4+6+8}{5} = \frac{24}{5} = 4.8$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A tentative statement predicting the relationship between variables

Question 16

A researcher uses both interviews and questionnaires in her study. This approach is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Triangulation

Question 17

Which of the following is a multi-variate analysis?

Accepted Answer

Examining the effect of education, age, and gender on income

Question 18

In report writing, which section typically presents the main findings of the research?

Accepted Answer

Results

Question 19

A researcher observes classroom interactions without participating or interfering. This method is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Non-participant observation

Question 20

If the median of the dataset 3, 7, 9, 12, 15 is calculated, what is the result?

Accepted Answer

$9$

Study Guide: Social Research Methods in Sociology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards