What is Research? | Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology

Question 1

Which of the following is not characteristic of scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Based on intuition and guesswork

Answer

Systematic and organized process

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Involves inquiry and investigation

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Aims to generate new knowledge

Question 2

What is the primary goal of research?

Accepted Answer

To generate new knowledge or understanding

Answer

To provide entertainment and amusement

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To confirm personal beliefs and opinions

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To prove personal hypotheses without testing

Question 3

What is the key distinction between quantitative and qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research uses numerical data, while qualitative research uses non-numerical data.

Answer

Quantitative research is more objective than qualitative research.

Answer

Qualitative research is more generalizable than quantitative research.

Answer

Quantitative research is more appropriate for exploratory studies, while qualitative research is suitable for confirmatory studies.

Question 4

Which characteristic is absent from scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Impartiality

Answer

Reproducibility

Answer

Dependability

Question 5

Which research method in sociology is quantitative in nature?

Accepted Answer

Surveys

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Focus groups

Question 6

Breaking down a research question into manageable components is termed:

Accepted Answer

Operationalization

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Hypothesis testing

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Data gathering

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Data analysis

Question 7

Utilizing existing data for research is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Secondary analysis

Answer

Primary data collection

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Quantitative research

Question 8

Which characteristic does NOT define scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on personal experience or intuition

Answer

Systematic and objective approach

Answer

Hypothesis testing

Answer

Emphasis on replicability and generalizability

Question 9

Which attribute is NOT a characteristic of scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Replicability

Answer

Validity

Question 10

What is the main goal of research in sociology?

Accepted Answer

To critically examine and interpret social phenomena

Answer

To uncover new and intriguing facts about society

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To offer immediate solutions to pressing social issues

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To advocate for social change and activism

Question 11

What is the primary goal of exploratory research?

Accepted Answer

To gain preliminary insights and generate ideas

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To generalize findings to a broader population

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To test specific hypotheses

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To collect data for quantitative analysis

Question 12

Which of the following is a distinctive feature of quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on numerical data and statistical analysis

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Focus on qualitative interpretations

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Collection of rich and contextual data

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In-depth observations and descriptions

Question 13

What is a primary function of a literature review in a research project?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize existing knowledge and identify research gaps

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To introduce the researcher's personal opinions

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To provide a comprehensive collection of all published research

Question 14

Which of the following is a key ethical consideration in social research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the privacy and well-being of participants

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Preventing copyright infringement

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Avoiding plagiarism

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Using proper citation methods

Question 15

What is the fundamental distinction between deductive and inductive reasoning in research?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning proceeds from general principles to specific observations, while inductive reasoning infers general principles from specific observations

Answer

Deductive reasoning relies on empirical evidence, while inductive reasoning is based on logical principles

Question 16

What is a potential advantage of utilizing mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced validity and reliability of findings through triangulation

Answer

Convenience and ease of implementation

Answer

Reduced overall time and cost of research

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Greater generalizability of results

Question 17

What is the primary role of theory in social research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a conceptual framework, guide data collection, and interpret findings

Answer

To ensure the accuracy and validity of research methods

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To provide all necessary information for the research project

Question 18

What is the significance of research ethics in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the rights of participants, maintain the integrity of research, and advance knowledge responsibly

Answer

To avoid legal consequences and protect the institution

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To enhance the researcher's reputation and gain recognition

Question 19

Quantitative research is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Using numerical data and statistical analysis

Answer

Focusing on social context

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Emphasizing subjective experiences

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To outline the research plan and provide rationale for the study

Answer

To present findings

Answer

To secure funding

Question 21

Which of the following is the primary purpose of research?

Accepted Answer

To advance knowledge and understanding

Answer

To confirm personal beliefs

Answer

To make money

Answer

To manipulate others

Question 22

Which type of research aims to explore and interpret the meanings and experiences of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Mixed methods research

Answer

Action research

Question 23

What is the process of systematically collecting and analyzing data known as?

Accepted Answer

Research methodology

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Research design

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Data interpretation

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Hypothesis testing

Question 24

What is the main difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction, while a theory is a general explanation.

Answer

A hypothesis is tested through research, while a theory is not.

Answer

A hypothesis is based on observation, while a theory is based on evidence.

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of good research?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Validity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Generalizability

Question 26

What is the role of replication in research?

Accepted Answer

To verify and strengthen the findings of a study.

Answer

To prove that the findings of a study are false.

Answer

To improve the quality of data collection

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To generate new hypotheses

Question 27

Which of the following is an example of triangulation in research?

Accepted Answer

Using multiple methods to collect data on the same topic.

Answer

Testing a hypothesis

Answer

Conducting a large-scale survey

Question 28

What is the purpose of a literature review in research?

Accepted Answer

To summarize and synthesize existing research on a topic.

Answer

To develop a new research design

Answer

To collect primary data