Master Irish Studies Research Methods: A Comprehensive Guide for BA Students

Question 1

In literary analysis, which methodology emphasizes the social and cultural context of a literary work?

Accepted Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Deconstruction

Question 2

When conducting a literature review in Irish Studies, what should be a primary consideration?

Accepted Answer

Identifying relevant academic sources

Answer

Summarizing the main arguments of each source

Answer

Including sources alphabetically

Answer

Avoiding sources published before the 20th century

Question 3

Which ethical principle is of utmost importance in Irish Studies research?

Accepted Answer

Respect for the autonomy, privacy, and well-being of research participants

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality in data collection and analysis

Answer

Avoiding bias and ensuring transparency in research findings

Answer

Prioritizing confidentiality over transparency

Question 4

In cultural studies, which approach is commonly used to study Irish identity?

Accepted Answer

Examining cultural practices, symbols, and representations

Answer

Analyzing exclusively political and economic factors

Answer

Focusing solely on individual experiences

Answer

Quantifying social attitudes through statistical analysis

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods focus on numerical data and statistics, while qualitative methods focus on textual, observational, and interview data.

Answer

Quantitative methods are inherently objective, while qualitative methods are inherently subjective.

Answer

Quantitative methods are predominantly used in the social sciences, while qualitative methods are predominantly used in the humanities.

Answer

Quantitative methods are more reliable, while qualitative methods are more valid.

Question 6

Which of the following is a key characteristic of historical research in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on primary source analysis

Answer

Interdisciplinary approach

Answer

Focus on contemporary events

Answer

Use of quantitative data

Question 7

Which of the following is a common approach to literary analysis in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Cognitive psychology

Answer

Behaviorism

Question 8

What is the primary goal of cultural analysis in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

To understand the values, beliefs, and practices of Irish society

Answer

To analyze the historical development of Irish culture

Answer

To evaluate the impact of Irish culture on the world stage

Answer

To compare Irish culture to other cultures

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a key factor to consider when designing a research study?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Validity

Answer

Generalizability

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a research methodology commonly applied in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data analysis

Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Literary criticism

Answer

Cultural anthropology

Question 11

A key aspect of historical research in Irish Studies involves:

Accepted Answer

Critically analyzing primary and secondary sources

Answer

Conducting interviews with historical figures

Answer

Interpreting archaeological findings

Answer

Applying sociological theories to historical events

Question 12

Which research methodology is **not** typically used in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Scientific experimentation

Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Literary analysis

Answer

Cultural analysis

Question 13

When conducting historical research in Irish Studies, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Consult primary and secondary sources

Answer

Interview contemporary witnesses

Answer

Rely solely on online resources

Answer

Focus primarily on recent history

Question 14

Which literary technique is commonly employed in Irish literature to explore themes of identity and belonging?

Accepted Answer

Symbolism

Answer

Stream of consciousness

Answer

Magical realism

Answer

Epic poetry

Question 15

Which of the following is **not** included among the traditional research methodologies used in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Anthropological analysis

Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Literary analysis

Answer

Cultural analysis

Question 16

What is the **primary purpose** of historical analysis in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

To reconstruct the past based on historical evidence

Answer

To interpret literary texts in their historical context

Answer

To analyze cultural artifacts and practices

Answer

To develop theoretical frameworks for understanding Irish society

Question 17

What is the **central goal** of cultural analysis in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

To examine the cultural values and practices of Irish society

Answer

To analyze the relationship between culture and history

Answer

To identify and critique cultural stereotypes

Answer

To promote Irish culture on a global scale

Question 18

Which of the following is **not** considered a critical reading skill in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Memorizing key terms and concepts

Answer

Identifying bias and subjectivity in texts

Answer

Contextualizing ideas and arguments

Answer

Evaluating the credibility of sources

Question 19

What is the **primary role** of primary sources in historical research in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

To provide direct evidence of past events

Answer

To support and corroborate historical narratives

Answer

To challenge existing interpretations of history

Answer

To create new historical theories

Question 20

Which of the following is **not** an ethical consideration in research involving human subjects in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Paying participants for their involvement

Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Answer

Protecting the privacy of participants

Answer

Ensuring that research is conducted in a culturally sensitive manner

Question 21

What is the **main benefit** of interdisciplinary research in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

It allows researchers to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives

Answer

It facilitates collaboration between scholars from different fields

Answer

It provides access to a wider range of funding opportunities

Answer

It ensures that research findings are more likely to be published in top academic journals

Question 22

Which of the following is **not** a potential challenge in conducting research in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Abundant research funding

Answer

Limited access to historical records

Answer

Linguistic barriers

Answer

Cultural sensitivities

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a common research methodology used in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Experimental psychology

Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Literary criticism

Answer

Cultural anthropology

Question 24

Which literary theory emphasizes the social and political context in which a literary work is produced?

Accepted Answer

Marxist criticism

Answer

New Criticism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Postcolonial criticism

Question 25

What is the main goal of cultural analysis in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

To understand the beliefs, values, and practices of Irish society

Answer

To trace the historical development of Irish culture

Answer

To compare Irish culture with other cultures

Answer

To promote Irish culture on a global scale

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a key research methodology used in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Experimental psychology

Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Literary analysis

Answer

Cultural analysis

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a primary approach used in Irish Studies research?

Accepted Answer

Scientific analysis

Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Literary analysis

Answer

Cultural analysis

Question 28

In literary analysis within Irish Studies, which approach focuses on the author's intent and biography?

Accepted Answer

Biographical Criticism

Answer

New Criticism

Answer

Post-Structuralism

Answer

Feminist Criticism

Question 29

How can critical theory be used to analyze Irish literature and culture?

Accepted Answer

It can reveal hidden meanings in Irish texts.

Answer

It can only be used to analyze modern Irish literature.

Answer

It is not relevant to Irish Studies research.

Answer

It should only be used to analyze Irish political speeches.

Question 30

In Irish Studies, how does the use of primary sources shape historical research?

Accepted Answer

Primary sources provide a direct link to the past, allowing historians to gain a deeper understanding of events and experiences.

Answer

Primary sources are always reliable and accurate, giving historians an infallible account of the past.

Answer

Primary sources are only used in historical research and have no relevance to other disciplines within Irish Studies.

Answer

Irish Studies historians exclusively rely on primary sources, as secondary sources are considered unreliable and biased.

Question 31

Which of the following is a significant challenge researchers face when studying Irish history?

Accepted Answer

Scarcity of primary source documents

Answer

Limited diversity in historical interpretations

Answer

Excessive availability of research materials

Question 32

What is a key characteristic of historical analysis in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing primary source analysis

Answer

Focusing on cultural influences

Answer

Analyzing historical events in a literary context

Answer

Examining historical figures solely through a contemporary lens

Question 33

What is a potential drawback of using participant observation to study Irish culture?

Accepted Answer

It can be time-consuming and expensive.

Answer

It offers a deep understanding of cultural practices.

Answer

It allows researchers to observe behavior in natural settings.

Question 34

How do interdisciplinary approaches foster innovation in Irish Studies research?

Accepted Answer

By integrating diverse perspectives and research methods

Answer

By guaranteeing the replication of research results

Answer

By reducing the time and resources needed for research

Question 35

In cultural analysis research, how does discourse analysis help researchers examine cultural representations in Irish society?

Accepted Answer

By identifying power dynamics and ideologies embedded in cultural representations

Answer

By quantifying cultural trends through statistical analysis

Answer

By comparing cultural representations across different historical periods

Answer

By conducting surveys to gather opinions on cultural representations

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a primary research methodology used in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Literary analysis

Answer

Cultural analysis

Question 37

What research methodology is most appropriate for studying the political history of Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Ethnographic research

Answer

Literary analysis

Answer

Cultural analysis

Question 38

What is a key strength of literary analysis in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Provides insights into the cultural and historical context of Irish society.

Answer

Provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of Irish culture.

Answer

Can be used to prove historical facts.

Question 39

What is the role of theory in research in Irish Studies?

Accepted Answer

Theory provides a framework for interpreting and comprehending research findings.

Answer

Theory should be avoided as it can bias research results.

Answer

Theory is only relevant for advanced research projects.