What is Social Research? | Introduction to Social Research Methods

Question 1

What distinguishes scientific social research from other forms of inquiry?

Accepted Answer

It aims to apply findings to a wider population.

Answer

It relies on personal opinions and interpretations.

Answer

It primarily uses qualitative data collection methods.

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It is influenced by the researcher's personal values and beliefs.

Question 2

Which of the following is a common misconception about social research?

Accepted Answer

It assumes a completely value-free approach.

Answer

It employs systematic and rigorous methods.

Answer

It is based on empirical evidence.

Answer

It aims to advance knowledge and understanding.

Question 3

What are the key purposes of social research, and how do they contribute to advancing knowledge and improving social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena and generating new insights

Accepted Answer

Evaluating the effectiveness of social interventions and refining strategies

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Predicting future social trends with certainty

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Advocating for social change and influencing public opinion

Question 4

Which definition best describes the unique features of social research, distinguishing it from other research methods?

Accepted Answer

Systematic, objective, and scientific study of social phenomena to inform social policy and practice

Answer

Data collection on social issues to inform policymakers

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Use of qualitative and quantitative methods to understand social interactions

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Research relying solely on surveys and questionnaires

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a way that social research contributes to social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Verifying personal beliefs

Answer

Developing evidence-based interventions

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Influencing policy decisions

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Measuring the effectiveness of programs

Question 6

What is the main reason for using social research in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

To inform practice and policy by understanding and addressing social issues

Answer

To create new social work interventions

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To assess the results of social work interventions

Question 7

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizes subjectivity and context-specificity

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Relies on numerical data analysis

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Typically involves small sample sizes

Question 8

Which type of research approach involves collecting and analyzing numerical data?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Mixed methods research

Question 9

What is the primary goal of descriptive research?

Accepted Answer

To describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon

Answer

To test hypotheses

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To generate new ideas and insights

Question 10

Which ethical principle of research requires researchers to treat participants with dignity and respect?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

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Justice

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Confidentiality

Question 11

What is the importance of validity in research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that the research findings are accurate and meaningful

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To generalize the findings to a wider population

Question 12

In social research, which ethical principle holds the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Anonymity

Answer

Beneficence

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of social research?

Accepted Answer

Subjective interpretation

Answer

Methodological rigor

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Evidence-based

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Unbiased

Question 14

Which of the following statements about social research is **not** true?

Accepted Answer

Social research can be fully objective.

Answer

Social research is systematic and objective.

Answer

Social research is based on empirical evidence.

Answer

Social research aims to generate new knowledge.

Question 15

What is the primary purpose of social research?

Accepted Answer

To advance knowledge and understanding of social phenomena.

Answer

To solve specific social problems.

Answer

To provide immediate solutions to societal issues.

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To challenge established beliefs and theories without empirical evidence.

Question 16

Which characteristic distinguishes social research from other forms of inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Systematic and objective investigation using scientific methods.

Answer

Application of research findings to social work practice.

Answer

Reliance on personal opinions and anecdotal evidence.

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Focus on human behavior and social interactions.

Question 17

What is the role of theoretical frameworks in social research?

Accepted Answer

They provide a conceptual lens to guide the research process, interpret findings, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

Answer

They can be developed only after the research is conducted.

Answer

They guarantee the validity and reliability of research findings.

Question 18

What is the primary advantage of using quantitative data in social research?

Accepted Answer

It allows for statistical analysis, generalization of findings, and testing of hypotheses.

Answer

It provides rich and detailed descriptions of social phenomena.

Answer

It is less prone to researcher bias compared to qualitative data.

Question 19

What is the purpose of research dissemination?

Accepted Answer

To communicate research findings, contribute to the body of knowledge, influence policy and practice, and inform stakeholders.

Answer

To promote the researcher's reputation and gain recognition.

Answer

To satisfy academic requirements and secure funding for future research projects.

Question 20

How does social research contribute to improving social work practice?

Accepted Answer

It provides evidence-based knowledge to inform decision-making, develop effective interventions, and evaluate the impact of social work services.

Answer

It guarantees positive outcomes for clients in all cases.

Answer

It eliminates the need for professional judgment and experience in social work practice.

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of social research?

Accepted Answer

To generate knowledge about social structures, social life and human behavior

Answer

To evaluate social programs

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To solve social problems

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To prove or disprove theories

Question 22

What is the role of social research in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

To inform decision-making, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and improve client outcomes

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To promote social work as a profession

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To justify social work interventions

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a type of social research method?

Accepted Answer

Introspection

Answer

Mixed methods research

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Qualitative research

Question 24

What is the key difference between quantitative and qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative research uses non-numerical data and inductive reasoning.

Answer

Quantitative research is more objective than qualitative research.

Answer

Qualitative research is more generalizable than quantitative research.

Question 25

Why is ethics important in social research?

Accepted Answer

To protect the rights, privacy, and well-being of research participants and ensure responsible research practices.

Answer

To ensure that research findings are accurate and reliable

Answer

To promote the use of social research for social good

Question 26

What is the role of theory in social research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a conceptual framework for understanding and interpreting social phenomena

Answer

To predict future events

Answer

To justify research methods

Question 27

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a research question?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction that can be tested, while a research question is a more general inquiry that guides the research process.

Answer

A research question is more likely to be biased than a hypothesis.

Answer

A hypothesis is more difficult to test than a research question.

Question 28

What is the purpose of a literature review in social research?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize and critically evaluate existing research on a topic to identify gaps in knowledge and inform the research design.

Answer

To introduce the research topic

Answer

To present the research findings

Question 29

What is the difference between internal and external validity in social research?

Accepted Answer

Internal validity refers to the accuracy and soundness of the research findings within the study, while external validity refers to the generalizability of the findings to other populations or contexts.

Answer

Internal validity is more important than external validity.

Question 30

What is the role of triangulation in social research?

Accepted Answer

To increase the credibility and reliability of research findings by using multiple data collection methods and sources.

Answer

To reduce the cost of research

Answer

To make research findings more accessible to non-experts