Research Methods in Class and Inequality Studies: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

To ensure the validity and reliability of research, which of these is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Employing a random sample

Answer

Gathering data from a large sample

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Utilizing a qualitative research approach

Question 2

How can researchers foster inclusivity and ensure the representation of diverse perspectives and voices in their research on class and inequality?

Accepted Answer

By actively seeking out and including participants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

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By exclusively recruiting participants from marginalized communities.

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By relying solely on qualitative research methods.

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By solely relying on secondary data sources.

Question 3

How does triangulating multiple research methods contribute to the validity and credibility of research findings in class and inequality studies?

Accepted Answer

Triangulation strengthens the credibility of findings by offering diverse perspectives and mitigating the risk of flawed methods.

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Triangulation minimizes random error by using only one data source.

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Triangulation reduces researcher bias, enhancing the validity of findings.

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Triangulation simplifies data analysis by providing a single dataset.

Question 4

How can intersectionality be used as an analytical lens in research on class and inequality? Discuss the advantages and challenges of using it in this context.

Accepted Answer

An advantage of using intersectionality in research is that it allows researchers to identify and challenge systems of oppression based on multiple forms of inequality.

Accepted Answer

A challenge of using intersectionality in research is that it can be difficult to operationalize and quantify.

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Intersectionality cannot be used in class and inequality research because it only focuses on race.

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Intersectionality is only suitable for qualitative research methods, such as interviews and focus groups.

Question 5

How does triangulation, the use of multiple research methods, enhance the validity and credibility of research findings in class and inequality studies?

Accepted Answer

Triangulation allows for a more comprehensive examination of the research topic by providing multiple perspectives and reducing bias.

Accepted Answer

Triangulation can help identify and address potential weaknesses in individual research methods.

Answer

Triangulation is always required to ensure the validity and credibility of research findings.

Question 6

In research on class and inequality, what is the main reason for using intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

To examine how different social categories, like class, race, gender, and sexuality, overlap and affect people's experiences of inequality.

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To compare the importance of different types of inequality, like class inequality and racial inequality.

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To create policies and programs that meet the specific needs of marginalized groups.

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To question the idea that social categories are fixed and unchanging.

Question 7

Which strategy can researchers use to ensure diverse perspectives and voices are represented in their research on class and inequality?

Accepted Answer

Implement purposive sampling to recruit participants from various backgrounds and social identities.

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Avoid asking questions that could make participants uncomfortable or marginalized.

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Collaborate only with researchers who share similar backgrounds and experiences as the participants.

Question 8

What is a key advantage of grounded theory as a qualitative data analysis method?

Accepted Answer

Theory is developed directly from the data.

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Predefined categories guide the analysis.

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It is suitable for analyzing large quantitative datasets.

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It follows a strict and standardized set of procedures.

Question 9

In research on class and inequality, reflexivity refers to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging how the researcher's social identity and experiences can shape their interpretation of data.

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Ensuring the research design is free from bias.

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Gathering data from a wide range of participants.

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Employing only quantitative research methods.

Question 10

In contemporary sociological research, how has the understanding of class evolved?

Accepted Answer

Increased emphasis on subjective cultural factors shaping class identities

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Diminished significance of class as a social category

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State as the primary determinant of class relations

Question 11

What is the primary objective of sampling in research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that the sample is representative of the population

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To extrapolate findings to a larger population

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To gather data from every member of the population

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To test hypotheses

Question 12

What is the key difference between a cross-sectional and a longitudinal research design?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional design collects data at a single point in time, while longitudinal design collects data over time.

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Longitudinal design collects data at a single point in time, while cross-sectional design collects data over time.

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Both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs collect data at a single point in time.

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Both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs collect data over time.

Question 13

When interpreting qualitative data, researchers should:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize identifying meaningful patterns and themes

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Focus on quantifying the data using statistical methods

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Ignore their own preconceptions and biases

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Objectively report the findings without personal interpretation

Question 14

Which sampling technique aims to obtain a sample that accurately represents the characteristics of the population?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

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Convenience sampling

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Purposive sampling

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Quota sampling

Question 15

The purpose of triangulation in research is to:

Accepted Answer

Compare findings from different methods and enhance credibility

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Increase the sample size and generalize findings

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Reduce the influence of researcher bias and subjectivity

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Test the reliability of different research instruments

Question 16

Which ethical principle requires researchers to maintain the privacy of participants and protect their personal information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

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Informed consent

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Beneficence

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Justice

Question 17

Interviews are primarily used to collect:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data

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Quantitative data

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Mixed methods data

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Experimental data

Question 18

Which statistical test is used to compare the central tendencies of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

T-test

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Analysis of variance

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Chi-square test

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Regression analysis

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

In-depth exploration of social phenomena

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Collection of numerical data

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Use of predetermined research instruments

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Generalizability of findings to a wider population

Question 20

In research design, the variable that is manipulated is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

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Dependent variable

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Controlled variable

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Extraneous variable

Question 21

The primary objective of a research proposal is to:

Accepted Answer

Outline the research's purpose, methods, and expected outcomes

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Secure funding for the research

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Obtain approval from an ethics committee

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Disseminate research findings

Question 22

What is the primary objective of the sampling process in research?

Accepted Answer

To obtain a sample that accurately represents the target population

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To collect data from a small, convenient group

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To ensure that the research findings are statistically significant

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To reduce the cost and time required for data collection

Question 23

Which of the following is classified as a qualitative research method?

Accepted Answer

Focus group interview

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Quantitative survey

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Regression analysis

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Experimental design

Question 24

How can a hypothesis be distinguished from a research question?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction, while a research question is more general

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A research question is a specific prediction, while a hypothesis is more general

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There is no distinction between a hypothesis and a research question

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A hypothesis is tested statistically, while a research question is not

Question 25

Which research method is most appropriate for exploring the lived experiences of individuals from different social classes?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative interview

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Quantitative survey

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Historical analysis

Question 26

Which research design is most suitable for conducting exploratory studies, where the goal is to gain insights and generate hypotheses?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative case study

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Quantitative survey

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Experimental study

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Longitudinal cohort study

Question 27

Which statistical test is most appropriate for analyzing the relationship between two categorical variables?

Accepted Answer

Chi-square test

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t-test

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Analysis of variance

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Regression analysis

Question 28

Which type of research approach emphasizes inductive reasoning and aims to generate new insights and theories from qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research

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Quantitative research

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Mixed methods research

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Experimental research

Question 29

Provide an example of a participant observation study, where the researcher directly observes and records the behavior of individuals in their natural settings.

Accepted Answer

Observing children's behavior in a playground

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Interviewing homeless individuals about their experiences

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Analyzing government data on poverty rates

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Conducting an experiment to test the effects of poverty on health

Question 30

Which data collection technique is appropriate for exploring individuals' lived experiences?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative interviews

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Quantitative surveys

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Observational methods

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Experimental studies

Question 31

Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research approaches.

Accepted Answer

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

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Qualitative research aims for generalizability, while quantitative research focuses on understanding specific contexts.

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Quantitative research is more objective than qualitative research.

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Qualitative research is more expensive and time-consuming than quantitative research.

Question 32

Explain the significance of validity and reliability in research.

Accepted Answer

Validity assesses how well an instrument measures what it claims to, while reliability indicates the consistency of measurements.

Answer

Validity and reliability only apply to quantitative research.

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Validity takes precedence over reliability.

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Reliability is more important than validity.

Question 33

Provide an example of a mixed methods research design.

Accepted Answer

Combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews

Answer

Using only qualitative data collection methods

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Using only quantitative data collection methods

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Comparing findings from multiple independent studies

Question 34

Which of the following statements accurately describes a key principle of class analysis?

Accepted Answer

Class is a fluid and dynamic social category.

Answer

Class is exclusively determined by economic factors.

Answer

Class is solely based on cultural and social factors.

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Class is a static and unchanging category.

Question 35

Which research method is most suitable for investigating the lived experiences of working-class families?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative interview

Answer

Quantitative survey

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Secondary data analysis

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Experimental study

Question 36

What is the significance of reflexivity in Class and Inequality Studies research?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledgement of the researcher's own positionality and potential biases

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Guarantee of research objectivity and neutrality

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Enhancement of research accessibility to the general public

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Prevention of any potential ethical concerns

Question 37

Interviews are an example of which type of research method?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative

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Quantitative

Answer

Mixed Methods

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Experimental

Question 38

What is the main purpose of triangulation in research?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the credibility and reliability of findings

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To reduce potential bias

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To facilitate data processing

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To make results more accessible

Question 39

What is a primary ethical obligation researchers have towards human participants?

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants' privacy and confidentiality

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Ensuring research findings are unbiased

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Recruiting a diverse sample

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Using appropriate statistical methods

Question 40

Which of the following is **NOT** a key skill for conducting research in class and inequality studies?

Accepted Answer

Memorizing statistical formulas

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Data analysis and interpretation

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Critical thinking about research methods

Answer

Designing research projects

Question 41

Which research method is most suitable for understanding the subjective experiences of marginalized communities?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative interview

Answer

Quantitative survey

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Experimental design

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 42

Which statistical test is typically used to determine significant differences between two groups on a continuous variable?

Accepted Answer

One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Chi-squared test

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Pearson correlation coefficient

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Regression analysis

Question 43

What is the main distinction between deductive and inductive research approaches?

Accepted Answer

Deductive: starts with a hypothesis and tests it; Inductive: derives theory from data

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Deductive: employs quantitative methods; Inductive: employs qualitative methods

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Deductive: focuses on generalizability; Inductive: emphasizes specific contexts

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Deductive: is more objective; Inductive: is more subjective

Question 44

What is the primary purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

Outlining the research plan and justifying its significance

Answer

Securing funding for the research project

Answer

Presenting research findings to a committee

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Publishing research results in a journal

Question 45

Which of the following is a quantitative research method frequently used in class and inequality studies?

Accepted Answer

Survey questionnaires

Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Participant observation

Question 46

What is the primary objective of qualitative research in class and inequality studies?

Accepted Answer

To gain an in-depth understanding of lived experiences

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To provide statistical evidence for social inequality

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To compare different social classes and groups

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To test hypotheses about social stratification

Question 47

Which sampling strategy is commonly employed in quantitative research on inequality?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

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Quota sampling

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Snowball sampling

Question 48

Which of the following data analysis techniques is commonly used in qualitative research on social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Discourse analysis

Answer

Descriptive statistics

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Factor analysis

Question 49

Which characteristic is essential in research methods used in class and inequality studies?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Quantitative data analysis

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Historical research

Answer

Experimental design

Question 50

During qualitative data interpretation, the researcher should primarily focus on:

Accepted Answer

Identifying patterns and themes

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Quantifying the findings

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Drawing generalizable conclusions

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Avoiding personal bias

Question 51

In class and inequality studies, the term 'social class' encompasses:

Accepted Answer

A combination of all these factors

Answer

Economic status

Answer

Cultural background

Answer

Occupational prestige

Question 52

To examine the lived experiences of working-class families in London, researchers would most likely adopt which research approach?

Accepted Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Quantitative survey

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Historical analysis

Question 53

Which of the following sampling techniques is most appropriate for a study exploring the experiences of a specific population?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 54

Which of the following is a key characteristic of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Focuses on the experiences and perspectives of participants

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Emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis

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Aims to generalize findings to a wider population

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Relies solely on structured questionnaires for data collection

Question 55

What is a primary benefit of using triangulation in social science research?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the reliability and validity of research findings

Answer

Reducing the time and resources required for data collection

Answer

Ensuring that all research participants are represented equally

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Eliminating the need for researcher interpretation of data

Question 56

Which ethical principle is of paramount importance in research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Participant autonomy

Answer

Confidentiality and anonymity

Answer

Researcher objectivity

Answer

Publication of research findings

Question 57

What is the fundamental difference between deductive and inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning derives a theory from observations, while inductive reasoning tests a theory with data

Answer

Inductive reasoning is used in qualitative research, while deductive reasoning is used in quantitative research

Answer

Deductive reasoning assumes an objective researcher, while inductive reasoning acknowledges researcher influence

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Inductive reasoning is more common in social science research, while deductive reasoning is more common in natural science research

Question 58

Which of the following is an advantage of using qualitative data analysis software?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing the organization, retrieval, and analysis of research data

Answer

Automating the coding and interpretation of research findings

Answer

Eliminating the need for human researchers in data analysis

Answer

Providing objective and unbiased interpretations of data

Question 59

What is the purpose of reflexivity in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging and examining the researcher's own biases and positionality

Answer

Maintaining a neutral and objective stance throughout the research process

Answer

Focusing solely on the experiences of research participants

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Reporting findings without any personal reflections or interpretations

Question 60

What is the primary aim of intersectionality in class and inequality research?

Accepted Answer

Examining how different forms of inequality overlap and reinforce each other

Answer

Analyzing class and inequality as isolated concepts

Answer

Identifying the sole cause of social stratification

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Developing policies to specifically address class and inequality

Question 61

The systematic process of gathering data from a representative group within a population is known as:

Accepted Answer

Sampling

Answer

Deduction

Answer

Generalization

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Quantification

Question 62

For investigating intricate social phenomena, which research approach is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experiments

Answer

Historical analysis

Question 63

Which statistical test is commonly employed to compare the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

T-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Correlation analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 64

The concept of 'reflexivity' in research refers to:

Accepted Answer

The influence of the researcher on the research process

Answer

The participants' ability to understand research findings

Answer

The validity of research results outside the study context

Answer

The moral implications of research