02.2 Research Methods - Introduction to Sociology

What is the primary purpose of using surveys in sociological research?

• To gather data from subjects through questionnaires or interviews

• To conduct experiments in controlled environments

• To analyze historical documents

• To observe participants in their natural settings

Which type of questions in surveys are used for quantitative data that can be statistically analyzed?

• Open-ended questions

• Closed-ended questions

• Rhetorical questions

• Hypothetical questions

What is a random sample in the context of surveys?

• A sample where every individual has an equal chance of selection

• A sample chosen based on convenience

• A sample selected from a specific demographic

• A sample that includes only volunteers

What is one of the strengths of using interviews in surveys?

• They allow for deeper exploration and unbiased interactions

• They are quick and require minimal planning

• They provide only quantitative data

• They are always conducted anonymously

What is the primary purpose of field research?

• A) To establish causation in natural environments

• B) To observe behaviors, interactions, and motivations in natural settings

• C) To conduct experiments in controlled settings

• D) To analyze statistical data

Which type of field research involves researchers immersing themselves in group activities?

• A) Ethnography

• B) Case Study

• C) Participant Observation

• D) Survey Research

What is a key characteristic of ethnography in field research?

• A) It focuses on laboratory experiments

• B) It provides quantitative data

• C) It involves extended time within a community

• D) It is based on historical documents

What is a limitation of case studies according to the text?

• A) They are too broad in scope

• B) They are not generalizable to larger populations

• C) They rely solely on quantitative data

• D) They do not provide detailed insights

Why are case studies particularly useful for exploring rare or extreme cases?

• A) They provide generalizable findings

• B) They focus on multiple cases simultaneously

• C) They offer rare developmental insights and challenge traditional theories

• D) They are based on statistical analysis

What is the main purpose of lab experiments in sociology?

• To observe behaviors in natural settings

• To manipulate variables in a controlled environment

• To study historical events

• To conduct surveys