Exam 2: How Sociologists Do Research

Which of the following is the most widely used sociological research method?

The right to privacy is an ethical consideration when doing research on human subjects.

According to the textbook, why do researchers examine the effects of control variables?

Describe the scientific and political reasons for and against the discontinuation of the mandatory long-form census in Canada.

Robert recently purchased a Volkswagen Beetle, and was told by his insurance company he would have to pay higher premiums because it was red in colour. When asked to explain, the insurance agent said the company had accident history data that demonstrated red cars were involved in three times as many accidents. Robert analyzed the data and found that the red cars were predominantly high-speed sports cars. When he pointed this out, the insurance company readdressed its pricing policy. What did Robert discover?

Sandra has just finished a qualitative study of ways to improve recent immigrants' access to the Canadian health care system. Which of the following is she most likely to use to ensure authenticity of her study?

What is a spurious relationship and how is it addressed in quantitative research?

Define authenticity as it applies to three aspects of sociological research: ethics, causality, and interpretation of qualitative research results. Give examples.

A new university policy affects 20 000 students. A subset of 1000 students will be used to examine the effect on all of the students. Within sociological research, which of the following labels is given to the 20 000 students?

A professor was curious whether a 5 percent bonus mark would influence students to submit their term essays on time. Half the students were offered the bonus mark for on-time submission, and the other half were not offered any bonus marks. What kind of variable is the bonus mark incentive?

Which of the following is a feature of concrete experience as discussed in the textbook?

What is the problem of overgeneralization? How can sociologists attempt to correct this problem?

Consider this statement: "People with more intelligence have better sex lives." What does this statement exemplify?

Which of the following research characteristics leads to statistically significant research results?

When conducting research with human beings, what must sociologists respect?

A researcher is interested in the effect of violent media content on aggression. She exposes an all-female experimental group to a violent action drama and an all-male control group to a non-violent nature documentary. Which experimental requirement has the researcher violated?

What is the main advantage of an insider's viewpoint for acquiring knowledge of an organization?

What is the relationship between quantitative and qualitative research?

Schütz wrote that a researcher should adopt the attitude of a stranger toward the setting she studies. Which of the following viewpoints does Schütz favour?

Two observers standing on a street corner saw an automobile accident. While both observers witnessed the same event, they disagreed over which driver was responsible for the accident. What does this situation illustrate?