Exam 2: Examining Our Social World

Michelle is presenting her research at a local conference. She has concluded that the program she reviewed is very effective in its mission. According to the steps in the scientific method, using the deductive approach, Michelle is:

A control variable is a characteristic that is constant and unchanged during the research process.

Discuss the qualitative and quantitative approaches to research with examples.

Which of the following is the most desirable characteristic of a probability sample?

In participant observation, researchers interact with the people they are studying.

_____ provide information on characteristics like national college graduation rates.

Which of the following is a tradition?

Research findings often challenge personal attitudes and beliefs that people cherish.

Sociological research sharpens critical thinking skills. Justify this statement with an example.

In qualitative research, sociologists examine nonnumerical material that they then interpret.

_____ is an inquiry process that begins with a theory, prediction, or general principle that is then tested through data collection.

Is correlation the same as causation?

Identify a statement that is most likely an example of causation.

Researchers have two principal ways of dealing with the time issue. What are they?

Which of the following is true of sociological research?

Shauna, a dance teacher, notices that students who have healthy snacks and fruit juices while her classes are going on perform better. She conducts a study over six months to confirm that her observation is true. Identify the type of reasoning that Shauna uses to arrive at her theory.

In the context of major data collection methods, what are the strengths of surveys?

Longitudinal studies are more useful in examining trends in behavior or attitudes than cross-sectional studies, because a researcher using longitudinal studies can follow a particular group of people over time.

Explain deductive and inductive reasoning.

Karan, a sociologist, examines a sports magazine to focus on advertisements that portray men in a stereotypical manner. Identify the method of data collection that Karan is using in this case.