Question 1

Considering the methods used in the process of field research, critically evaluate the potential for researcher bias in the ethnographic study.

Accepted Answer

Field research in ethnographic studies involves the researcher immersing themselves in the culture and community they are studying, often for an extended period of time. This method allows for a deep understanding of the social and cultural dynamics at play, but it also presents the potential for researcher bias.

One potential source of bias in ethnographic field research is the researcher's own background and experiences. Their personal beliefs, values, and cultural norms can influence how they interpret and understand the behaviors and practices of the community they are studying. This can lead to a biased representation of the culture, as the researcher may inadvertently impose their own perspectives onto their observations.

Additionally, the researcher's relationships with the members of the community can also introduce bias. Developing close relationships with certain individuals or groups within the community may lead to favoritism or a skewed portrayal of the community as a whole. On the other hand, if the researcher faces challenges or conflicts within the community, this could also impact their objectivity and lead to biased interpretations of the culture.

Furthermore, the researcher's own preconceived notions and expectations can influence the data collection and analysis process. They may selectively focus on information that confirms their existing beliefs, or they may interpret ambiguous or contradictory data in a way that aligns with their assumptions.

To mitigate the potential for researcher bias in ethnographic studies, researchers can employ various strategies. These may include reflexivity, where the researcher critically reflects on their own biases and assumptions throughout the research process. Additionally, triangulation, or the use of multiple data sources and methods, can help to validate the findings and reduce the impact of individual biases. Finally, involving members of the community in the research process, such as through participant observation or collaborative data analysis, can provide alternative perspectives and help to counteract researcher bias.

In conclusion, while ethnographic field research offers valuable insights into the complexities of human culture and society, it also presents the potential for researcher bias. It is essential for researchers to be aware of their own biases and to actively work towards minimizing their impact on the study. By employing reflexivity, triangulation, and community involvement, researchers can strive to produce more objective and nuanced ethnographic studies.

Question 2

Describe the methods used by field researchers.

Accepted Answer

Field researchers use a variety of methods to collect data and conduct their research. These methods can include direct observation, interviews, surveys, and experiments.

Direct observation involves researchers physically being present in the field to observe and document the behavior of subjects or the natural environment. This can be done through techniques such as participant observation, where the researcher becomes actively involved in the activities of the subjects they are studying.

Interviews are another common method used by field researchers, where they engage with individuals or groups to gather information and insights. These interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the research objectives.

Surveys are also frequently used in field research, allowing researchers to collect data from a large number of participants in a systematic and standardized manner. Surveys can be conducted in person, over the phone, or online, and can include closed-ended or open-ended questions.

Experiments are another method used by field researchers to test hypotheses and gather data. This can involve manipulating variables in a controlled environment to observe the effects on the subjects or the environment.

Overall, field researchers use a combination of these methods to gather data and gain a deeper understanding of the phenomena they are studying in their natural environment. Each method has its strengths and limitations, and researchers often use a combination of methods to triangulate their findings and ensure the validity and reliability of their research.

Question 3

Large samples are not much more accurate than small samples. A sample of a few thousand-even one thousand-is capable of reflecting the opinions of 1 million or 100 million voters fairly accurately. For example, a random sample of one thousand voters across the United States can produce a sampling error (plus or minus) of

Accepted Answer

A)   95 percent.
B)   85 percent.
C)   3 percent.
D)   6 percent. C

Question 4

The social sciences seek to develop theories to explain why human beings

Accepted Answer

A)   think as they do.
B)   live as they do.
C)   feel as they do.
D)   behave as they do.

Question 5

A fact in the social sciences is always considered absolute.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

A significant relationship is one that is NOT likely to have occurred

Accepted Answer

A)   due to causation.
B)   by chance.
C)   on purpose.
D)   because the timing was right.

Question 7

Theories are developed at different levels of generality. Theories with low levels of generality will explain only a small or narrow range of behaviors. Which of the following is an example of theory with a low level of generality?

Accepted Answer

A)   Religious differences cause political conflict.
B)   Christian voters tend to vote Republican.
C)   Voting preferences determine elections.
D)   None of these

Question 8

A case study is an in-depth investigation of a particular event in order to understand it as fully as possible. Which of the following would NOT be the focus of a case study?

Accepted Answer

A)   A single government decision
B)   A single town
C)   A single society
D)   All businesses in a single town

Question 9

If people are allowed to volunteer for the experiment, then the experimental and control groups might not be representative of the population as a whole.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Ethnographic studies are usually produced by social scientists from which discipline?

Accepted Answer

A)   Sociology
B)   Anthropology
C)   Philosophy
D)   Psychology

Question 11

Write an essay that compares the use of the scientific method in the social sciences to the methods used in biology or any other non-social science

Accepted Answer

The answer of Write an essay that compares the use...

Question 12

Fully explain the classic research design. Describe the conditions under which this design is appropriately used. How might the potential problems associated with the classic research design affect the study's outcome?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Fully explain the classic research design. Describe...

Question 13

A correlation is a significant statistical relationship found in data.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Salient issues are those that people think about most and about which they hold weak and changeable opinions.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

A push poll really constitutes more of a campaign tactic than a scientific public opinion survey. Which of the following is a tactic used during push polls to sway opinion for a particular candidate or position?

Accepted Answer

A)   Paying the respondent
B)   Educating the respondent
C)   Asking leading or loaded questions
D)   Making substantiated claims about the other candidate's record

Question 16

Field research often involves participant observation, during which the researcher both observes and participates in the society being studied. Which of the following is an ethical issue of the participant researcher?

Accepted Answer

A)   Observing, taking notes, and reporting on the society being studied
B)   Living in the society being studied
C)   Deciding whether or not to identify himself or herself as a researcher
D)   Participating in the society being studied

Question 17

There is always the chance that the sample selected will not be representative of the universe. Survey researchers can estimate this sampling error through which of the following methods?

Accepted Answer

A)   the multiplication of likelihood
B)   the mathematics of likelihood
C)   the mathematics of multiplication
D)   the mathematics of probability

Question 18

The scientific method represents all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)   an attitude of doubt or skepticism.
B)   an attempt to develop a systematic body of theory.
C)   a method that deals with what should be.
D)   an attempt to develop statements about how events or behavior might be related and then to carefully test their validity.

Question 19

Explain the scientific method.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the scientific method....

Question 20

Theories are typically a set of interrelated concepts that can be considered

Accepted Answer

A)   unique.
B)   helpful.
C)   facts.
D)   generalizable.

Exam 2: Social Sciences and the Scientific Method

Considering the methods used in the process of field research, critically evaluate the potential for researcher bias in the ethnographic study.

Describe the methods used by field researchers.

The social sciences seek to develop theories to explain why human beings

A fact in the social sciences is always considered absolute.

A significant relationship is one that is NOT likely to have occurred

Theories are developed at different levels of generality. Theories with low levels of generality will explain only a small or narrow range of behaviors. Which of the following is an example of theory with a low level of generality?

A case study is an in-depth investigation of a particular event in order to understand it as fully as possible. Which of the following would NOT be the focus of a case study?

If people are allowed to volunteer for the experiment, then the experimental and control groups might not be representative of the population as a whole.

Ethnographic studies are usually produced by social scientists from which discipline?

Write an essay that compares the use of the scientific method in the social sciences to the methods used in biology or any other non-social science

Fully explain the classic research design. Describe the conditions under which this design is appropriately used. How might the potential problems associated with the classic research design affect the study's outcome?

A correlation is a significant statistical relationship found in data.

Salient issues are those that people think about most and about which they hold weak and changeable opinions.

A push poll really constitutes more of a campaign tactic than a scientific public opinion survey. Which of the following is a tactic used during push polls to sway opinion for a particular candidate or position?

Field research often involves participant observation, during which the researcher both observes and participates in the society being studied. Which of the following is an ethical issue of the participant researcher?

There is always the chance that the sample selected will not be representative of the universe. Survey researchers can estimate this sampling error through which of the following methods?

The scientific method represents all of the following EXCEPT

Explain the scientific method.

Theories are typically a set of interrelated concepts that can be considered