Question 1

Describe the range of membership roles that the participant observer may perform. How do these roles differ in terms of (a) ability to develop trust and rapport, (b) access to various kinds of information, and (c) personal consequences for the researcher?

Accepted Answer

The participant observer may perform a range of membership roles within the group or community they are studying. These roles can vary from being a passive observer to actively participating in the group's activities and interactions. Some common roles include being a casual member, a peripheral member, an active member, or even a leader within the group.

In terms of developing trust and rapport, the ability of the participant observer to do so can vary depending on the role they take on. For example, a casual member may have a harder time developing deep trust and rapport compared to an active member who is more involved in the group's activities and interactions. Additionally, a leader within the group may have an easier time gaining trust and rapport due to their position of authority.

Access to various kinds of information also differs based on the role of the participant observer. A casual member may only have access to surface-level information, while an active member or leader may have access to more in-depth and sensitive information within the group. This can impact the quality and depth of the data collected by the researcher.

Personal consequences for the researcher can also vary depending on the role they take on as a participant observer. For example, a casual member may face fewer personal consequences compared to an active member or leader who may become more emotionally invested in the group and its dynamics. Additionally, the level of personal involvement can impact the researcher's ability to maintain objectivity and distance from the group, potentially affecting the quality of their research.

Overall, the range of membership roles that the participant observer may perform can significantly impact their ability to develop trust and rapport, access various kinds of information, and experience personal consequences as a researcher. It is important for the researcher to carefully consider the potential implications of their chosen role in order to conduct ethical and rigorous research.

Question 2

The major cost in most field research is time.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 3

According to the text, which of the following is the defining characteristic of field research?

Accepted Answer

A)   qualitative analysis
B)   detached observation
C)   active participation in the lives of the people studied
D)   observation of people in natural social settings D

Question 4

By virtue of its strengths, field research would work best for addressing which one of the following research questions?

Accepted Answer

A)   Do feelings of guilt increase the likelihood that someone will help others?
B)   Are men more likely than women to donate blood?
C)   How do teenage mothers manage to care for their children?
D)   Does the incidence of domestic abuse increase during an economic recession?

Question 5

In-depth interviews are like structured survey interviews except they take longer.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Data analysis in field research should take place only after one's field observations are complete.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Which of the following sequences best describes the process of recording and analyzing data in field research?

Accepted Answer

A)   write memos  make field jottings  develop and code data  record field notes
B)   write memos  develop and code data  make field jottings  record field notes
C)   make field jottings  record field notes  develop and code data  write memos
D)   develop and code data  write memos  make field jottings  record field notes

Question 8

Compared with unstructured observation, structured observation

Accepted Answer

A)   is usually carried out in the early phases of field research.
B)   allows for greater control of sampling and measurement error.
C)   is a more frequent adjunct to participant observation.
D)   permits weaker generalizations because it is more focused.

Question 9

Which of the following is least likely to pose a problem for the participant observer?

Accepted Answer

A)   conflict between the roles of participant and scientific observer
B)   the possibility of influencing the phenomena being studied
C)   identifying with one's "subjects" and losing sight of the observer role
D)   disclosing the general purpose of one's research to those observed

Question 10

Field researchers may choose to supplement their observations with data from interviews or official records.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

To develop ideas from their field notes, field researchers

Accepted Answer

A)   arrange their notes into categories based on the hypotheses that informed the research.
B)   develop coding schemes before they make their field observations.
C)   ask questions about the data.
D)   carefully distinguish between information gained from observation and information gained through participation.

Question 12

In Chapter 2, the authors described the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning. In what ways is field research more likely than other approaches to involve an inductive logic of inquiry? Be sure to discuss emergent research design and the process of data analysis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In Chapter 2, the authors described the...

Question 13

Field researchers generally avoid forming close relationships with those they are observing.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Which of the following statements most accurately describes data analysis in field research?

Accepted Answer

A)   Data analysis follows the completion of data collection, as in surveys and experiments.
B)   Data analysis is merely descriptive and never explanatory.
C)   Researchers may use computer software to code and link data sources.
D)   Researchers let the data speak for themselves without using theory to shape their interpretations.

Question 15

Field researchers generally enter the field with a clear-cut research design that is rarely subject to change.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Once in the field, sampling in field research usually involves the random selection of participants and events.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

Laud Humphreys gained access to men engaged in sexual encounters in public restrooms by posing as a voyeur and lookout. By performing these activities, Humphreys assumed a(n) __________ membership role in the setting that he studied.

Accepted Answer

A)   peripheral
B)   active
C)   inactive
D)   complete

Question 18

Interview guides for semi-structured interviews contain a list of topics and questions.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

__________ members adopt a functional role in the setting but do not commit themselves completely to the group; __________ are least likely to develop trust and rapport with the group.

Accepted Answer

A)   Peripheral; active
B)   Complete; active
C)   Peripheral; complete
D)   Active; peripheral

Question 20

Field research is a good way to study rapidly changing situations.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 11: Field Research

Describe the range of membership roles that the participant observer may perform. How do these roles differ in terms of (a) ability to develop trust and rapport, (b) access to various kinds of information, and (c) personal consequences for the researcher?

The major cost in most field research is time.

According to the text, which of the following is the defining characteristic of field research?

By virtue of its strengths, field research would work best for addressing which one of the following research questions?

In-depth interviews are like structured survey interviews except they take longer.

Data analysis in field research should take place only after one's field observations are complete.

Which of the following sequences best describes the process of recording and analyzing data in field research?

Compared with unstructured observation, structured observation

Which of the following is least likely to pose a problem for the participant observer?

Field researchers may choose to supplement their observations with data from interviews or official records.

To develop ideas from their field notes, field researchers

In Chapter 2, the authors described the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning. In what ways is field research more likely than other approaches to involve an inductive logic of inquiry? Be sure to discuss emergent research design and the process of data analysis.

Field researchers generally avoid forming close relationships with those they are observing.

Which of the following statements most accurately describes data analysis in field research?

Field researchers generally enter the field with a clear-cut research design that is rarely subject to change.

Once in the field, sampling in field research usually involves the random selection of participants and events.

Laud Humphreys gained access to men engaged in sexual encounters in public restrooms by posing as a voyeur and lookout. By performing these activities, Humphreys assumed a(n) __________ membership role in the setting that he studied.

Interview guides for semi-structured interviews contain a list of topics and questions.

members adopt a functional role in the setting but do not commit themselves completely to the group; are least likely to develop trust and rapport with the group.

Field research is a good way to study rapidly changing situations.