SOC, 2E BY NIJOLE BENOKRAITIS

CHAPTER 2 – EXAMINING OUR SOCIAL WORLD

TEST BANK

MULTIPLE CHOICE

  1. Social research examines
  2. historical behavior.
  3. individual behavior.
  4. group behavior.
  5. human behavior.
  6. collective behavior.

ANS: D LO: 1PG: 21TYPE: FACT

  1. Which of the following is true regarding social research being value free?
  2. Social researchers must be value free from topic selection through the interpretation of data.
  3. Social researchers always aim for being value free, but if they fail to meet that standard it is not such a big deal.
  4. Although the topic selection may be subjective, the research must maintain objectivity when collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.
  5. All of the above are true about social research.
  6. None of the above is true about social research.

ANS: CLO: 2PG: 21TYPE: FACT/CONCEPTUAL

  1. In her research project, Megan is measuring age, gender, GPA, and study habits. Age, gender, GPA and study habits are examples of
  2. social inequality.
  3. variables.
  4. characteristics.
  5. assets.
  6. social issues.

ANS: BLO: 5PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Which of the following is the correct order of the stages of the scientific method?
  2. Literature review, topic selection, formulate hypothesis, collect data, analyze results
  3. Topic selection, collect data, analyze results, literature review, analyze results
  4. Literature review, collect data, formulate hypothesis, analyze results
  5. Topic selection, formulate hypothesis, collect data, analyze results, present findings
  6. Topic selection, literature review, formulate hypothesis, collect data, analyze results

ANS: E LO: 2PG: 25/26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Which is typically the first stage in the research process?
  2. literature review
  3. topic selection
  4. hypothesis formulation
  5. data collection
  6. present findings

ANS: BLO: 2PG: 25TYPE: CONCEPTUAL

  1. Joanna is conducting a research project that examines whether parent’s income impacts a child’s choice of college. Joanna thinks that parents who make a lot of money will have children who will attend private schools and parents who make little money will have children who will attend public schools. “Parent’s income” is the _____ in Joanna’s project.
  2. validity
  3. reliability
  4. hypothesis
  5. independent variable
  6. dependent variable

ANS: DLO: 5PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Joanna is conducting a research project that examines whether parent’s income impacts a child’s choice of college. Joanna thinks that parents who make a lot of money will have children who will attend private schools and parents who make little money will have children who will attend public schools. “child’s choice of college” is the _____ in Joanna’s project.
  2. validity
  3. reliability
  4. hypothesis
  5. independent variable
  6. dependent variable

ANS: ELO: 5PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Joanna is conducting a research project that examines whether parent’s income impacts a child’s choice of college. Joanna thinks that parents who make a lot of money will have children who will attend private schools and parents who make little money will have children who will attend public schools. The previous statement is the _____ in Joanna’s project.
  2. validity
  3. reliability
  4. hypothesis
  5. independent variable
  6. dependent variable

ANS: CLO: 5PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Markus hypothesizes that unemployment increases the risk of poverty among women. In his project, _____ is the independent variable and _____ is the dependent variable.
  2. unemployment; poverty
  3. poverty; unemployment
  4. gender, unemployment
  5. gender; poverty
  6. poverty; gender

ANS: A LO: 5PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. _____ is a statement of a relationship between two or more variables.
  2. Induction reasoning
  3. A hypothesis
  4. A correlation
  5. An association
  6. The scientific method

ANS: B LO: 5PG: 23TYPE: FACT

  1. In Ohio, a researcher found that as ice cream sales increase, so do the incidences of murder. In this example, _____ is the independent variable and _____ is the dependent variable.
  2. ice cream sales; incidences of murder
  3. incidences of murder; ice cream sales
  4. Ohio; ice cream sales
  5. Ohio; incidences of murder
  6. none of the above

ANS: ALO: 5PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Robert and Kendra are studying the effects of alcohol on car accidents

among teenagers. In this example, _____ is the independent variable and _____ is

the dependent variable.

  1. age; car accidents
  2. alcohol; age
  3. alcohol; car accidents
  4. car accidents; alcohol
  5. none of the above

ANS: CLO: 5PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Gretchen is conducting a research project and is interviewing respondents about their fertility history. On the first day her respondent says that she has had three children. However, the next day, the respondent reports that she has only two children. This is an example of a problem with
  2. validity.
  3. reliability.
  4. hypotheses.
  5. variables.
  6. methods.

ANS: BLO: 6PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. If a measure is _____, it produces similar results each time it is used.
  2. common
  3. universal
  4. value-free
  5. reliable
  6. inductive

ANS: DLO: 6PG: 23TYPE: FACT

  1. _____ is the degree to which a measure actually measures what you intended it to measure.
  2. Reliability
  3. Hypothesis
  4. Deduction
  5. Induction
  6. Validity

ANS: ELO: 6PG: 23TYPE: FACT

  1. If the researcher and the respondent interpret a research question differently, there is a problem with
  2. reliability.
  3. validity.
  4. deduction.
  5. accuracy.
  6. objectivity.

ANS: B LO: 6PG: 23TYPE: APPLIED

  1. One approach to examining the relationship between variables begins with theory and is tested through data collection. This approach is called
  2. qualitative.
  3. quantitative.
  4. inductive reasoning.
  5. deductive reasoning.
  6. value-free research.

ANS: D LO: 1PG: 24TYPE: FACT/CONCEPTUAL

  1. One approach to examining the relationship between variables begins with observations and ends with theory. This approach is called
  2. validity
  3. reliability
  4. inductive reasoning
  5. deductive reasoning
  6. hypothesis testing

ANS: C LO: 1PG: 24TYPE: FACT/CONCEPTUAL

  1. Sandy noticed that of all of her classmates, those who used laptops scored higher on exams. Which research approach is Sandy using?
  2. inductive reasoning
  3. deductive reasoning
  4. valid reasoning
  5. reliable reasoning
  6. observational reasoning

ANS: ALO: 1PG: 24TYPE: APPLIED

  1. To be included in a probability sample, respondents must
  2. select themselves.
  3. be selected according to whether the researcher considers them appropriate subjects.
  4. know something about a specific topic.
  5. have an unknown and zero chance of being selected.
  6. none of the above

ANS: ELO: 2PG: 26TYPE: FACT

  1. A/n _____ is any well-defined group of people about whom researchers want to know something.
  2. social group
  3. neighborhood
  4. population
  5. aggregate
  6. collective

ANS: CLO: 2PG: 24TYPE: FACT

  1. Because it is typically too expensive and too time consuming, researchers often select a/n _____, a group of people that are representative of the larger population.
  2. independent variable
  3. dependent variable
  4. hypothesis
  5. section
  6. sample

ANS: ELO: 2PG: 24TYPE: FACT

  1. When people call into TV contest shows to vote, such as American Idol or Dancing with the Stars, they are an example of a
  2. population
  3. probability sample
  4. nonprobability sample
  5. representative sample
  6. none of the above

ANS: CLO: 2PG: 24/25TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Matthew, a researcher, decided to conduct research on domestic violence. He further narrowed his topic to focus on social class and domestic violence. Matthew is engaging in which stage of research?
  2. reviewing the literature
  3. selecting a topic
  4. formulating a hypothesis
  5. choosing a research design
  6. presenting the findings

ANS: BLO: 2PG: 25/26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. When a sociological researcher interviews workers about their opinions of their work conditions, the researcher is engaging in what stage of research?
  2. collecting data
  3. selecting a topic
  4. formulating a hypothesis
  5. choosing a research design
  6. presenting the findings

ANS: ALO: 2PG: 25/26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Gail, a sociologist, is reading the available literature on welfare policies for her research project. In which stage of the research process is Gail engaging?
  2. selecting the topic
  3. collecting data
  4. analyzing results
  5. reviewing the literature
  6. choosing a research design

ANS: DLO: 2PG: 25/26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Murray describes his sampling technique, the sample size, and the characteristics of the respondents in his study. Murray is engaging in which stage of the research process?
  2. presenting the results
  3. collecting data
  4. analyzing results
  5. reviewing the literature
  6. describing the data collection methods

ANS: ELO: 2PG: 25/26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Which of the following is not a stage in the research process?
  2. selecting the topic
  3. collecting data
  4. analyzing results
  5. manipulating the data
  6. choosing a research design

ANS: DLO: 2PG: 25/26TYPE: FACT

  1. Michelle is presenting her research at a local conference. She has concluded that the program she reviewed is very effective in its mission. Michelle is engaging in which stage of the research process?
  2. selecting the topic
  3. collecting data
  4. analyzing and explaining results
  5. reviewing the literature
  6. choosing a research design

ANS: CLO: 2PG: 25/26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Ryan is examining children’s books as part of a research project on gender images in the media. Ryan is using which of the following research approaches?
  2. quantitative research
  3. qualitative research
  4. deductive research
  5. inductive research
  6. none of the above

ANS: BLO: 3PG: 26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Dr. Worthington is analyzing recorded interviews in a research project on stress in the workplace. Dr. Worthington is using which of the following research approaches?
  2. quantitative research
  3. qualitative research
  4. value-free research
  5. verstehen research
  6. experimental research

ANS: BLO: 3PG: 26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Steve’s research project is aimed at understanding the relationship between after-school employment and GPA. Steve is collecting data from students on the number of hours they work outside of school and their grades. Steve is using which of the following research approaches?
  2. quantitative research
  3. qualitative research
  4. deductive research
  5. inductive research
  6. none of the above

ANS: ALO: 3PG: 26TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Which of the following statements is true regarding correlation and causation in social research?
  2. The terms “correlation” and “causation” can be used interchangeably.
  3. Correlation and causation are mutually exclusive terms.
  4. Social research does not address issues of causation.
  5. Social research does not address issues of correlation.
  6. Sociologists can only predict death with relative certainty.

ANS: CLO: 4PG: 27TYPE: CONCEPTUAL

  1. Gregory has found that premarital cohabitation and subsequent divorce are related. Can Gregory conclude that premarital cohabitation causes subsequent divorce?
  2. Yes, as long as he followed all ethical standards.
  3. Yes, as long as he used a probability sample.
  4. No, he can only conclude that there is a correlation.
  5. No, he can only conclude that his sampling was flawed.
  6. A conclusion cannot be drawn without more information.

ANS: CLO: 4PG: 27TYPE: CONCEPTUAL

  1. If Marta is conducting a social research project on levels of education and self-esteem, which of the following statements could she make?
  2. “Increasing one’s education causes self-esteem to improve.”
  3. “The lower one’s education, the more likely one has low self-esteem.”
  4. “Education causes poor self-esteem.”
  5. Any of the above statements could be made.
  6. None of the above statements could be made.

ANS: BLO: 4PG: 27TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Peter is sending out surveys via e-mail to 7000 students on campus to gather data about their eating habits. Peter is using which of the following data collection methods?
  2. survey
  3. field research
  4. experiment
  5. evaluation research
  6. secondary analysis

ANS: ALO: 7PG: 27TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau mails forms to every home in the United States to collect federally mandated data. The Census Bureau is using which of the following data collection methods?
  2. secondary analysis
  3. field research
  4. experiment
  5. survey
  6. evaluation research

ANS: DLO: 7PG: 27TYPE: APPLIED

  1. A common way for telephone interviews to be conducted is with the help of
  2. many volunteers.
  3. computer-assisted telephone interviewing.
  4. digital voices.
  5. computer-interviewer manipulation.
  6. all of the above.

ANS: BLO: 7PG: 27TYPE: CONCEPTUAL

  1. Which of the following is not one of the major strengths of survey research?
  2. Surveys are inexpensive.
  3. Surveys are often anonymous.
  4. Surveys are simple to administer.
  5. Surveys have very high response rates.
  6. Surveys are fast.

ANS: DLO: 7PG: 27/28TYPE: FACT/CONCEPTUAL

  1. Which of the following survey methods has the higher response rate?
  2. mailed questionnaires
  3. face-to-face interviews
  4. telephone interviews
  5. internet questionnaires
  6. text message questionnaires

ANS: BLO: 7PG: 27/28TYPE: FACT

  1. Lisa is conducting research on teen sexual behavior in her state. Which method would probably be the most appropriate for her project?
  2. interviews
  3. evaluation research
  4. survey
  5. experiment
  6. field research

ANS: CLO: 7PG: 27/28TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Which of the following is a common criticism of survey research?
  2. They are usually expensive.
  3. They usually have a slow turnaround.
  4. Respondents’ answers are never anonymous or confidential.
  5. Interviewers can record a respondent’s body language and facial expressions.
  6. Mailed questionnaires usually have a low response rate.

ANS: ELO: 7PG: 28TYPE: CONCEPTUAL

  1. In 1998, the University of Wisconsin collected data on means of transportation to work. In 2008, Betsy (a University of Minnesota student) used the data for her own project. Betsy is using which data collection method?
  2. secondary analysis
  3. evaluation research
  4. survey
  5. experiment
  6. field research

ANS: ALO: 7PG: 28/29TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Connor is reviewing birth and death certificates for persons living in Jefferson County. Connor is using which data collection method?
  2. survey
  3. evaluation research
  4. secondary analysis
  5. experiment
  6. field research

ANS: CLO: 7PG: 28/29TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Which of the following is a strength of secondary analysis?
  2. The data are always longitudinal.
  3. Usually inexpensive and convenient.
  4. Usually not available to biased researchers.
  5. Valuable to real-life situations.
  6. Permits comparisons of specific groups over decades.

ANS: BLO: 7PG: 28/29TYPE: CONCEPTUAL

  1. Secondary data are often _____ rather than cross-sectional.
  2. expensive
  3. derivative
  4. longitudinal
  5. primary
  6. copied

ANS: CLO: 7PG: 29TYPE: FACT

  1. Barney, a junior, was interested in studying the study habits of college freshman. To better understand this issue, Barney joined a number of study groups designed for freshman-level courses at his college. Barney is using which data collection method?
  2. secondary analysis
  3. evaluation research
  4. survey
  5. experiment
  6. field research

ANS: ELO: 7PG: 29/30TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Molly is conducting research on the homeless. For six weeks she has lived among the homeless “24/7,” sleeping on the street or at a shelter, and engaging in the same activities as the population she is studying. By doing so, Molly has been able to gather a broad understanding of the homeless, their needs, and characteristics. Molly is using _____ as a method of gathering data.
  2. questionnaires
  3. experiments
  4. participant observation
  5. nonparticipant observation
  6. content analysis

ANS: CLO: 7PG: 29/30TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Nina is studying rituals among professional athletes. She has access to team locker rooms before and after games for three major league baseball teams. Nina is using _____ as a method of gathering data.
  2. questionnaires
  3. experiments
  4. participant observation
  5. nonparticipant observation
  6. content analysis

ANS: DLO: 7PG: 29/30TYPE: APPLIED

  1. According to the textbook, researchers Anderson and Venkatesh used _____ in their studies of gangs and low-income neighborhoods.
  2. questionnaires
  3. experiments
  4. field research
  5. secondary analysis
  6. content analysis

ANS: CLO: 7PG: 29/30TYPE: APPLIED

  1. A researcher who spends time with subjects in the places where they naturally congregate is engaged in which type of research?
  2. field research
  3. validation
  4. survey
  5. experiment
  6. secondary analysis

ANS: ALO: 7PG: 29/30TYPE: FACT

  1. If you would like to understand what runners do to prepare for marathons, which method of research would you use?
  2. content analysis
  3. field research
  4. statistical analysis
  5. survey
  6. experiment

ANS: BLO: 7PG: 29/30TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Which of the following is a common weakness of field research?
  2. It has a low response rate.
  3. It may be dangerous.
  4. It is complex and rigid.
  5. It relies on volunteers.
  6. It is often political and requires legal approval.

ANS: BLO: 7PG: 30TYPE: FACT/CONCEPTUAL

  1. Content analysis uses which of the following to examine social phenomenon?
  2. newspapers
  3. songs
  4. diaries
  5. all of the above
  6. none of the above

ANS: DLO: 7PG: 30-32TYPE: FACT

  1. Lindsey and Tobias decided to study how children’s books present diverse family structures. Lindsey and Tobias read and coded 25 children’s books and noted what type of family structure was illustrated in the text and pictures. Lindsey and Tobias were using which method of data collection?
  2. secondary analysis
  3. evaluation research
  4. survey
  5. content analysis
  6. field research

ANS: DLO: 7PG: 30-32TYPE: APPLIED

  1. Which of the following statements is true regarding sociology and experiments?
  2. Experiments are done commonly in sociological research.
  3. Experiments are done primarily in psychological research rather than sociological research.
  4. Experiments are used exclusively by sociologists.
  5. Experiments are frequently used in sociological research.
  6. None of the above statements is true.

ANS: BLO: 7PG: 32/33TYPE: FACT

  1. A carefully controlled artificial situation that allows researchers to manipulate variables and measure their effects is called a/n
  2. random sample
  3. survey
  4. experiment
  5. field research
  6. content analysis

ANS: CLO: 7PG: 32/33TYPE: FACT

  1. In the classic experimental design, there are two groups: the _____ group and the _____ group.
  2. sociological; psychological
  3. independent; dependent
  4. control; experimental
  5. pretest; posttest
  6. human; subject

ANS: CLO: 7PG: 32/33TYPE: FACT

  1. In the classic experimental design, the _____ is exposed to the independent variable (treatment), while the control group is not.
  2. independent group
  3. subject group
  4. pretest group
  5. dependent group
  6. experimental

ANS: ELO: 7PG: 32/33TYPE: FACT

  1. In the classic experimental design, the researcher measures the dependent variable both before the introduction of the independent variable, the _____, and again after the experimental group is exposed to the independent variable, the _____.
  2. pretest; posttest
  3. prior test; after test
  4. control test; experimental test
  5. validity test; reliability test
  6. reliability test; validity test

ANS: ALO: 7PG: 32/33TYPE: FACT

  1. Abbey was interested in researching the effects of physical environment on the behavior of studying. She observed two groups – one group where students were studying outside in the campus quad, and another group who studied in the library. Abbey is using which method of data collection?
  2. survey
  3. secondary analysis
  4. content analysis
  5. experiments
  6. evaluation

ANS: DLO: 7PG: 32/33TYPE: APPLIED