research methods 2

• What is the primary purpose of questionnaires in research?

  To collect primary data from large numbers of people in a statistical form
• How are questionnaires typically administered?


  They can be posted, emailed, or completed on the spot
• What type of data do questionnaires usually collect?

  They usually collect quantitative data but can collect qualitative data too
• What are the two main types of questions used in questionnaires?

  • Closed questions: limited options, collect quantitative data, find out 'what'
  • Open questions: allow free responses, collect qualitative data, find out 'why'
• What should be included in the instructions for completing a questionnaire?

  Clear instructions on how to complete the questions
• Why should questionnaires be brief and to the point?


  To ensure respondents can complete them easily and quickly
• What is a key characteristic of the language used in questionnaire questions?

  Questions should be clear and in straightforward language
• What should questionnaires explain to respondents?

  What the research is about
• What is a guideline regarding multiple choice answers in questionnaires?

  Multiple choice answers shouldn’t overlap
• What types of questions should be avoided in questionnaires?

  Embarrassing, personal, or leading questions
• What are the four types of interviews mentioned?

  • Structured formal interview
  • Semi-structured interviews
  • Unstructured informal interview
  • Group interview
• What is a structured interview?


  A formal interview based on a set list of questions asked in the same order each time
• How do structured interviews compare to postal questionnaires?

  They are very similar but carried out by an interviewer
• What is a limitation of structured interviews?

  The interviewer cannot probe beyond the answers received
• What do interpretivists prefer in interviews?

  Unstructured interviews, as they allow for more valid responses
• What is the main characteristic of an unstructured interview?

  It is more of a guided conversation with few pre-set questions
• What is a semi-structured interview?

  An interview that has an interview schedule but allows for follow-up questions
• Why do positivists prefer structured interviews?

  Because they are more reliable and representative
• Why do interpretivists prefer unstructured interviews?

  Because they provide insight into the meanings important to interviewees
• What are the social interactions involved in interviews?

  • Interviewer bias
  • Leading questions or body language
  • Personal characteristics of the researcher
  • Artificial situations causing discomfort
  • Status and power differences
  • Cultural differences
  • Language barriers
  • Social desirability
• What is participant observation?

  It is where a researcher joins the activities of the group while observing and recording their behavior
• What are the two types of participant observation?

  Overt (with participants' knowledge) and covert (undercover)
• What is non-participant observation?

  A detached observer watches and notes behavior without getting involved
• What is the difference between covert and overt observation?


  Covert observation keeps the researcher's identity hidden, while overt observation reveals it
• What is structured observation?

  A method where a behavioral checklist is created in advance to record observed behaviors
• What is unstructured observation?


  A method where everything that occurs is written down
• What are the challenges of getting into a group for participant observation?

  It may require personal skills, connections, or luck to gain trust and acceptance
• What is the danger of staying in a group for too long during participant observation?

  Researchers may become over-involved and biased in their research
• What is a key consideration when deciding to leave a participant observation study?


  Determining when the research is over and whether to reveal true identity if covert
• What are the three main types of experiments in sociology?

  • Laboratory experiments
  • Field experiments
  • The comparative method
• What is the primary aim of experiments in sociology?

  To identify cause and effect relationships by manipulating variables
• What is a laboratory experiment?


  An experiment that takes place in controlled environments used by positivist that prefer reliable objective controlled and qualitative methods.
• What type of methods do positivists prefer in experiments?

  Reliable, objective controlled and quantitative methods
• What is a field experiment?


  An experiment that takes place in a natural setting
• What do interpretivists prefer in field experiments?


  Valid, subjective, unstructured qualitative methods and data
• What was the purpose of Milgram's study on obedience?

  To investigate if people would obey orders from authority figures even when the orders were morally wrong
• What was the setup of Milgram's experiment?

  Participants thought they were administering fatal electric shocks to another person
• What is the Rosenthal and Jacobson study on self-fulfilling prophecy?


  A field experiment that takes place in participants' natural surroundings without their awareness
• What is the comparative method in sociology?

  A thought experiment comparing two groups that are alike except for one variable
• What is the first step in the comparative method?

  Identify two groups that are alike in all major respects except for the one variable of interest