method evaluation

• What is the term used to describe the value of social research findings in explaining or improving society?

  Generalisability

  
• What does it mean for research to be considered reliable?

  It measures what it set out to measure accurately.
• What is the definition of applicability in social research?

  It refers to whether research findings can help explain or improve society.
• What does validity in research refer to?

  It is the capacity of a research method to measure what it set out to measure.

  
• What is the significance of having a large sample in research?

  It tends to make the research more generalisable.

  
• What does ethical research involve?

  It involves considerations of whether the research is morally right or wrong.
• What does representativeness mean in social research?

  It refers to how well a sample mirrors the target population.
• What are the key questions to investigate generalisability in research?

  • Is the sample big enough to understand the target population?
  • Is there bias in the sample (e.g., gender, culture, class)?
  • Do the participants represent the group being studied?

  
• What factors impact the validity of research?

  • Hawthorne Effect: Changes in behavior when being observed.
  • Demand Characteristics: Altering answers to fit researcher expectations.
  • Social Desirability Bias: Modifying responses to appear more acceptable.
  • Group Dynamics: Peer pressure influencing behavior.
  • Data Type: Interpretation differences in qualitative data.
• What ethical considerations must be taken into account in research?

  1. Right to withdraw
  2. Informed consent
  3. Protection from harm
  4. Covert research
  5. Confidentiality/Anonymity
  6. Deception
  7. De-briefing
  8. Invasion of privacy
  9. Vulnerable groups
• What is triangulation in research?

  It is the use of multiple methods or sources to complement each other.
• What type of research methods tend to be the most reliable?

  Questionnaires and structured interviews.
• Why do participant observation and unstructured interviews tend to be more valid?

  They gain in-depth information that reflects social reality.
• How does the Hawthorne Effect impact research validity?

  It can lead to changes in behavior that distort the true results.
• What is the relationship between sample size and representativeness?

  A larger sample size generally increases representativeness.
• How can researchers ensure ethical standards are met in their studies?

  By considering informed consent, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw.
• What is the impact of social desirability bias on research findings?

  It can lead participants to provide answers they think are more acceptable.
• What is the main concern of ethical research regarding vulnerable groups?

  Ensuring their protection during the research process.
• How does the use of triangulation benefit research?

  It helps to counterbalance the weaknesses of individual methods.