choosing a method

• What type of data is used to predict behavior trends?

  Quantitative data
• Why is quantitative data considered more reliable than qualitative data?

  It has higher reliability than qualitative data
• How can quantitative data help in hypothesis testing?

  It is more useful for hypothesis testing

  
• What is a limitation of quantitative data regarding social laws?

  It cannot generate social laws
• What is a key disadvantage of quantitative data analysis?

  It tells you 'what' not 'why'
• What is a potential issue with small-scale quantitative studies?

  They may be less reliable due to low data quantity
• How can researcher expertise affect quantitative data analysis?

  Poor statistical knowledge may hinder analysis
• What is a strength of qualitative data?

  It provides detailed and in-depth insights
• How does qualitative data help understand behavior?

  It tells you the 'why' behind behavior
• What advantage does qualitative research offer due to researcher involvement?

  It allows for an insider's view of the field
• What is a limitation of qualitative research regarding generalizations?

  It cannot make generalizations
• What are the three factors influencing the choice of research methods?

  • Practical issues
  • Ethical issues
  • Theoretical issues

  
• What practical issues can affect a sociologist's choice of method?

  Time, money, and personal skills
• Why might funding bodies influence research methods?

  They may require results in a specific form
• How can a sociologist's personal skills affect their research method choice?

  Different skills suit different research methods
• What challenges might arise when studying a specific group?

  Some methods may be harder to apply
• What ethical issue involves participants' right to refuse involvement?

  Informed consent
• What is the purpose of de-briefing in research?

  To ensure participants are okay post-research
• Why is invasion of privacy an ethical concern in research?

  It involves personal lives unrelated to research
• What should researchers anticipate to protect participants from harm?

  Possible negative effects of their work
• What special care should be taken with vulnerable groups in research?

  Obtain consent from both child and parent
• What does the right to withdraw mean for research participants?

  Participants can leave the study anytime
• What ethical issue arises from deception in research?

  It can invalidate the data collected
• What is confidentiality in research?

  Keeping participants' identities secret
• What is covert research?

  Research where identity and purpose are hidden
• How does validity relate to research methods?

  It produces a true picture of reality
• What is reliability in research methods?

  Consistency of results when repeated
• What does representativeness mean in research?

  Typical cross-section of the studied group
• How do positivists and interpretivists differ in their data preference?

  Positivists prefer quantitative, interpretivists qualitative

  
• What are the contrasting methodological perspectives in sociology?

  • Positivism: Prefers quantitative data, seeks patterns
  • Interpretivism: Prefers qualitative data, seeks meanings

  
• What ethical dilemma did Anne Other face in her research?

  She conducted research covertly without consent
• What justification did Anne Other provide for her covert research?

  It was in the public interest