7.3.3 Addressing issues of bias and objectivity

• Bias in research can lead to inaccurate conclusions.


  True
• There are three key sources of bias in sociological research: researcher bias, sampling bias, and respondent bias
• Researcher bias occurs when the researcher's own values or expectations influence the study process and results
• Match the source of bias with its description:

  Researcher Bias ↔️ Researcher's values influence results

  Sampling Bias ↔️ Sample is not representative

  Respondent Bias ↔️ Systematic errors in responses
• Why is objectivity crucial in sociological research?

  Ensures validity and reliability
• Objectivity ensures research findings are free from personal influence and maintain an impartial, neutral approach
• What does objectivity ensure in research findings?

  Validity and reliability
• Objectivity in research is defined as an impartial, neutral approach
• How does an objective researcher handle their own beliefs in a study on educational inequality?

  Without letting beliefs affect results
• Bias in research is influenced by the researcher's preconceptions, values, or assumptions.


  True
• Bias in research can lead to inaccurate or misleading conclusions
• Objectivity requires researchers to be free from personal influence during data collection and analysis.


  True
• What is researcher bias in sociological research?

  Researcher's values influence results
• Sampling bias arises when the sample is not representative of the population
• Respondent bias includes errors in participant responses due to social desirability or response set bias.


  True
• How does researcher bias affect the research process?

  Influences study design
• Bias in research is caused by the researcher's own preconceptions, values, or assumptions
• Match the term with its characteristic:

  Bias ↔️ Systematic distortion of research

  Objectivity ↔️ Impartial, neutral approach
• Objectivity in research enhances the accuracy and consistency of sociological findings.


  True
• What is the defining characteristic of bias in research results?

  Systematic distortion
• To achieve objectivity, researchers must minimize bias at every stage
• Order the methods to minimize researcher bias:

  1️⃣ Reflexivity

  2️⃣ Triangulation

  3️⃣ Peer Review
• Random sampling ensures every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected.


  True
• What does stratified sampling involve in research?

  Dividing population into subgroups
• Anonymity in research helps minimize respondent bias by keeping participant identities confidential
• What is purposive sampling, and why is its generalizability limited?

  Choosing relevant groups; limited generalizability
• Anonymity in research ensures that participant identities are kept confidential to encourage honest responses.


  True
• Clear questionnaires use simple, unambiguous language to avoid leading questions
• What is cross-checking in research, and why is it important?

  Verifying responses with other data; ensures accuracy
• Match the bias reduction strategy with its description:

  Reflexivity ↔️ Researchers acknowledge personal biases

  Triangulation ↔️ Using multiple methods to confirm findings

  Peer Review ↔️ Expert evaluation of design and results

  Random Sampling ↔️ Selecting participants randomly
• Reflexivity in research requires researchers to document how their personal views might affect interpretation.


  True
• How does triangulation reduce researcher bias in sociological research?

  Confirms findings using multiple sources
• Peer review involves expert evaluation of research design
• Order the following sampling methods from least to most targeted:

  1️⃣ Random Sampling

  2️⃣ Stratified Sampling

  3️⃣ Purposive Sampling
• What is the purpose of ensuring anonymity in research?

  To keep participant identities confidential
• Clear questionnaires avoid leading questions to reduce respondent bias.


  True
• Cross-checking responses involves verifying them with demographic data
• Why do researchers apply methods to minimize bias in sociological research?

  To enhance credibility and reliability
• What is one strategy to minimize researcher bias in sociological research?

  Acknowledge personal biases
• Standardized research protocols help minimize researcher bias by ensuring consistent procedures.


  True