Preliminary 1

• What is the definition of a person in the context of this course?

  Every person is a unique individual influenced by and interacting with others in a social and environmental setting.

  
• How does communication play a role in personal development?

  Communication involves sharing values and beliefs, which are major interactions in personal development.
• What constitutes society according to the study material?

  Society is made up of people, groups, networks, institutions, organizations, and systems.
• What does culture refer to in the context of this course?

  Culture refers to the shared knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that give each society its coherence and identity.

  
• How does the environment influence society and culture?

  The environment interacts with society and culture, affecting attitudes and values, and generating unique cultures.
• Why is time significant in the study of society and culture?

  Time is significant because every person, society, culture, and environment is located in a period of time and is changing with time.

  
• What is power in the context of social and cultural studies?

  Power is the ability to influence or persuade others to a point of view or action.
• How is authority related to power?

  Authority is linked to power and refers to the right to make decisions and settle issues in society.
• What does gender refer to in social studies?

  Gender refers to the socially constructed differences between females and males.
• How is identity formed according to the study material?

  Identity is formed over time through interactions at the micro, meso, and macro levels of society.
• What are technologies in the context of social interactions?

  Technologies are tools used to assist interactions in society and can lead to innovation and change.
• What is globalization?

  Globalization is the process of integration and sharing of goods, services, knowledge, and culture between countries.
• What are the main features of quantitative research methods?

  • Collection of specific data from a sample
  • Data can be extrapolated to the whole population
  • Information is collected by counting
  • Results are represented in percentages, tables, and graphs

  
• What are the main features of qualitative research methods?

  • Relies on the researcher’s interpretive skills
  • Useful for individual or small group studies
  • Focuses on understanding thoughts and feelings
  • Involves open-ended questioning and non-statistical techniques

  
• What are the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods?

  Quantitative:

  • Focuses on WHAT and HOW MANY
  • Uses structured instruments and large samples
  • Produces statistical reports

  
  

  Qualitative:

  • Focuses on WHY and HOW
  • Uses open-ended questions and smaller samples
  • Produces narrative reports with conceptual descriptions

  
• What is a questionnaire in quantitative research?

  A questionnaire with closed-ended questions or rating scale questions where findings can be counted and observed as statistics.
• What is content analysis in quantitative research?

  Content analysis is used to detect and count data that can be quantified.
• What is the purpose of statistical analysis in quantitative research?

  Statistical analysis examines statistics to make generalizations and extrapolate trends.
• What is an interview in qualitative research?

  An interview with open-ended questions is qualitative in nature.
• What is a focus group in qualitative research?

  A focus group entails the collection of data from an in-depth planned discussion of a defined topic held by a small group.
• What is secondary research?

  Secondary research involves accessing data already produced by other researchers.
• What is personal reflection in research?

  Personal reflection is the use of personal experiences and values to analyze and interpret data.
• What is participant observation?

  Participant observation is where the researcher is immersed in the action being observed.
• What is non-participant observation?

  Non-participant observation is where the researcher observes interactions without actively engaging in them.
• Why is ethical research important?

  Ethical research promotes trust and ensures that information is collected responsibly and treated with respect.
• What are the principles of ethical research?

  • Participants must be fully informed and give consent
  • Avoid putting participants in awkward situations
  • Ensure confidentiality and privacy
  • Anticipate and prevent negative effects on participants
  • Be mindful of vulnerable groups
  • No covert research practices

  
• What are the steps in the research process?

  1. Decide on the topic
  2. Develop a focus question or hypothesis
  3. Gather background information
  4. Design the research
  5. Develop research methods
  6. Apply research methods ethically
  7. Compile and organize findings
  8. Analyze and synthesize findings

  
• What is the purpose of finding answers to the research question or sub-questions?

  To gather relevant information and insights.
• Why might different sub-questions require different research methods?

  Because each sub-question may address distinct aspects of the research topic.
• What research method would be appropriate for background reading and information gathering?

  Secondary research.
• What method would be used to gather information from a section of the population?

  Questionnaire.
• What research method is suitable for analyzing media coverage of a gender-specific sporting event?

  Content analysis.
• What should a researcher be aware of when developing research methods?

  Any biases that might exist.
• Why is it important to apply research methods ethically?

  To ensure the integrity and credibility of the research process.
• What should be done with the information once it is gathered?

  It needs to be compiled and organized into manageable amounts.
• What is a critical step in the research process after gathering information?

  Analyzing and synthesizing the findings.
• Why is it not enough to simply state what has been found in research?

  Because the researcher must reflect on what the findings mean and how they relate to the research topic.

  
• What is a critical part of the research process?

  Writing up the researcher’s conclusions.
• What influences how a researcher compiles their findings and analysis?

  The nature of the topic and the individual preference of the researcher.
• What must a researcher do consistent with ethical research practices?

  Acknowledge all sources of information gathered during the research process.