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Social Research Methods and Statistics

Description: This quiz covers the fundamental concepts and techniques used in social research methods and statistics. It assesses your understanding of research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: social research methods statistics research design data collection data analysis interpretation
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What is the primary purpose of social research?

  1. To understand social phenomena

  2. To solve social problems

  3. To make predictions about social behavior

  4. To evaluate the effectiveness of social programs


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary purpose of social research is to gain knowledge and understanding of social phenomena, including human behavior, social interactions, and social structures.

Which of the following is NOT a common research design in social research?

  1. Experimental design

  2. Quasi-experimental design

  3. Observational design

  4. Historical design


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Historical design is not a common research design in social research because it relies on data from the past, which may not be relevant to the present situation.

What is the difference between a population and a sample in social research?

  1. A population is the entire group of individuals that the researcher is interested in, while a sample is a subset of the population.

  2. A population is the group of individuals that the researcher has access to, while a sample is the group of individuals that the researcher actually studies.

  3. A population is the group of individuals that the researcher is interested in, while a sample is the group of individuals that the researcher can afford to study.

  4. A population is the group of individuals that the researcher is interested in, while a sample is the group of individuals that the researcher is willing to study.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A population is the entire group of individuals that the researcher is interested in studying, while a sample is a subset of the population that is actually studied.

What is the purpose of a research hypothesis?

  1. To provide a tentative explanation for the observed phenomenon.

  2. To guide the research design and data collection.

  3. To help the researcher interpret the results of the study.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A research hypothesis serves multiple purposes: it provides a tentative explanation for the observed phenomenon, guides the research design and data collection, and helps the researcher interpret the results of the study.

Which of the following is NOT a common type of data collection method in social research?

  1. Survey research

  2. Experimental research

  3. Observational research

  4. Historical research


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Experimental research is not a common type of data collection method in social research because it involves manipulating variables to observe their effects, which is often not feasible or ethical in social settings.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods?

  1. Qualitative research methods focus on understanding the meaning and significance of social phenomena, while quantitative research methods focus on measuring and analyzing numerical data.

  2. Qualitative research methods are used to explore new areas of research, while quantitative research methods are used to test hypotheses.

  3. Qualitative research methods are typically used in small-scale studies, while quantitative research methods are typically used in large-scale studies.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Qualitative research methods focus on understanding the meaning and significance of social phenomena, while quantitative research methods focus on measuring and analyzing numerical data. Qualitative research methods are often used to explore new areas of research, while quantitative research methods are often used to test hypotheses. Qualitative research methods are typically used in small-scale studies, while quantitative research methods are typically used in large-scale studies.

What is the purpose of data analysis in social research?

  1. To organize and summarize the collected data.

  2. To identify patterns and trends in the data.

  3. To test hypotheses and draw conclusions.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Data analysis in social research serves multiple purposes: it helps to organize and summarize the collected data, identify patterns and trends in the data, and test hypotheses and draw conclusions.

Which of the following is NOT a common statistical measure of central tendency?

  1. Mean

  2. Median

  3. Mode

  4. Range


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Range is not a common statistical measure of central tendency because it does not provide information about the typical value of the data.

What is the difference between a correlation and a causation?

  1. A correlation is a relationship between two variables, while a causation is a relationship in which one variable causes the other.

  2. A correlation is a relationship between two variables that is not necessarily causal, while a causation is a relationship between two variables that is always causal.

  3. A correlation is a relationship between two variables that is based on statistical evidence, while a causation is a relationship between two variables that is based on theoretical evidence.

  4. A correlation is a relationship between two variables that is observed in a sample, while a causation is a relationship between two variables that is observed in a population.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A correlation is a relationship between two variables, while a causation is a relationship in which one variable causes the other. A correlation does not necessarily imply causation, as there may be other factors that are responsible for the relationship between the two variables.

What is the purpose of a research report?

  1. To communicate the findings of the research study to others.

  2. To provide a detailed account of the research process.

  3. To justify the research study and its findings.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A research report serves multiple purposes: it communicates the findings of the research study to others, provides a detailed account of the research process, and justifies the research study and its findings.

Which of the following is NOT a common ethical consideration in social research?

  1. Informed consent

  2. Confidentiality

  3. Anonymity

  4. Objectivity


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Objectivity is not a common ethical consideration in social research because it is impossible for researchers to be completely objective. Researchers' own biases and values can influence the research process and findings.

What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

  1. A theory is a general explanation of a phenomenon, while a hypothesis is a specific prediction about a phenomenon.

  2. A theory is based on empirical evidence, while a hypothesis is based on theoretical evidence.

  3. A theory is typically supported by a large body of research, while a hypothesis is typically supported by a small body of research.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A theory is a general explanation of a phenomenon, while a hypothesis is a specific prediction about a phenomenon. A theory is typically supported by a large body of research, while a hypothesis is typically supported by a small body of research.

What is the purpose of a literature review in social research?

  1. To identify existing research on the topic of interest.

  2. To identify gaps in the existing research.

  3. To develop a theoretical framework for the research study.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A literature review in social research serves multiple purposes: it helps to identify existing research on the topic of interest, identify gaps in the existing research, and develop a theoretical framework for the research study.

Which of the following is NOT a common type of research design in social research?

  1. Experimental design

  2. Quasi-experimental design

  3. Observational design

  4. Historical design


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Historical design is not a common type of research design in social research because it relies on data from the past, which may not be relevant to the present situation.

What is the difference between a population and a sample in social research?

  1. A population is the entire group of individuals that the researcher is interested in, while a sample is a subset of the population.

  2. A population is the group of individuals that the researcher has access to, while a sample is the group of individuals that the researcher actually studies.

  3. A population is the group of individuals that the researcher is interested in, while a sample is the group of individuals that the researcher can afford to study.

  4. A population is the group of individuals that the researcher is interested in, while a sample is the group of individuals that the researcher is willing to study.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A population is the entire group of individuals that the researcher is interested in studying, while a sample is a subset of the population that is actually studied.

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