Social Research Study Guide

Practice flashcards created to help review key concepts from the social research lecture notes.

Q1. What is the primary goal of social research?

To understand and explain social phenomena.

Q2. What is the primary aim of social research?

To understand social phenomena.

Q3. Which of the following is a characteristic of social research?

Systematic investigation.

Q4. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social research?

Anecdotal evidence.

Q5. Social research is primarily concerned with studying:

Social structures and human behavior.

Q6. Which of the following is NOT typically a focus of social research?

Biological processes.

Q7. Which approach in social research emphasizes the collection of numerical data?

Quantitative.

Q8. Social research primarily aims to:

Explore, describe, and explain social phenomena.

Q9. Social research often involves the study of which of the following?

Social structures and relationships.

Q10. The key difference between basic and applied research is:

Basic research aims to expand knowledge, while applied research addresses practical problems.

Q11. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social research?

Random guessing.

Q12. Why is research crucial in policy analysis?

It simplifies decision-making by providing empirical evidence.

Q13. Why is research important in policy analysis?

It provides evidence-based recommendations.

Q14. Research in policy analysis primarily aims to:

Provide evidence-based recommendations for policy decisions.

Q15. Policy research typically aims to achieve which of the following?

Evidence-based policy-making.

Q16. Which of the following is a key component of policy research?

Understanding the potential impact of policies on society.

Q17. Which of the following best describes a policy analysis research question?

What are the effects of education policies on student outcomes?

Q18. What type of research is typically most valuable for influencing public policy?

Empirical research with real-world data.

Q19. Research in policy analysis helps by:

Providing evidence-based recommendations.

Q20. Which of the following best describes the role of research in public policy?

Influencing policy decisions through data-driven insights.

Q21. One of the key reasons research is important in policy-making is:

It helps policymakers understand the consequences of their decisions.

Q22. Which of the following best defines a 'variable' in social research?

A factor that can change or vary in the research.

Q23. In social research, what does the term 'variable' refer to?

A factor that can change or vary.

Q24. What is the term for a variable that researchers manipulate in an experiment?

Independent variable.

Q25. Which of the following is an example of an independent variable?

The number of books read.

Q26. In research terminology, what is a 'hypothesis'?

A statement predicting a relationship between variables.

Q27. What is a hypothesis?

A prediction or educated guess.

Q28. Operationalization in research refers to:

Defining how a concept or variable will be measured.

Q29. Which of the following terms is used to describe the process of defining how a variable will be measured?

Operationalization.

Q30. In social research, the term 'variable' refers to:

A factor or element that can change or vary.

Q31. A 'hypothesis' in research is best defined as:

A tentative statement or prediction that can be tested.

Q32. The term 'empirical evidence' refers to:

Data collected through observation or experimentation.

Q33. Critical thinking in research primarily involves:

Questioning assumptions and evaluating evidence.

Q34. Which mindset is crucial for a researcher to avoid bias?

Critical thinking.

Q35. The first step in the research process is typically:

Formulating a research question.

Q36. What is an essential first step in the research process?

Formulating a research question.

Q37. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good research question?

It is broad and vague.

Q38. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good research question?

Ambiguity.

Q39. A researcher should approach a problem with:

An open and inquisitive mind.

Q40. Thinking like a researcher involves:

Asking questions, being curious, and critically evaluating evidence.

Q41. Thinking like a researcher involves which of the following?

Questioning assumptions.

Q42. Which of the following best describes the mindset of a researcher?

Skeptical and inquisitive.

Q43. A researcher who thinks critically is likely to:

Challenge assumptions and seek alternative explanations.

Q44. Which of the following should be considered when selecting a research topic?

All of the above.

o Personal interest and relevance to the field

o Availability of existing research on the topic

o Feasibility of conducting the research

Q45. What is a key consideration when selecting a research topic?

Personal interest in the topic.

Q45. Which strategy can help in narrowing down a broad research topic?

Focusing on a specific aspect of the topic.

Q47. Which of the following is an effective strategy for narrowing down a research topic?

Identifying a specific aspect of the topic.

Q48. A literature review helps in identifying:

Gaps in existing research.

Q49. What is the role of literature review in identifying a research topic?

It helps to build on existing research.

Q50. Which of the following is a good strategy for identifying a research topic?

Exploring recent trends in the field.

Q51. When identifying a research topic, it is important to consider which of the following?

Feasibility of conducting the research.

Q52. A good research topic should be:

Specific, feasible, and relevant to the field.

Q53. When identifying a research topic, one should consider:

The availability of data and resources.

Which of the following questions should you ask when identifying a research topic?

Is the topic unique and innovative?

Which of the following is a key step in refining a research topic?

Conducting a preliminary literature review.

Epistemology in social research refers to:

The theory of knowledge and how it is acquired.

What does the term 'epistemology' refer to in social research?

The study of knowledge and justified belief.

Positivism as a philosophical approach emphasizes:

The use of empirical evidence and scientific methods.

Which of the following philosophical approaches argues that reality is constructed by individuals through their interactions with society?

Constructivism.

Which of the following best describes interpretivism?

It emphasizes understanding the meaning of social phenomena from the perspective of those involved.

What is the key distinction between positivism and interpretivism?

Positivism relies on objective measurement, while interpretivism emphasizes subjective interpretation.

What is the primary aim of social research?

To understand social phenomena.

How can theories be tested in research?

Through empirical data collection and analysis.

Which of the following is NOT part of the components of the research title or topic?

Geography Location.

Which of the following is NOT part of the components of the research questions?

Bloom taxonomy.

Constructivism in social research suggests that:

Reality is socially constructed through interactions.

Ontology is concerned with:

The nature of reality and what exists.

Positivism as a philosophical stance in social research emphasizes:

Objectivity, measurement, and quantifiable observations.

Theories in social research primarily serve to:

Provide a framework for understanding and explaining phenomena.

What is the primary role of theory in social research?

To provide a framework for understanding phenomena.

Which of the following terms is used to describe the process of defining how a variable will be measured?

Operationalization.

In social research, the term 'variable' refers to:

A factor or element that can change or vary.

In research terminology, what is a 'hypothesis'?

A statement predicting a relationship between variables.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good theory?

It is vague and untestable.

Which of the following best describes a theoretical framework?

A structured set of concepts and propositions that explains or predicts phenomena.

The process of testing a theory through empirical research involves:

Developing hypotheses and collecting data.

In research, a theory serves to:

Explain and predict phenomena.

Theories in social research are important because they:

Provide a framework for understanding complex social phenomena.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between theory and research?

Theory guides the research process, and research tests and refines theory.

A theoretical framework in research is:

A structure that supports the research study and links it to existing theory.

Which of the following is a critical step in constructing a theoretical framework?

Identifying key variables and their relationships.

When constructing a theoretical framework, a researcher should:

Identify relevant concepts and their relationships.

A theoretical framework should primarily be based on which of the following?

Established theories and models.

A good theoretical framework should be:

Clear, concise, and relevant to the research question.

Why is it important to align your research questions with your theoretical framework?

To ensure consistency and coherence in your study.

A theoretical framework in research is:

A structure that supports the research study and links it to existing theory.

Which of the following is essential when constructing a theoretical framework?

Identifying relevant theories and concepts related to the research topic.

The primary purpose of a theoretical framework is to:

Provide a clear rationale for the research study and its methodology.

The primary purpose of a literature review is to:

Summarize existing research and identify gaps in the literature.

What is the primary purpose of a literature review?

Both A and C.

Which of the following should be included in a literature review?

An analysis of key theories and concepts related to the research topic.

A well-conducted literature review helps in:

All of the above.

In a literature review, 'gap analysis' refers to:

Identifying areas where further research is needed.

The main goal of a literature review is to:

Summarize and synthesize existing research on a specific topic.

In a literature review, the term 'synthesis' refers to:

Combining information from various sources to create a coherent understanding.

Which of the following is a common mistake in conducting a literature review?

Failing to identify gaps in the existing research.

What is the primary purpose of the introduction in a research study?

To present the research problem and its significance.

The 'genesis of the problem' refers to:

The historical background that led to the research question.

A well-defined problem statement should:

Clearly articulate the gap in existing research.

The purpose of a study is typically stated in which section of the research?

Introduction.