BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Research Methods in Social Science 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'validity' in research?
- The consistency of results when repeated under the same conditions
- The degree to which a measure accurately captures what it claims to measure (Correct answer)
- The extent to which findings can be applied to other populations
- The use of both qualitative and quantitative methods
Correct answer: The degree to which a measure accurately captures what it claims to measure
Validity refers to whether a research instrument or method actually measures the construct it is intended to measure.
Question 2: A researcher uses interviews, observation, and document analysis together to study a social phenomenon. This approach is called:
- Replication
- Triangulation (Correct answer)
- Stratification
- Operationalization
Correct answer: Triangulation
Triangulation uses multiple data sources or methods to cross-check findings and strengthen the credibility of conclusions.
Question 3: Which ethical principle requires that research participants voluntarily agree to take part with full knowledge of the study?
- Anonymity
- Confidentiality
- Informed consent (Correct answer)
- Beneficence
Correct answer: Informed consent
Informed consent ensures participants understand the nature, risks, and purpose of the research before agreeing to participate.
Question 4: In hypothesis testing, what does a p-value less than 0.05 typically indicate?
- The null hypothesis is proven true
- The result is statistically significant (Correct answer)
- The sample size is too small
- The effect size is large
Correct answer: The result is statistically significant
A p-value below 0.05 indicates the probability of obtaining the observed result by chance alone is less than 5%, conventionally considered statistically significant.
Question 5: Grounded theory, as developed by Glaser and Strauss, is best characterized as:
- Testing pre-existing theories with large survey datasets
- Developing theory inductively from systematically collected qualitative data (Correct answer)
- Applying deductive logic to experimental findings
- Using computer simulation to model social behavior
Correct answer: Developing theory inductively from systematically collected qualitative data
Grounded theory is an inductive qualitative approach in which theory emerges from iterative data collection and constant comparison.
Question 6: What is the difference between a dependent variable and an independent variable?
- The dependent variable is manipulated; the independent variable is observed
- The independent variable is the presumed cause; the dependent variable is the presumed outcome (Correct answer)
- The dependent variable is qualitative; the independent variable is quantitative
- They are interchangeable terms in social science
Correct answer: The independent variable is the presumed cause; the dependent variable is the presumed outcome
The independent variable is what the researcher manipulates or uses to predict, while the dependent variable is the outcome being measured.
Question 7: Which research approach begins with a theory and tests it through data collection?
- Inductive
- Interpretive
- Deductive (Correct answer)
- Abductive
Correct answer: Deductive
Deductive research starts with an existing theory or hypothesis and collects data to test whether the evidence supports or refutes it.
BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Research Methods in Social Science 2
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'validity' in research?