BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Research Methods in Social Science

Question 1

Which research design is most appropriate when a researcher wants to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Experimental design involves manipulation of an independent variable and random assignment, allowing researchers to infer causal relationships.

Question 2

What does 'operationalization' mean in social science research?

Accepted Answer

Defining a concept in terms of how it will be measured

Answer

Operationalization translates an abstract concept into a concrete, measurable variable for empirical study.

Question 3

A researcher studies the same group of people at multiple points over ten years. This is an example of which research design?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal

Answer

A longitudinal design tracks the same participants across time, enabling the study of change and development.

Question 4

Which sampling method gives every member of a population an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling assigns equal probability of selection to every population member, minimizing selection bias.

Question 5

In qualitative research, what is 'theoretical saturation'?

Accepted Answer

The point at which new data no longer yields new insights or themes

Answer

Theoretical saturation occurs when additional data collection and analysis produce no new categories or themes, signaling sufficient depth.

BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Practice Test