SCC Research Methods 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling ensures every population member has an equal and independent probability of selection.

Question 2

A researcher observes factory workers without their knowledge to study informal interactions. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Covert participant observation

Answer

Covert participant observation involves the researcher being present and active without subjects knowing they are being studied.

Question 3

What does 'operationalization' mean in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Defining how an abstract concept will be measured

Answer

Operationalization is the process of defining how an abstract concept (like 'social class') will be concretely measured in a study.

Question 4

Which type of validity refers to whether a test appears to measure what it claims to measure on the surface?

Accepted Answer

Face validity

Answer

Face validity is a subjective assessment of whether the measure looks appropriate at first glance.

Question 5

A study finds that ice cream sales and drowning rates rise together in summer. This illustrates:

Accepted Answer

Spurious correlation

Answer

A spurious correlation exists when two variables appear related but are both caused by a third variable (hot weather in this case).

(SCC) Sociology Certificate Course Practice Test