Sociological Research Quiz

What is primary data in sociological research?

• Data collected by other researchers for different purposes

• Data collected by the sociologist themselves through various methods

• Official statistics collected every ten years

• Qualitative data such as diaries and books

Which of the following is a weakness of primary data?

• It is cheap and easy to source

• It can be time consuming

• It is always up to date

• It is useful for studying societies in the past

What is a strength of using secondary data in sociological studies?

• It may not answer the researcher's specific question

• It is hard to make comparisons as the data collection method changes

• It is a cheap and easy source of data

• Data is always in the form needed by the sociologist

What effect describes people changing their behavior when they know they are being observed?

• Sociologist's bias

• Hawthorne effect

• Observer's paradox

• Data skewing

What is a key strength of qualitative data in research?

• It is quick to collect

• It is rich in detail and description

• It involves a large number of participants

• It is easy to repeat

Which of the following is a weakness of quantitative data?

• It can be collected quickly

• It always proves cause

• It lacks detail of information

• It is high in reliability

What type of study allows a real comparison of different groups/areas by repeating the study with the same questions?

• Cross-sectional study

• Longitudinal study

• Quantitative study

• High reliability study

What does a cross-sectional study typically aim to provide?

• A detailed analysis of one individual's behavior over time

• A snapshot of what society is like at a certain time

• Long-term data collection

• Data on the effects of changes in society

What was the significant finding of the Hawthorne Effect study?

• Changes in working conditions had no effect on productivity

• Workers worked harder regardless of the changes made

• The factory became less efficient

• The study was inconclusive

What is the main purpose of a longitudinal study in sociological research?

• To analyze societal changes over a short period

• To provide a detailed snapshot of a specific moment in time

• To observe changes within a population over a long period

• To compare different populations at the same point in time