4th Semester Model MCQ

When planning to do social research, it is better to:

• Approach the topic with an open mind

• Do a pilot study before getting stuck into it

• Be familiar with the literature on the topic

• Forget about theory because this is a very practical undertaking can't have one without the other

We review the relevant literature to know:

• What is already known about the topic

• What concepts and theories have been applied to the topic

• Who are the key contributors to the topic

• All of the above

A deductive theory is one that:

• Allows theory to emerge out of the data

• Involves testing an explicitly defined hypothesis

• Allows for findings to feed back into the stock of knowledge

• Uses qualitative methods whenever possible

What does 'sampling cases' mean?

• Sampling using a sampling frame

• Identifying people who are suitable for research

• Literally, the researcher's brief-case

• Sampling people, newspapers, television programmes etc.

Which of the following is not a data-collection method?

• Research questions

• Unstructured interviewing

• Postal survey questionnaires

• Participant observation

Why is data analysis concerned with data reduction?

• Because far too much data is collected than is required

• Because we need to make sense of the data

• Because of the repetitions in answers to questionnaires

• Because the sample size has been exceeded

The core ingredients of a dissertation are:

• Introduction; Data collection; Data analysis; Conclusions and recommendations.

• Executive summary; Literature review; Data gathered; Conclusions; Bibliography.

• Research plan; Research data; Analysis; References.

• Introduction; Literature review; Research methods; Results; Discussion; Conclusion.

Which of the following is a component of ethnographic research?

• Being immersed in a social group or setting

• Participant observation, interviews, and/or documentary analysis

• A written account of an ethnographic study

• All of the above

What is one of the main disadvantages of using the covert role in ethnography?

• It can be hard to gain access to the social group

• It is difficult to take notes without arousing suspicion

• The problem of reactivity: people may change their behaviour if they know they are being observed

• It is usually too time consuming and expensive to be a realistic option

What is a key informant?

• A group member who helps the ethnographer gain access to relevant people/events

• A senior level member of the organisation who refuses to allow researchers into it

• A participant who appears to be helpful but then blows the researcher's cover

• Someone who cuts keys to help the ethnographer gain access to a building