Question 1

Which of the following is NOT an important step in the scientific method as applied in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the replication of results to save time.

Question 2

A sociologist wants to study the relationship between hours spent on social media and adolescent mental health. In this study, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Hours spent on social media

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a quantitative research method?

Accepted Answer

Research method that involves using numerical data.

Question 4

A researcher interviews 1,000 participants randomly selected from the U.S. Census Bureau. What type of sampling is this?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an operational definition?

Accepted Answer

Defining 'academic performance' as the average GPA over two semesters.

Question 6

In a study, the hypothesis states: 'Children from low SES households have poorer health in adulthood.' What is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Health in adulthood

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of validity in research?

Accepted Answer

Measuring socioeconomic status by annual household income.

Question 8

A researcher wants to know if public beauty (art, murals, flowers) increases community engagement. What is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Community engagement

Question 9

Which of the following is a key feature of random sampling?

Accepted Answer

Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Question 10

A study finds a strong positive correlation between time spent in nature and job satisfaction. Which of the following best describes this finding?

Accepted Answer

As time spent in nature increases, job satisfaction also increases.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing interview transcripts for recurring themes.

Question 12

Why is it important to operationalize variables in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

To make abstract concepts measurable and testable.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

A variable that is measured or observed and is influenced by another variable.

Question 14

A researcher wants to study the effect of socioeconomic status on educational attainment. Which is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic status

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of a representative sample?

Accepted Answer

It accurately reflects the population on important characteristics.

Question 16

What is the main advantage of using both reliability and validity in research design?

Accepted Answer

It increases the generalizability of the findings.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis involving two variables?

Accepted Answer

Students who spend more time studying will have higher test scores.

Question 18

A researcher defines 'academic performance' as the average GPA over two semesters. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

An operational definition

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a literature review in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

To examine similar or related research.

Question 20

A study measures the relationship between income and health outcomes. Income is manipulated by providing financial support to one group but not another. What type of variable is income in this study?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Basics of Research Methods in Sociology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards