Free Research Methods MCQs with Answers

103 Research Methods MCQs from Sociology, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

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103 questions · page 10 of 11

91. Experiments are of two types_____________?

Moderate
  • A. Laboratory
  • B. Field
  • C. both A & B
  • D. None of theseEveryday Science Mcqs

Explanation: The two broad types are laboratory experiments, conducted in controlled settings, and field experiments, conducted in natural social settings. Therefore, both options A and B are included.

Correct answer: both A & B

92. Sociology is well-equipped to uncover the truth about social problems because of______________?

Moderate
  • A. its reliance on surveys
  • B. its theoretical grounding
  • C. its emphasis on careful reliable empirical research
  • D. its desire to solve problems
  • E. its reliance on government funding

Explanation: Sociology investigates social problems through systematic, careful, and reliable empirical research rather than opinion or a desire to solve problems alone. Surveys are only one research method, so reliance on surveys is too narrow.

Correct answer: its emphasis on careful reliable empirical research

93. Sociological research frequently focuses on______________?

Moderate
  • A. religious integration
  • B. immigration
  • C. globalization
  • D. suicide
  • E. disadvantaged groups

Explanation: Sociological research often examines disadvantaged groups because research can reveal how inequality, exclusion, and limited access to resources affect their lives. Immigration, globalization, and suicide are also important topics, but they are narrower examples rather than the broadest answer.

Correct answer: disadvantaged groups

94. Theories must be____________?

Moderate
  • A. testable
  • B. formulated prior to research
  • C. based on pre-existing facts
  • D. exclusively sociological
  • E. issue driven

Explanation: A sociological theory must be testable, meaning that evidence can potentially support or challenge its claims. It need not be formulated before all research, based only on pre-existing facts, or exclusively focused on issues.

Correct answer: testable

95. One strength of ethnography is tha______________?

Moderate
  • A. the influence of specific variables can be controlled by the investigator
  • B. it usually generates richer and more in-depth information than other methods
  • C. it is essential when a study is primarily historical or has a historical dimension
  • D. it can only be used to study relatively small groups or communities

Explanation: Ethnography uses close, usually prolonged observation and interaction, allowing researchers to obtain detailed, context-rich accounts of social life. Controlling variables is more characteristic of experiments, not ethnography.

Correct answer: it usually generates richer and more in-depth information than other methods

96. The activity of measuring and explaining the size of populations is know as_______________?

Moderate
  • A. Malthusianism
  • B. demography
  • C. forecasting
  • D. official statistics

Explanation: Demography is the systematic study and measurement of population size, composition, distribution and change. Malthusianism is a theory about population growth, not the general measurement of populations.

Correct answer: demography

97. Characteristics of Scientific observation are____________?

Moderate
  • A. Accuracy
  • B. Precision and objectivity
  • C. Systematic and recorded
  • D. All of the above

Explanation: Scientific observation must be accurate, precise, objective, systematic, and recorded so that findings can be checked and replicated. Therefore, each listed characteristic contributes to scientific observation.

Correct answer: All of the above

98. Scientific method has following steps_______________?

Moderate
  • A. observation solution theory
  • B. Problem observation hypothesis data experiment conclusion
  • C. Problem hypothesis observation conclusion
  • D. None of these

Explanation: Scientific inquiry generally moves from identifying a problem through observation, hypothesis formation, data collection and testing, and finally a conclusion. Option b gives the closest complete sequence among the choices.

Correct answer: Problem observation hypothesis data experiment conclusion

99. Science is based on_______________?

Moderate
  • A. Mere observation
  • B. Individual experiences
  • C. Verifiable evidence
  • D. None of these

Explanation: Science depends on evidence that can be checked, tested and verified by others. Personal experiences or mere observation alone are insufficient unless they are systematically examined.

Correct answer: Verifiable evidence

100. Positivism is most accurately described as the belief that__________________?

Moderate
  • A. social research should highlight the positive aspects of social life
  • B. knowledge should be produced based on evidence from observations
  • C. sociologists should make more use of official statistics
  • D. none of the aboveTake Economics Courses

Explanation: Positivism holds that reliable knowledge should be based on observable evidence and systematic methods, often including measurement. It is not simply an instruction to study positive features or to rely specifically on official statistics.

Correct answer: knowledge should be produced based on evidence from observations