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.
Last updated
103 questions · page 6 of 11
51. The first step in any sociological research project is to_________________?
- A. collect data
- B. define the problem
- C. review previous research
- D. formulate a hypothesis
Explanation: A research project begins by defining the problem or research question, which sets the focus for the later literature review, hypothesis, and data collection. A hypothesis cannot be properly formulated until the problem has been specified.
Correct answer: define the problem52. Sometimes the scientist personally participates in some experiment to observe it fully It is Known as_____________?
- A. Personal studies
- B. Participant-observer studies
- C. Observational studies
- D. None of these
Explanation: A participant-observer study involves the researcher taking part in the social situation while observing it. This differs from non-participant observation, where the researcher remains outside the activity.
Correct answer: Participant-observer studies53. In observational studies the scientist observes_______________?
- A. the things that happen by themselves
- B. Are arranged knowingly
- C. both a and b
- D. None of these
Explanation: Observational studies record events as they occur naturally rather than arranging conditions as in an experiment. Therefore, the researcher observes things that happen by themselves.
Correct answer: the things that happen by themselves54. In laboratory experiments the sociological research is done while people are_______________?
- A. brought into laboratory
- B. Kept in their homes and observed
- C. are not told about experiment
- D. None of these
Explanation: A laboratory experiment moves participants into a controlled setting so the investigator can regulate conditions and observe responses. Keeping people in their homes describes field observation rather than a laboratory experiment.
Correct answer: brought into laboratory55. Karl Pearson said "The unity of all science consists alone in its methods not in its material It relates to the importance of______________?
- A. Scientific research
- B. Scientific method
- C. Science unity
- D. None of theseManagement Sciences Mcqs
Explanation: Pearson’s statement highlights that different sciences can study different subjects but share systematic procedures for producing knowledge. This makes the scientific method the key idea, rather than the unity of science as a general label.
Correct answer: Scientific method56. Which of these NOT viewed as a strength of surveys ?
- A. they are often undertaken by specialist agencies
- B. they offer an appearance of precision
- C. the data is easy to quantify and analyses
- D. large numbers of people can be studied
Explanation: Surveys can cover large samples and produce data that are readily quantified, but their numerical precision may only be an appearance because responses and measurements can contain bias. Thus, the appearance of precision is not a genuine strength.
Correct answer: they offer an appearance of precision57. One strength of ethnography is that______________?
- 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 prolonged, close engagement with people in their everyday settings, which usually produces richer and more detailed information. Controlling variables is more characteristic of experiments, not ethnography.
Correct answer: it usually generates richer and more in-depth information than other methods58. An association between two variables which is in fact caused by other factor(s) is called a_____________?
- A. multiple regression
- B. causal mechanism
- C. spurious correlation
- D. multinomial distribution
Explanation: A spurious correlation occurs when two variables appear related but their association is actually produced by a third factor. Multiple regression is a statistical technique that may help detect or control such relationships, not the name of the association itself.
Correct answer: spurious correlation59. Bias in research practice refers to_____________?
- A. the investigator being committed to a particular ideology
- B. the research team prejudging the meaning of the data
- C. the data being unbalanced by the design or execution of the research
- D. interpretations being applied to the results
Explanation: Research bias is a systematic distortion introduced through the design or conduct of a study, causing the data or findings to be unbalanced. Personal ideology or interpretation may contribute to bias, but option c gives the broadest definition.
Correct answer: the data being unbalanced by the design or execution of the research60. Science aims to be both______________?
- A. philosophical and progressive
- B. complex and against commonsense
- C. experimental and statistical
- D. valid and reliable
Explanation: Scientific knowledge must be valid, meaning it measures or explains what it claims to, and reliable, meaning it produces consistent results. Experimental and statistical methods are tools of science, not qualities that define all scientific work.
Correct answer: valid and reliable