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 7 of 11
61. What is meant by reflexivity in sociological research ?
- A. research findings feed back into society and as a result may change it
- B. research findings empower the general public making them more confident
- C. research funders have control over research findings and who has access
- D. sociologists learn more about the society they live in
Explanation: Reflexivity here refers to the way research findings can feed back into society and influence the people or institutions studied. It is different from simply making the public more confident or helping sociologists learn more.
Correct answer: research findings feed back into society and as a result may change it62. Which of these is not an example of a qualitative research method ?
- A. survey research
- B. ethnography
- C. focus groups
- D. biographical research
Explanation: Survey research is generally quantitative because it collects standardised responses that can be counted and statistically analysed. Ethnography, focus groups and biographical research usually produce qualitative, in-depth data.
Correct answer: survey research63. What is the initial element of sociological research ?
- A. review the evidence
- B. define the research problem
- C. create a research design
- D. carry out a research design
Explanation: Research begins by defining the problem or question that will guide the study. Reviewing evidence and designing and conducting the research come after the problem has been clearly identified.
Correct answer: define the research problem64. Laud Humphreys study Tearoom Trade (1970) is an example of______________?
- A. historical research
- B. survey research
- C. participant observation
- D. experimental design
Explanation: Humphreys studied covertly through participant observation, observing interactions in public toilets and later contacting some participants. The study was not a survey or experiment, although it also raised serious ethical concerns.
Correct answer: participant observation65. When a research is not deceptive about the field research that he/she is this person is probably assuming the role of____________?
- A. secondary observer
- B. participant-as-observer
- C. complete participant
- D. ethnographer
- E. social scientist
Explanation: A participant-as-observer openly identifies as a researcher while also taking part in the group or setting being studied. A complete participant, by contrast, conceals the research role from those being observed.
Correct answer: participant-as-observer66. In order for field research to be successful the researcher must be________________?
- A. tactful
- B. creative
- C. unobtrusive
- D. fluent in several languages
- E. discreet
Explanation: Field research often involves unpredictable settings, so the researcher must be creative and adapt methods as new situations arise. Fluency in several languages or complete unobtrusiveness may help in some studies but is not universally required.
Correct answer: creative67. Collecting information regarding crime control from several countries would be a good example of a(n)_________________?
- A. ethnography
- B. field research
- C. an international approach
- D. content analysis
- E. comparative approach
Explanation: Studying crime-control practices across several countries compares the same social issue in different societies, making it a comparative approach. Ethnography and content analysis describe particular methods rather than the cross-national design itself.
Correct answer: comparative approach68. A survey that asks the respondent to indicate their level of education and includes response categories of some high school high school and university violated which important rule for constructing close-ended items for naires ?
- A. exhaustive
- B. mutually exclusive
- C. comprehensive
- D. tangible
- E. relevant
Explanation: Response categories should be mutually exclusive so that each respondent fits one category only; “some high school” and “high school” can overlap unless clearly defined. Categories should also be exhaustive, but the apparent overlap is the rule targeted by this item.
Correct answer: mutually exclusive69. Closed-ended s increase the return rate of the naire because___________?
- A. the s is clearly worded
- B. they cover the return postage
- C. the answers are mutually exclusive
- D. they are easy and quick to answer
- E. they involve no thought on the part of the respondent.
Explanation: Closed-ended questions provide fixed response options, so respondents can answer quickly without composing lengthy replies. This convenience generally improves questionnaire completion and return rates.
Correct answer: they are easy and quick to answer70. What research method is popular because it is comparatively inexpensive and well-suited to studying large numbers of people ?
- A. interviews
- B. participant observation
- C. experiments
- D. content analysis
- E. surveys
Explanation: Surveys use standardised questions to collect information from many people at relatively low cost. Interviews and participant observation usually require more time and resources per respondent.
Correct answer: surveys