Science can be defined as |
a logical system that bases knowledge on direct, systematic observation |
Sociologists use the term "empirical evidence" to refer to |
information we can verify with our senses |
Which of the following terms is defined in the text as "a mental construct that represents some part of the world in a somewhat simplified form"? |
concept |
What process involves deciding exactly what is to be measured when assigning value to a variable? |
operationalization |
In the process of measurement, reliability refers to |
whether repeating the measurement yields consistent results |
What concept below refers to measuring exactly what one intends to measure? |
validity |
Two variables are said to display correlation if |
they vary together |
Which research method asks subjects to respond to a series of items in a questionnaire or an interview? |
the survey |
A smaller number of people used to represent an entire population is called a |
sample |
In a questionnaire, the question, "Please state your opinions about the likelihood of another major terrorist attacks at home," is an example of which of the following? |
open-ended format |
Which sociological research method is likely to be most difficult to replicate (repeat)? |
participant observation |
Two simple requirements that underlie the process of sociological investigation are (1) looking at the world using the sociological perspective, and (2) becoming curious and asking questions |
True |
The sociologist recognizes that there are various kinds of "truth." |
True |
Empirical evidence is what people in a society agree is true |
False |
Science is a logical system based on intuition and insight |
False |
The variable that causes change in another variable is called the "dependent variable." |
False |
Sociologists always achieve complete personal objectivity in their work. |
False |
Replication is one way to assess the accuracy of existing research. |
True |
Sociological research can never be harmful to subjects |
False |
Haphazardly selecting people as they walk down the street is a convenient and useful way to generate a random sample |
False |
Conducting interviews takes no more time than completing questionnaires and gives just as good results |
False |
The use of existing data and documents (secondary analysis) makes most historical research possible |
True |
Gender blindness is the problem of failing to consider the importance of gender in sociological research |
True |
The very act of observing people may affect their behavior |
True |