Social Research Methods_Short Questions

SOE - 404: Social Research Methods

Short Questions ( 2 marks )

1. What is basic research? 

Ans: Pure (basic) research is focused on collecting knowledge without any intention to apply it. It is purely intellectual in character. It is also known as basic or fundamental research.

2. What is Applied Research? 

Ans: According to Kerlinger, applied research is research directed towards solving specified practical problems.

3. What is research design? 

Ans: According to Burns and Grove define a research design as “a blueprint for performing a study with maximum control over factors which could interfere with the validity of the findings.”

4. Give two examples of explanatory research. 

Ans: One interested in understanding the reasons for student unrest will study dissatisfaction of students with the various problems they face, administrators’ apathy to these problems, students organizing under a leader for demonstration, gherao, strike, etc; types of students who become active, the support they seek and get from outside agencies, how widespread the unrest becomes, how it is suppressed by police, how leaders are arrested, and how authorities are pressurized to concede some demands.

5. What is participant observation? 

Ans: When an observer becomes more or less one of the group members and may actually participate in some activity or the other of the group. The observer may play several roles in observation, with varying degrees of participation, as a visitor, an attentive listener, an eager learner, or a participant observer.

6. What is Observation? 

Ans: According to Goode and Hatt, “Science begins with observation and must ultimately return to observation for its final validation.”

7. What are the differences between overt and covert participant observation methods in sociological research? 

Ans: In sociological research, participant observation can be conducted in two ways:

a. Overt: When the researcher asks permission from a group to mingle, the observation method is known as overt. He does so by revealing his true purpose and real identity to the group with whom he wants to mingle. 

b. Covert: When the researcher does not show either his true identity or real meaning to the group he wants to join then the observation is known as covert. He keeps both concealed and takes on a false role and identity to enter and mingle with the group. He generally acts as if he is a genuine member of that group.

8. What is a questionnaire? 

Ans: According to Goode and Hatt, “It is a device for securing answers to questions by using a form which the respondent fills in himself.”

9. Indicate two sources of primary data. (Answer any two)

Ans: The two sources of primary data are: 

a) Observation Method 

b) Interview Method 

c) Questionnaire 

d) Schedules

10. What is primary data? 

Ans: Primary data is that which is collected afresh and for the first time and thus happens to be original in character.

11.  What is secondary data? 

Ans: Secondary data is that which has already been collected by someone else and which has already been passed through the statistical process.

12. Indicate two sources of secondary data. 

Ans: Published books, journals, reports, internet, newspapers, and articles.

13. What is longitudinal research? 

Ans: Longitudinal research involves the study of a problem or the same body of phenomena over a period of time. For example, prevalence of AIDS among males and females in India in 1979,1989 and 1999. Such studies indicate the trend. The research can also be cross-sectional. This study covers a broad range of phenomena at a single point in time.

14. What is hypothesis? 

Ans: According to Goode and Hatt define it as “a proposition which can be put to test to determine validity.”

15. What is null hypothesis? 

Ans: A null hypothesis is a type of statistical hypothesis that proposes that no statistical significance exists in a set of given observations. Hypothesis testing is used to assess the credibility of a hypothesis by using sample data. Sometimes referred to simply as the “null,” it is represented as H0.

The null hypothesis, also known as the conjecture, is used in quantitative analysis to test theories about markets, investing strategies, or economies to decide if an idea is true or false.

16. What is explanatory research? 

Ans: Explanatory research explains the causes of social phenomena. It aims to establish a relationship between variables, i.e., how one is the cause of the other, or how when one variable occurs the other will also occur. For instance, explaining the relationship between broken families and juvenile delinquency, or between drug abuse and the lack of family control, or between a students’ strike in a college and the apathy to solving students’ grievances.

17.  What is mean? 

Ans: The mean or the arithmetic average of a set of values of a variable is the value obtained after dividing the sum of all the values of the given variable by their number.

18.  What is median? 

Ans: The median is determined by sorting the data set from lowest to highest values and taking the data point in the middle of the sequence. There is an equal number of points above and below the median.

19.  What is mode? 

Ans: The mode of a set of numbers is that value which occurs reputedly with the greatest frequency and it is the most common value.

20.  What is sampling? 

Ans: According to J. Simond “Sample is a collection of observation for which one has data to work with.”

21.  Name the two types of sampling. 

Ans: There are two types of sampling: Probability sampling and non-probability sampling.

22.  What is snowball sampling? 

Ans: Snowball sampling or chain-referral sampling is defined as a non-probability sampling technique in which the samples have rare traits. This is a sampling technique, in which existing subjects provide referrals to recruit samples required for a research study. 

23.  Mention two importance of sampling. 

Ans: The two importance of sampling are given below:

i) Sampling allows researchers to gather and analyze data from a subset of a large population, saving time and reducing the costs associated with studying every single element. This makes the research process much more efficient. 

ii) By using a sample, analysts can quickly make inferences about an entire population, enabling faster decision-making and insights compared to the more time-consuming and impractical approach of manual observation of the entire population.

24.  What is bibliography? 

Ans: A bibliography is a list of works (such as books and articles) written on a particular subject or by a particular author. It is also known as a list of works cited, a bibliography may appear at the end of a book, report, online presentation, or research paper.

25.  What is ethnography? 

Ans: Ethnography is a type of qualitative research that involves immersing yourself in a particular community or organization to observe their behavior and interactions up close. The word “ethnography” also refers to the written report of the research that the ethnographer produces afterwards.

26.  Mention any two well-known classical ethnographic studies? 

Ans: The two well known classical ethnographic studies: 

a) Coming of Age in Samoa Book by Margaret Mead. 

b) The Neur Book by E. E. Evans-Pritchard. 

c) Ethnography of Malinowski: Trobriand Islands book by Bronislaw Malinowski

27.  What is survey? 

Ans: According to Heriman N Morse defines it as “a method of analysis in Scientific and orderly form for defined purpose of a given social situation activities.”

28.  What is experimental research? 

Ans: Experimental research is a study conducted with a scientific approach using two sets of variables. The first set acts as a constant, which you use to measure the differences of the second set. Quantitative research methods, for example, are experimental.

29.  What is Quasi-Experimental Design? 

Ans: The word “Quasi” indicates similarity. A quasi-experimental design is similar to an experimental one, but it is not the same. The difference between the two is the assignment of a control group. In this research, an independent variable is manipulated, but the participants of a group are not randomly assigned. Quasi-research is used in field settings where random assignment is either irrelevant or not required.

30.  What is Schedule? 

Ans: Schedule is the tool or instrument used to collect data from the respondents while interview is conducted. Schedule contains questions, statements (on which opinions are elicited) and blank spaces/tables for filling up the respondents.

31.  Mention two differences between questionnaire and schedule. (Answer any two)

Questionnaire

i. The questionnaire is one of the methods used for data collection. The questionnaire will have many questions, with each question having multiple choices.

ii. Questionnaire method of data collection is preferred when the respondents are willing to cooperate. In addition, to deploy this method the respondents need to be literate.

iii. The type of technique used in the Questionnaire method is Quantitative.

iv. In the Questionnaire method, the grouping is made on the basis of different categories like location, age, gender etc.

v. Informants receive questionnaires through emails, posts and the answers will be given as per instructions given in the cover letter.

vi. In the Questionnaire method, there is no scope for direct personal contact with the respondents.

vii. The cost incurred in the questionnaire method of data collection is economical in comparison with the schedule. The cost is less even if the sample size used is very large. Predominantly the money is spent on preparing questionnaires only.

Schedule

i. The schedule is also one of the methods of data collection. It will have a set of statements, questions and space given to note down the answers.

ii. The Schedule method of data collection can be utilised irrespective of the respondent’s literacy. It can be used when the respondents are literate and can be used even when the respondents are illiterate.

iii. The type of technique used in the Schedule method is Qualitative.

iv.  In the schedule method of data collection, the grouping may exist or may not exist.

v. Answers in the Schedule method of data collection are filled by research workers/enumerators.

vi. In the Schedule method, there is direct personal contact of the respondents with the enumerators.

vii. The cost incurred in the Schedule method of data collection is very expensive since there is the cost involved in preparing the schedule, cost incurred on enumerators in addition to the training imparted to them.

32.  What is questionnaire? 

Ans: According to Goode and Hatt, “It is a device for securing answers to questions by using a form which the respondent fills in himself.”

33.  What is closed-ended question? 

Ans: Close ended questions are defined as question types that ask respondents to choose from a distinct set of pre-defined responses, such as “yes/no” or among set multiple choice questions. Closed-ended questions are used to gather quantitative data from respondents.

34.  What is open-ended question? 

Ans: Open-ended questions are free-form survey questions that allow and encourage respondents to answer in open-text format to answer based on their complete knowledge, feeling, and understanding. The detailed response to this question is not limited to a set of options.

35.  What is dichotomous question? 

Ans: The dichotomous question is a question that can have two possible answers. Dichotomous questions are usually used in a survey that asks for a Yes/No, True/False, Fair/Unfair or Agree/Disagree answers. They are used for a clear distinction of qualities, experiences, or respondent’s opinions.

36.  What is theory? (Answer anyone)

Ans: Theories are systematic statements that explain a particular segment of phenomenon by specifying certain relationship among variables. 

Kerlinger has defined a theory as: ‘...A set of interrelated constructs (concepts), definitions and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relationship among variables with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomena’.

37.  Indicate two qualities of a good observer. 

Ans: The two qualities of a good observer are:

i) A good observer notices small, often subtle, details that others might overlook. This includes being perceptive to changes in environment, behavior, and interactions, which can provide valuable insights. 

ii) A good observer maintains neutrality and avoids letting personal biases or emotions influence their observations. They accurately record what they see without imposing their interpretations or judgments on the data.

38.  Mention the attributes of a Good Theory. 

Ans: The attributes of a good theory need to have Logical consistency, Explanatory power, Falsifiability, and Parsimony.

39.  Differentiate between Descriptive Study and Analytical Study. (Answer any two)

Ans: The differences between descriptive study and analytical study are - 

i) A descriptive study identifies relevant variables but does not aim at testing hypothesis. On the other hand, an analytical study is primarily concerned with testing hypothesis and specifying and interpreting relationships. 

ii) A descriptive study is relatively less limited by the rigorous requirements of measurement and analysis than an analytical study. An analytical study’s design approximates to the model of an experimental design. 

iii) A descriptive study employs simple statistical techniques like averages and percentages, but an analytical study employs advanced statistical techniques like correlation and multivariate analysis.

40.  What is historical research? 

Ans: Historical research has been define as the systematic and objective location, evaluation and synthesis of evidence in order to establish facts and draw conclusion about past events.

41.  Indicate two essentials of a good questionnaire? 

Ans: The two essentials of a good questionnaire are - 

i) The questionnaire should be comparatively short and simple. 

ii) Questions should proceed in logical sequence moving from easy to more difficult question. 

iii) Personal and intimate questions should be left to the end.

42.  Indicate two qualities of a good researcher. 

Ans: The two qualities of a good researcher are - 

i) He should be a votary of truth, truth should be his goal. 

ii) He should always maintain precision and must try to avoid unnecessary details. 

iii) The researcher should be able to utilize his time properly in a balanced manner. 

iv) The researcher should be capable of gathering accurate and indepth information from the respondents.

43.  What is the difference between facts and theories? 

Ans: In the scientific world, facts (or scientific facts) are Observations about the world around us. On the hand, theories in science are likened to the explanations to what has been observed.

44.  Give an example between facts and theories? 

Ans: A good example between fact and theory, is when a report will state that a certain cyclone killed thousands in a particular state in India because of the reckless mass evacuation spearheaded by the local officials. In this aspect, the fact is that many were killed by the cyclone while the theory is the reason behind the death of these people. Was it only because of the haphazard evacuation plan or was it also because of the intensity of the cyclone among many other reasons? Hence, facts are really the real deal while theories are still unclear although presumed to be true.

45.  What is Empiricism? 

Ans: Empiricism implies that a scientific investigation must be conducted empirically. In other words, our views about some or the other aspect of society must be based on clear and definite factual evidence.

46.  What is objectivity? 

Ans: It mean that the scientific investigation must not be influenced by the subjective biases of the investigator. Rather the phenomena are observed in its true form.

47.  What is Relativism? 

Ans: Relativism implies that the results obtained through scientific method are never considered as absolute truths.

48.  What are the difference between social research and social survey? 

Ans: The differences between social research and social survey are given below -

Social Research

i. Social research is concerned with general problems. 

ii. It is concerned with long-term research and problems. 

Social Survey

i. Social surveys are concerned with particular aspects of a problem. 

ii. Social survey aims at the removal of all socio-economic problems which need immediate solution.

49.  Defined Research?  (Answer anyone)

Ans: C.C. Crawford : “Research is simply a systematic and refined technique of thinking, employing specialized tools, instruments & procedures in order to obtain a more adequate solution of a problem than would be possible under ordinary means.” 

Ans: Francis Bacon: “Research is a power of suspending judgement with patience of meditating with pleasures of asserting with caution, of correcting with readiness of arranging thought with scrupulous plan.”

50.  Write two differences between survey and experiment? 

Ans: The two differences between survey and experiment are - 

i) Surveys are conducted in case of descriptive research studies whereas experiments are a part of experimental research studies. 

ii) surveys are an example of field research whereas experiments generally constitute an example of laboratory research.

51.  What is Sampling Errors? 

Ans: Sampling error is a type of statistical error, which differentiates the analysis of samples with the actual value of the investigated elements and observation of a population.

52.  What is an interview? 

Ans: According to P. V.  Young, “interview may be regarded as a systematic method by which a person enters more or less imaginatively into the life of a comparative stranger.”

53.  What is panel interview? 

Ans: A panel interview is when two or more interview at the same time composed of experts in different but related fields.

54.  What is variables? 

Ans: A variable may be dichotomous in nature, that is, it can possess only two values such as male–female or customer–non-customer. Values that can only fit into prescribed number of categories are discrete variables, for example, occupations can be: Teacher (a), Civil Servant (b), Private Sector Professional (c) and Self-employed (d). There are still others that possess an indefinite set, e.g., age, income and production data.

55.  What is an independent variables? 

Ans: Any variable that can be stated as influencing or impacting the dependent variable is referred to as an independent variable (IV).

56.  What is dependent variables? 

Ans: It is the most important variable to be studied and analysed in research study is the dependent variable (DV).

57.  What is moderating variables? 

Ans: Moderating variables are the ones that have a strong contingent effect on the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

58.  What is an intervening variables? (Answer anyone)

Ans: An intervening variable (IVV) has a temporal connotation to it. It generally follows the occurrence of the independent variable and precedes the dependent variable.

Tuckman (1972) defines it as ‘that factor which theoretically affects the observed phenomena but cannot be seen, measured, or manipulated; its effects must be inferred from the effects of the independent variable and moderator variables on the observed phenomenon.’

59.  What is action research?

Ans: Kemmis and McTaggart (1988) define action research as a ‘form of collective reflective inquiry undertaken by participants in social situations to improve the rationality and justice of their own social or educational practices, as well as their understanding of these practices and the situations in which these practices are carried out.’

60. Differentiate between Inductive and Deductive Research. 

Ans: The differences between inductive and deductive research are - 

i) Inductive reasoning aims at developing a theory while deductive reasoning aims at testing an existing theory. 

ii) In other words, inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broad generalizations. Deductive reasoning works the other way around.

61. What is reference?

Ans: A reference is a citation or mention of a source used in writing, research, or presentations, providing credit to original authors and supporting claims with evidence. It enables readers to trace information back to its source for verification or further reading.