Sociology : Qualitative
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Sociology
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Research Methodology
Which of the following research methodologies is considered to be qualitative research?
Census
Meta-analysis
Experiment
Ethnography
Survey
Ethnography
Sociological research can be broken down into two main categories: qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative research is characterized by empirical investigations that utilizes statistics, mathematica, or computer techniques to investigate sociological phenomena. It is systematic in nature and is utilized in experiments, surveys, censuses, and meta-analyses. On the other hand, qualitative research is referred to as exploratory research in which researchers investigate the underlying motivations or forces that affect social changes. In ethnographic research individuals often infiltrate a specific social group in order to gather data in the form of notes and observations. They can use this data to create theorizations about groups and propose explanations for social phenomena.
Example Question #1 : Research Methodology
Which of the following research methods are primarily qualitative?
Mixed methods
Content analysis
Enthography
Regressions
Enthography
Out of the options, ethnography is the only research method that is definitely qualitative because it requires deep observation and reflection. Mixed methods imply a the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods, regressions use statistics, and content analysis can be either quantitative or qualitative.
Example Question #3 : Qualitative
What is the method of ethnography?
Firsthand study of people through experimental observation
Firsthand study of people through covert observation
General study of groups of people
Study of how people become organized into particular groups
Firsthand study of people using participant observation or interviewing
Firsthand study of people using participant observation or interviewing
The answer is studying people through firsthand participant observation or interviewing because ethnography is a cultural frame of analysis in which the experimenter must understand the group or culture in the field that it takes place and through those people's point of view.
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