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Scientific Method in Sociology

The scientific method in sociology involves forming questions, developing testable theories, and gathering empirical data to explore social phenomena. This method, rooted in positivism, allows sociologists to approach their research objectively, setting aside personal values to systematically observe and analyze human behavior and societal structures. Understanding this methodology is essential for students as it lays the groundwork for conducting rigorous sociological research and interpreting the complexities of the social world.

17 practice questions with detailed explanations

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Practice Questions

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1

In sociological research, which of the following statements best illustrates the difference between correlation and causation?

This answer shows that just because two things happen together, it doesn't mean one causes the other. Other options are incorrect because This suggest...

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2

In the context of the scientific method in sociology, which of the following best describes the role of variables in quantitative research?

Variables help researchers see how one thing affects another. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that variables don't matter in qualita...

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3

Which of the following research designs primarily utilizes qualitative methods to explore social phenomena in sociology?

A case study looks deeply at one situation or group. Other options are incorrect because Experiments test ideas by changing one thing and seeing the e...

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4

In conducting sociological research, how do ethical considerations influence the formulation of a hypothesis within the framework of sociological theories?

Ethical considerations are very important in research. Other options are incorrect because Some might think ethics don't matter when forming a hypothe...

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5

How can quantitative methods be effectively integrated with sociological theories during field studies to enhance the validity of research findings?

Using statistical analysis helps us understand patterns in data. Other options are incorrect because This suggests we should ignore qualitative data; ...

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6

What is the first step in the scientific method used in sociology for hypothesis formulation?

The first step is to create a hypothesis. Other options are incorrect because Some might think gathering information is first; People may believe anal...

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7

In a sociological study, which of the following best describes the role of independent variables?

Independent variables are the ones we change to see how they affect something else. Other options are incorrect because This option confuses independe...

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8

What is the primary purpose of data collection in the scientific method used in sociology?

The main goal of collecting data is to gather real evidence. Other options are incorrect because Some might think data collection is just for making g...

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9

Arrange the steps of the scientific method in sociology in the correct order: A. Gather empirical data B. Formulate a testable theory C. Analyze the results D. Develop a research question

This order makes sense. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests collecting data before asking a question; This option puts theory bef...

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10

Which of the following statements accurately describe the role of the scientific method in sociology? Select all that apply.

The scientific method in sociology is about careful study and observation, not personal beliefs or ignoring data types. Other options are incorrect be...

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11

If sociologists find a consistent correlation between higher education levels and lower crime rates in a community, what could be a potential underlying cause for this phenomenon?

Higher education helps people get better jobs. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that people choose not to get educated just to commit...

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12

A sociologist is studying the impact of social media on community engagement. Which category best describes this research approach?

This research looks at real data from social media. Other options are incorrect because A theoretical framework is like a plan or idea about how thing...

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13

A sociologist is studying the impact of remote work on family dynamics during a pandemic. Which of the following approaches best exemplifies the application of the scientific method in this research?

This option shows a clear plan. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests a guess about family relationships; This option relies on wat...

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14

In a sociological study examining community behavior, what is the primary purpose of using the scientific method?

The scientific method helps researchers observe and analyze how people behave in communities. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the...

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15

Scientific method in sociology is to sociologists as laboratory experiments are to which of the following fields?

Sociologists use the scientific method to study society, just like chemists use lab experiments to study chemicals. Other options are incorrect becaus...

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16

How does the scientific method enhance the study of social phenomena in sociology?

The scientific method helps sociologists create fair and clear ideas based on what they see. Other options are incorrect because Some might think pers...

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17

In sociology, the scientific method is essential for forming questions and developing testable __________ to explore social phenomena.

Theories are ideas that explain how things work. Other options are incorrect because Opinions are personal beliefs that may not be based on facts; Ass...

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