Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative research and give examples of each
What will be an ideal response?
With quantitative research, the goal is scientific objectivity, and the focus
is on data that can be measured numerically. It typically emphasizes
complex statistical techniques. Most sociological studies on suicide have
used quantitative research. They have compared rates of suicide with
almost every conceivable variable, including age, sex, race/ethnicity,
education, and even sports participation.
By contrast, with qualitative research, interpretive description (words) rather than statistics
(numbers) is used to analyze underlying meanings and patterns of social relationships. An
example of qualitative research is a study in which the researcher systematically analyzed
the contents of the notes of suicide victims to determine recurring themes, such as a feeling
of despair or failure.
Through this study, the researcher would hope to determine if any patterns could be found
that would help in understanding why people might kill themselves.
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__________ allows us to look at a culture from its own point of view
a. Cultural relativism b. Relative centrifuge c. Centriculturalism d. Ethnoregulism
What is a benefit of a homogenous focus group?
a. Allows for diverse opinions b. Allows for larger number of participants c. Helpful for sensitive topics (e.g. issues affecting only women) d. Helpful for collecting more data than heterogeneous groups
Most adults in the United States say they want at least three children, although many do not go on to have this many
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
African Americans are identified in the textbook as an example of a(n)
A. racial group. B. status group. C. reference group. D. ethnic group.