The nature of quantitative research
The importance of measurement in quantitative research is that:
It allows us to delineate fine differences between people or cases
It provides a consistent device or yardstick
It allows for precise estimates of the degree of relationship between concepts
All of the above
All of the above
Under the heading, “Why measure?” on page 152, the author offers three reasons for our concern with measurement in research. Firstly, it “allows us to delineate fine differences between” cases or people. General observation might be enough to detect extremes of opinion but measurement is needed for the more subtle variations that actually exist. Establishing a measure once allows us (or others) to use it again, later on, with the same people or with others, providing a consistent benchmark. Finally, by studying co-relationships, we have a basis for studying how closely concepts relate to each other. So, answer (d) is correct: “all of the above”!
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 152
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 152
All of the above Under the heading, “Why measure?” on page 152, the author offers three reasons for our concern with measurement in research. Firstly, it “allows us to delineate fine differences between” cases or people. General observation might be enough to detect extremes of opinion but measurement is needed for the more subtle variations that actually exist. Establishing a measure once allows us (or others) to use it again, later on, with the same people or with others, providing a consistent benchmark. Finally, by studying co-relationships, we have a basis for studying how closely concepts relate to each other. So, answer (d) is correct: “all of the above”!
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 152
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 152
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The term ‘reverse operationism’ means that:A. The theories we devise will often hinder our attempts to measure concepts
B. The measurements we devise can sometimes help to develop a theory
C. Techniques such as factor analysis have no place in social research
D. Driving instructors always make you practice the most difficult manoeuvre
Written accounts of quantitative research rarely include the results of reliability and validity tests because:
A. Researchers are more interested in reporting their operational definitions
B. Researchers don’t really think that these tests are important
C. Journal editors have banned these kinds of articles
D. Researchers are more interested in reporting their substantive findings
The difference between measures and indicators is that:
A. Measures are unambiguous quantities, whereas indicators are devised from common sense understandings
B. Indicators have a more direct relationship to the underlying concept than measures
C. Measures are intuitively devised and then applied as if they were direct indicators of a concept
D. Indicators are unambiguous quantities, whereas measures are subjective and value-laden
Which of the following is not a form of measurement validity?
A. Concurrent validity
B. Face validity
C. Conductive validity
D. Convergent validity
One of the preoccupations of quantitative researchers is with generalization, which is a sign of:
A. External validity
B. Internal reliability
C. External reliability
D. Internal validity
An operational definition is:
A. One that bears no relation to the underlying concept
B. An abstract, theoretical definition of a concept
C. A definition of a concept in terms of specific, empirical measures
D. One that refers to opera singers and their work
Quantitative research has been criticised because:
A. The measurement process suggests a spurious and artificial sense of accuracy
B. The reliance on instruments and procedures makes it high in ecological validity
C. It underestimates the similarities between objects in the natural and social worlds
D. All of the above
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