Sociology 2155: Study Guide--Exam Three

I. Multiple Choice questions. Quite a few of the items here reflect what I take to be essential materials from the earlier parts of our course.

A.Peer reviewed research. Grounded theory. Univariate statistics: Measures of Central Tendency: mode, median, mean (know how to calculate them), Measures of variation or dispersion: range, standard deviation(know how to calculate them), probability sampling vs. nonprobability sampling, establishing causality( correlation, time order, lack of spuriousness are the essentials; if you can also establish intervening variables, so much the better), cross tabulation(appropriate level of measurement, purpose, form and interpretation), theory, research, operationalization, Evaluation research(evaluation of need, evaluation of process, evaluation of impact or outcomes, evaluation of cost-effectiveness), Qualitative research methods ( field reseach, intensive interviewing, focus groups, oral histories), reactive effects, reflexivity, etic focus vs. emic focus, progressive focussing, grounded theory, ethnography, ethnomethodology, qualitative comparative analysis, narrative analysis, conversation analysis, case-oriented understanding, ethical issues in qualitative analysis, thick descriptions

II. Essay Questions .

1. . Kornblum and Smith structure their book, In the Field , in terms of four dimensions of field experience, each with its own dynamics and challenges: Gaining Entry, Building Relationships, Maintaining Objectivity, and the Observer's Role. Discuss each of these dimensions, illustrating your discussion with examples from the readings in this book. (Everyone will be asked to write on this one.)

2. What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of the three major types of research: survey research, experiment (including much of the best evaluation research), qualitative research method? Give specific examples of each type of research to support your arguments.

3. Your instructor has argued that sociology is the product of a community of scholars. Use an area of research with which you are familiar (whether from this course or another) and show how this works. Include some discussion of how occupational incentives in the colleges and universities support this process.

4. Evaluating the impact of social policies or programs has much in common with experimental research. Show the strengths of evaluation research that meets the criteria for experimental research, compared to quasi-experimental research. Give examples.

5. Researchers who are doing field research face issues along the continuum from pure observation to whole-hearted participation. Show how three of the researchers from In the Field resolved this dilemma of how much participation they were going to do in the setting they were investigating. What were the consequences of their decisions?

6. Drawing particularly on chapter 8 in C/S but also my discussion of grounded theory, describe how the qualittive researcher deals with: reactive effects, reflexivity, making valid interpretations, establishing causal relations. Use examples whenever possible.