Research Methods & Data Analysis Flashcards

A researcher uses data collected for tax purposes to study income inequality. This is an example of:

Answer: Secondary data analysis

Secondary data analysis involves analyzing data originally collected for a different purpose.

Which sampling technique ensures every nth person on a list is selected?

Answer: Systematic sampling

Systematic sampling selects every nth element from a sampling frame after a random start.

In a regression analysis, a beta coefficient of 0 indicates:

Answer: No linear relationship between variables

A beta coefficient of 0 means the independent variable has no linear predictive value for the dependent variable.

Which type of validity assesses whether a measure covers all dimensions of a concept?

Answer: Content validity

Content validity evaluates whether a measure adequately covers all aspects of the theoretical concept being measured.

A sociologist studies gang behavior by joining the gang without disclosing their researcher role. This is:

Answer: Covert participant observation

Covert participant observation involves the researcher concealing their identity and research purpose from subjects.

In survey research, acquiescence bias refers to:

Answer: Respondents agreeing with statements regardless of content

Acquiescence bias (yea-saying) occurs when respondents tend to agree with items regardless of their actual views.

Which measure of central tendency is most resistant to outliers?

Answer: Median

The median is resistant to outliers because it reflects the middle value, not the magnitude of extreme scores.