Basics Of Social Research Qualitative And Quantitative Approaches, 3rd Edition By Lawrence – Test Bank

Chapter 11 Field Research and Focus Group Research

11.1 Essay Questions

1 ) Why should a field researcher read the literature before beginning field work? Does this contradict the idea of defusing? How might it aid in dealing with gatekeepers or in relations in the field setting?

Diff: 7 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting a Field Research Study
Skill: 44. Identify field research entry & interview techniques
Objective: 11.02 Understand field site selection and entry issues

2 ) Identify the characteristics of a field site that make it a good one for a beginning field researcher. Explain why they make it a “good” one.

Diff: 4 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting a Field Research Study
Skill: 06. Explain reasons for using a specific process/procedure
Objective: 11.02 Understand field site selection and entry issues

3 ) How does the “presentation of self” affect a field researcher’s work?

Diff: 6 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting a Field Research Study
Skill: 06. Explain reasons for using a specific process/procedure
Objective: 11.03 Be familiar with field site relations

4 ) What is the attitude of strangeness? Why is it used in field research?

Diff: 5 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting a Field Research Study
Skill: 06. Explain reasons for using a specific process/procedure
Objective: 11.03 Be familiar with field site relations

5 ) What are relevant considerations when choosing roles in the field? How can the degree of researcher involvement vary? Why is “going native” a threat?

Diff: 6 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting a Field Research Study
Skill: 06. Explain reasons for using a specific process/procedure
Objective: 11.03 Be familiar with field site relations

6 ) Identify three ways to ensure high-quality field research data. How does reliability and validity play a role?

Diff: 8 Page Ref: 312
Topic: The Field Research Interview
Skill: 45. Capable of taking notes for field research
Objective: 11.05 Familiar with data gathering & field notes

7 ) Compare differences between a field research and a survey research interview. How does a field interview differ from a friendly conversation?

Diff: 5 Page Ref: 312
Topic: The Field Research Interview
Skill: 44. Identify field research entry & interview techniques
Objective: 11.04 Describe questions used in field research interviews

8 ) Identify three different types of field notes and describe the purpose of each.

Diff: 5 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting a Field Research Study
Skill: 45. Capable of taking notes for field research
Objective: 11.05 Familiar with data gathering & field notes

11.2 Multiple Choice Questions

1 ) Field researchers attempt to achieve reliability and validity for the data collected in several ways. Of the following, which is NOT one of the ways they try to ensure reliability and validity?
A) member validation
B) ecological validity
C) internal consistency
D) external consistency
E) none of the above

Answer: E
Diff: 7 Page Ref: 312
Topic: The Field Research Interview
Skill: 22. Distinguish between reliability & validity, & the types
Objective: 11.05 Familiar with data gathering & field notes

2 ) During her field research project at a daycare center, Sally explained social research to the daycare center workers, told about her own background, and ignored minor rule infractions. This illustrates
A) normalizing field research.
B) use of small favors.
C) negotiating with a gatekeeper.
D) appearance of interest.
E) attitude of strangeness.

Answer: A
Diff: 6 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting a Field Research Study
Skill: 01. Apply abstract learning to realistic situations
Objective: 11.02 Understand field site selection and entry issues

3 ) Sally uses the attitude of strangeness. This means that she
A) is strange, because only strange people want to do social research.
B) finds it difficult to conduct social research on strangers.
C) acts as if she knows less than she really does and puts on a “front” as if she were ignorant of what is going on.
D) remains distant, cold, and angry towards members in the field setting.
E) questions and notices ordinary details as if she was a stranger.

Answer: E
Diff: 4 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting a Field Research Study
Skill: 46. Explain social roles and relations in a field site
Objective: 11.03 Be familiar with field site relations

4 ) When observing in the field observation, Sally helped the daycare teachers clean up at the end of the day. She also answered the telephone when everyone else was busy. This illustrates
A) the use of gatekeepers.
B) the use of small favors.
C) appearance of interest.
D) managing conflict in the field.

Answer: B
Diff: 4 Page Ref: 293
Topic: Conducting A Field Research Study
Skill: 01. Apply abstract learning to realistic situations
Objective: 11.03 Be familiar with field site relations

5 ) Which of the following is often a limitation of using focus groups?
A) People won’t talk in a natural setting like a focus group.
B) People in focus groups do not comment on what others in the group said.
C) People feel more empowered, especially marginalized groups in society.
D) In focus groups everyone always comes to total agreement, there is no diversity of opinion.
E) Focus groups produce fewer ideas than occur in individual interviews.

Answer: E
Diff: 7 Page Ref: 318
Topic: Focus Group Research