SARAH KENNEDY

SARAH. KENNEDY. 2009@NUI M. I E

OFFI CE HOUR TUES @ 1 0 I N B. 4.







HTTP: / / WWW. S ARAHKENNEDYTUTORI AL S . BLOGS POT. I E
SO202
Week 2
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this tutorial you should:
Have a deeper understanding of interpretivist and
positivist research.
Understand the difference between deductive and
inductive research.
Be able to identify independent, dependent variables,
and the association between them.
Have an insight into how you will examined on the
topics we have already covered.
Research Paradigms Review
Interpretivism vs Positivism
and the link to quantitative and qualitative research.



More information:
Positivism and Interpretivism
Positivism and Interpretivism 2
Quantitative and Qualitative

Inductive v- Deductive
Theory



Hypothesis



Data



Variables and Association
Sample Exam Questions

1. When the state approved stronger penalties for drunk driving, including the automatic suspension of driving privileges, the number of highway
deaths related to drunk driving decreased. This observation suggests which kind of social research?
A) Descriptive
B) Exploratory
C) Explanatory
D) Evaluation

2. The belief that there is a reality apart from our own perception of it, that it can be understood through observation, and that it follows general
laws is known as:
A) Positivism
B) Objectivism
C) Postpositivism
D) Interpretivist

3. Deductive theory begins with which element?
A) Social theory
B) Hypothesis testing
C) Empirical generalization
D) Descriptive research

4. Which of the following is an example of a positive direction of association in a hypothesis?
A) As an individual's level of education increases, prejudice decreases.
B) The more sexual partners a person has, the more likely he/she is to be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases.
C) As computer literacy increases, amount of social interaction declines.
D) As household income decreases, percent of income devoted to housing increases.

5. Discuss three strengths and weaknesses of quantitative versus qualitative research.






Tips for Assignment 1
Choose an article youre interested in not
necessarily about methods, but includes methods
within it.
Make sure to answer all parts of each question.
Consult the book and lecture slides when answering
the questions.
Dont be afraid to be critical if you dont agree with
the argument, tell me why!