SOCIOL 1128 MIDTERM EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Epistemology - ANS The study of
knowledge and, especially, the study
of how we distinguish valid from
invalid claims to knowledge
Problems with ordinary inquiry and how
science addresses them - ANS Inaccurate observations = mistakes and missing
things
Correction: Deliberate, planned, and
recorded observations
Selective observation = we pay more attention to
things we expect to see; interpreting ambiguous
observations as if they fit expectations
Correction: Look for deviant cases
Overgeneralization = Applying conclusions based
on a few observations to a wider range of
phenomena
Correction: Representative samples and
@2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, replication to verify
Illogical reasoning = conclusions without logical or
empirical support
Correction: Peer review
Reflexivity - ANS You can systematically collect data and
honestly portray your findings while
engaging with your motivations for and
position in relation to the research
Purposes of research - ANS 1. Descriptive studies
measures a "what" systematically
2. Exploratory studies
relatively little is know. what's going on here?
3. Explanatory studies
does X cause Y?
Ways the classic linear model
can be limiting - ANS Reliance on deductive reasoning
Focus on hypothesis testing
and causality
Best suited for quantitative approaches
Quantitative research - ANS Uses numerical data to identify patterns and
relationships
Asks: How many? How much? How common?
Strengths: generalizability, comparison, hypothesis testing
@2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
Epistemology - ANS The study of
knowledge and, especially, the study
of how we distinguish valid from
invalid claims to knowledge
Problems with ordinary inquiry and how
science addresses them - ANS Inaccurate observations = mistakes and missing
things
Correction: Deliberate, planned, and
recorded observations
Selective observation = we pay more attention to
things we expect to see; interpreting ambiguous
observations as if they fit expectations
Correction: Look for deviant cases
Overgeneralization = Applying conclusions based
on a few observations to a wider range of
phenomena
Correction: Representative samples and
@2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, replication to verify
Illogical reasoning = conclusions without logical or
empirical support
Correction: Peer review
Reflexivity - ANS You can systematically collect data and
honestly portray your findings while
engaging with your motivations for and
position in relation to the research
Purposes of research - ANS 1. Descriptive studies
measures a "what" systematically
2. Exploratory studies
relatively little is know. what's going on here?
3. Explanatory studies
does X cause Y?
Ways the classic linear model
can be limiting - ANS Reliance on deductive reasoning
Focus on hypothesis testing
and causality
Best suited for quantitative approaches
Quantitative research - ANS Uses numerical data to identify patterns and
relationships
Asks: How many? How much? How common?
Strengths: generalizability, comparison, hypothesis testing
@2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
