Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
New to this Edition
Updated “Statistics in Everyday Life” boxed inserts
Added “Statistics in Everyday Life: Push Polls”
Reduced “Becoming a Critical Consumer” by about 200 words
Divided “A Journey Through the Research Process” into more obvious sub-
sections
Added Table 1.1 to provide examples of nominal-level variables
Added Table 1.2 to clarify criteria for stating categories of variables
Added Table 1.4 to clarify categories for ordinal-level variables
Learning Objectives: By the end of this chapter, students will be able to
1. Describe the limited but crucial role of statistics in social research
2. Distinguish between three applications of statistics (univariate
descriptive, bivariate descriptive, and inferential) and identify situations
in which each is appropriate
3. Identify and describe three levels of measurement and cite examples of
variables from each.
,Chapter Summary
The text begins by explaining the role of statistics in the research process. The discussion
is guided by the "Wheel of Science" as conceptualized by Walter Wallace (Figure 1.1).
The text always presents statistics in the context of the research enterprise. That is,
statistics are presented as useful tools for answering sociological questions and testing
social science theories, never as ends in themselves.
The chapter also distinguishes between descriptive and inferential statistics and
univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics. The concept of level of measurement is
presented in this chapter and is stressed throughout the text as the major criterion for
selecting statistics appropriately. Exercises are provided at the end of the chapter for
reviewing the characteristics of the three levels of measurement used in this text.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. In social research the purpose of statistics is to
a. prove that the research theory is correct
b. validate the research project design
c. manipulate and analyze data
d. ensure acceptance by the scientific community
, Answer: c Page: 2
2. Without statistics, _____________ research would be impossible.
a. meaningful
b. important
c. qualitative
d. quantitative
Answer: d Page: 2
3. Data is the same thing as
a. information collected in numerical form
b. information collected in any form
c. statistics
d. proof
Answer: a Page: 2
4. According to the "Wheel of Science," research projects begin
a. with theory
b. with data
c. with an hypothesis
d. at any stage on the Wheel
Answer: d Page: 2
5. In the research process, theory
, a. is unnecessary
b. is always fully developed before any data is gathered
c. is developed only after the data have been completely analyzed
d. is an attempt to explain the relationship between phenomenon
Answer: d Page: 3
6. In the language of science, a variable that is thought to be causal is called
a. an independent variable
b. a hypothetical variable
c. a primary variable
d. a dependent variable
Answer: a Page: 4
7. In time, the ____________ variable precedes the _____________ variable.
a. hypothetical, theoretical
b. empirical, quantitative
c. independent, dependent
d. dependent, independent
Answer: c Page: 4
8. If people who eat at fast food restaurants become obese, obesity is
a. an independent variable
b. a causal variable
c. a dependent variable
INTRODUCTION
New to this Edition
Updated “Statistics in Everyday Life” boxed inserts
Added “Statistics in Everyday Life: Push Polls”
Reduced “Becoming a Critical Consumer” by about 200 words
Divided “A Journey Through the Research Process” into more obvious sub-
sections
Added Table 1.1 to provide examples of nominal-level variables
Added Table 1.2 to clarify criteria for stating categories of variables
Added Table 1.4 to clarify categories for ordinal-level variables
Learning Objectives: By the end of this chapter, students will be able to
1. Describe the limited but crucial role of statistics in social research
2. Distinguish between three applications of statistics (univariate
descriptive, bivariate descriptive, and inferential) and identify situations
in which each is appropriate
3. Identify and describe three levels of measurement and cite examples of
variables from each.
,Chapter Summary
The text begins by explaining the role of statistics in the research process. The discussion
is guided by the "Wheel of Science" as conceptualized by Walter Wallace (Figure 1.1).
The text always presents statistics in the context of the research enterprise. That is,
statistics are presented as useful tools for answering sociological questions and testing
social science theories, never as ends in themselves.
The chapter also distinguishes between descriptive and inferential statistics and
univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics. The concept of level of measurement is
presented in this chapter and is stressed throughout the text as the major criterion for
selecting statistics appropriately. Exercises are provided at the end of the chapter for
reviewing the characteristics of the three levels of measurement used in this text.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. In social research the purpose of statistics is to
a. prove that the research theory is correct
b. validate the research project design
c. manipulate and analyze data
d. ensure acceptance by the scientific community
, Answer: c Page: 2
2. Without statistics, _____________ research would be impossible.
a. meaningful
b. important
c. qualitative
d. quantitative
Answer: d Page: 2
3. Data is the same thing as
a. information collected in numerical form
b. information collected in any form
c. statistics
d. proof
Answer: a Page: 2
4. According to the "Wheel of Science," research projects begin
a. with theory
b. with data
c. with an hypothesis
d. at any stage on the Wheel
Answer: d Page: 2
5. In the research process, theory
, a. is unnecessary
b. is always fully developed before any data is gathered
c. is developed only after the data have been completely analyzed
d. is an attempt to explain the relationship between phenomenon
Answer: d Page: 3
6. In the language of science, a variable that is thought to be causal is called
a. an independent variable
b. a hypothetical variable
c. a primary variable
d. a dependent variable
Answer: a Page: 4
7. In time, the ____________ variable precedes the _____________ variable.
a. hypothetical, theoretical
b. empirical, quantitative
c. independent, dependent
d. dependent, independent
Answer: c Page: 4
8. If people who eat at fast food restaurants become obese, obesity is
a. an independent variable
b. a causal variable
c. a dependent variable
