RESEARCH METHODS EXAM 1
CERTIFICATION EVALUATION 2026 FULL
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS UPDATED
◉ Ethical Controversy
Observing Human Obedience: Stanley Milgram (1933-1984)
-Participants imitated a laboratory-based World War II controversy
-Participants were assigned job of "teacher" - to teach a list of works
to the "pupil." If the pupil got the word wrong, the teacher would
administer increasing levels of shocks to the pupil.
-Which ethical issues are in question?
Answer:
◉ The Politics of Social Research
Answer: -The ethics of social research deals mostly with the methods
employed.
-Political issues tend to center on the substance and use of research.
-There are no formal codes of acceptable political conduct, while
there are formal codes of conduct for social research.
,◉ Objectivity and Ideology
Answer: -Science achieves objectivity through inter-subjectivity.
-Max Weber (1864-1920): sociology needs to be unencumbered by
personal values if it is to make a special contribution to society
(1925).
-Social Research and Race
-The Politics of Sexual Research
-Politics and the Census
◉ Politics with a Little "p"
Answer: -Social research in relation to contested social issues cannot
remain antiseptically objective.
-politics is personal
◉ Politics in Perspective
Answer: -Science is not untouched by politics.
-Science does proceed in the midst of political controversy and
hostility.
-An awareness of ideological considerations enriches the study and
practice of social research methods.
, -Whereas researchers should not let their own values interfere with
the quality and honesty of the research, this does not mean that
researchers cannot or should not participate in public debates.
◉ Review Question
True or False: Researchers should refrain from participating in
public debates because their personal opinions can interfere with
their research.
Answer: False: Researchers do not have to refrain from engaging in
public debates. But they should be aware of how their values and
opinions may interfere with their research.
◉ Which constrains must be placed on social research for it to be
considered realistic?
A. scientific constraints
B. administrative constraints
C. ethical constraints
D. all of the above
Answer: ANSWER: D.
Scientific, administrative, and ethical constraints must be placed on
social research for it to be considered realistic.
CERTIFICATION EVALUATION 2026 FULL
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS UPDATED
◉ Ethical Controversy
Observing Human Obedience: Stanley Milgram (1933-1984)
-Participants imitated a laboratory-based World War II controversy
-Participants were assigned job of "teacher" - to teach a list of works
to the "pupil." If the pupil got the word wrong, the teacher would
administer increasing levels of shocks to the pupil.
-Which ethical issues are in question?
Answer:
◉ The Politics of Social Research
Answer: -The ethics of social research deals mostly with the methods
employed.
-Political issues tend to center on the substance and use of research.
-There are no formal codes of acceptable political conduct, while
there are formal codes of conduct for social research.
,◉ Objectivity and Ideology
Answer: -Science achieves objectivity through inter-subjectivity.
-Max Weber (1864-1920): sociology needs to be unencumbered by
personal values if it is to make a special contribution to society
(1925).
-Social Research and Race
-The Politics of Sexual Research
-Politics and the Census
◉ Politics with a Little "p"
Answer: -Social research in relation to contested social issues cannot
remain antiseptically objective.
-politics is personal
◉ Politics in Perspective
Answer: -Science is not untouched by politics.
-Science does proceed in the midst of political controversy and
hostility.
-An awareness of ideological considerations enriches the study and
practice of social research methods.
, -Whereas researchers should not let their own values interfere with
the quality and honesty of the research, this does not mean that
researchers cannot or should not participate in public debates.
◉ Review Question
True or False: Researchers should refrain from participating in
public debates because their personal opinions can interfere with
their research.
Answer: False: Researchers do not have to refrain from engaging in
public debates. But they should be aware of how their values and
opinions may interfere with their research.
◉ Which constrains must be placed on social research for it to be
considered realistic?
A. scientific constraints
B. administrative constraints
C. ethical constraints
D. all of the above
Answer: ANSWER: D.
Scientific, administrative, and ethical constraints must be placed on
social research for it to be considered realistic.
