SOCI301 Exam 1 Questions and Answers
Graded A+
4 Everyday errors in reasoning - Correct answer-Overgeneralization (based on
limited observeation , occurs when some evidence supports a belief, but a person
falsely assumes it applies to many other situations, too)
Selective Observation (choosing to look only at things that are in line with our
preferences or beliefs)
Illogical Reasoning (the premature jumping to conclusions or arguing on the basis
of invalid assumptions)
Resistance to Change (Failure of new information to change perceptions)
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,How to reduce everyday reasoning errors - Correct answer-Overgeneralization-
The likelihood of overgeneralization is reduced when we base our conclusions on
multiple observations.
Selective observation-The risk of selective or inaccurate observation is reduced by
setting aside preconceived opinions and use scientific methods when making
observations.
Illogical reasoning and resistance to change can be reduced when we avoid!
-Ego-based commitments; by allowing our observations to conform to what we see
and not to our needs.
Excessive devotion to tradition or emotion; by not allowing our perceptions to be
distorted by traditional beliefs about social phenomena.
Uncritical agreement with authority/celebrity; by critically evaluating what they
tell us to be true.
Define science in way that helps us avoid these errors - Correct answer-Social
Science is about examining how people interact with one another. Specifically:
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,Social Science is the use of scientific methods to investigate individuals, societies,
and social processes; the knowledge produced by these investigations
The outline of research - Correct answer-Construct the Research Question(s)
Determine the Research Strategy
Assure that the Research is Ethical
What is theory? - Correct answer-Set of Testable Propositions about Empirical
Reality
All elements of this definition are essential, but the ability to test the ideas is what
distinguishes theory from philosophy or Pseudoscience
Philosophy - Correct answer-Ideas that cannot be tested by research (empirical
observation).
We use a cost/benefit national on our decision making
Types of criminological research - Correct answer-Descriptive research
Exploratory research
Explanatory research
Evaluation research
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, Descriptive Research - Correct answer-Attempts to define, describe, or count
observed social phenomena
Descriptive researcher seeks to answer questions such as :
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
How many?
(used in case studies, surveys and observations)
Exploratory research - Correct answer-Seeks to find out:
how people get along in specific settings and situations
meanings behind people's actions
what issues concern people
Goal is to answer the question: What is really going on here?
(collected through interviews and focus groups)
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Graded A+
4 Everyday errors in reasoning - Correct answer-Overgeneralization (based on
limited observeation , occurs when some evidence supports a belief, but a person
falsely assumes it applies to many other situations, too)
Selective Observation (choosing to look only at things that are in line with our
preferences or beliefs)
Illogical Reasoning (the premature jumping to conclusions or arguing on the basis
of invalid assumptions)
Resistance to Change (Failure of new information to change perceptions)
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,How to reduce everyday reasoning errors - Correct answer-Overgeneralization-
The likelihood of overgeneralization is reduced when we base our conclusions on
multiple observations.
Selective observation-The risk of selective or inaccurate observation is reduced by
setting aside preconceived opinions and use scientific methods when making
observations.
Illogical reasoning and resistance to change can be reduced when we avoid!
-Ego-based commitments; by allowing our observations to conform to what we see
and not to our needs.
Excessive devotion to tradition or emotion; by not allowing our perceptions to be
distorted by traditional beliefs about social phenomena.
Uncritical agreement with authority/celebrity; by critically evaluating what they
tell us to be true.
Define science in way that helps us avoid these errors - Correct answer-Social
Science is about examining how people interact with one another. Specifically:
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,Social Science is the use of scientific methods to investigate individuals, societies,
and social processes; the knowledge produced by these investigations
The outline of research - Correct answer-Construct the Research Question(s)
Determine the Research Strategy
Assure that the Research is Ethical
What is theory? - Correct answer-Set of Testable Propositions about Empirical
Reality
All elements of this definition are essential, but the ability to test the ideas is what
distinguishes theory from philosophy or Pseudoscience
Philosophy - Correct answer-Ideas that cannot be tested by research (empirical
observation).
We use a cost/benefit national on our decision making
Types of criminological research - Correct answer-Descriptive research
Exploratory research
Explanatory research
Evaluation research
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, Descriptive Research - Correct answer-Attempts to define, describe, or count
observed social phenomena
Descriptive researcher seeks to answer questions such as :
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
How many?
(used in case studies, surveys and observations)
Exploratory research - Correct answer-Seeks to find out:
how people get along in specific settings and situations
meanings behind people's actions
what issues concern people
Goal is to answer the question: What is really going on here?
(collected through interviews and focus groups)
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
