Research Methods BESC 3020 Exam
Questions and Answers Graded A+
Major Sources of Knowledge (3) - Correct answer-Personal Experience, Tradition
or existing knowledge, Authority or experts.
What truths are we looking for in science and social research? (2) - Correct
answer-Absolute Truth & Relative Truth
What are the major causes of errors and biases? (4) - Correct answer-Inaccurate
observations, Over generalization, Selective Observation, & Illogical Reasoning.
Discrete and Continuous Variables - Correct answer-A discrete variable has two or
more logically related attributes or categories. For example, "occupation" is a
discrete variable that includes categories like professor, plumber, farmer, etc.
A continuous variable can have many values. Its value increases "continuously" in
tiny fractions. "Age" and "Income" are examples of continuous variable.
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, Define and find examples of independent and dependent variables - Correct
answer-The cause is the independent variable, and the affected variable is the
dependent.
Example: Drinking alcohol makes you drunk, (babies and accidents)
How many values does a constant have? - Correct answer-One
What does social science research attempt to address? - Correct answer-Why
something happens
Define and find examples of overgeneralization. - Correct answer-An issue internal
validity vs. external validity
Example: "Anyone seen in a bus over the age of 30 has been a failure in life."
Define and find examples of idiographic and nomothetic explanations. - Correct
answer-Idiographic: Explains a single situation in great details. Case studies,
comparative, historical research.
Nomothetic: Explains a class of situations or events rather than a single one, using
one for just a few explanatory factors and seeking a partial explanation.
Define and find examples of induction and deduction. - Correct answer-Induction:
An inductive reasoning, moves from the particular to the general, from a set of
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
Questions and Answers Graded A+
Major Sources of Knowledge (3) - Correct answer-Personal Experience, Tradition
or existing knowledge, Authority or experts.
What truths are we looking for in science and social research? (2) - Correct
answer-Absolute Truth & Relative Truth
What are the major causes of errors and biases? (4) - Correct answer-Inaccurate
observations, Over generalization, Selective Observation, & Illogical Reasoning.
Discrete and Continuous Variables - Correct answer-A discrete variable has two or
more logically related attributes or categories. For example, "occupation" is a
discrete variable that includes categories like professor, plumber, farmer, etc.
A continuous variable can have many values. Its value increases "continuously" in
tiny fractions. "Age" and "Income" are examples of continuous variable.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Define and find examples of independent and dependent variables - Correct
answer-The cause is the independent variable, and the affected variable is the
dependent.
Example: Drinking alcohol makes you drunk, (babies and accidents)
How many values does a constant have? - Correct answer-One
What does social science research attempt to address? - Correct answer-Why
something happens
Define and find examples of overgeneralization. - Correct answer-An issue internal
validity vs. external validity
Example: "Anyone seen in a bus over the age of 30 has been a failure in life."
Define and find examples of idiographic and nomothetic explanations. - Correct
answer-Idiographic: Explains a single situation in great details. Case studies,
comparative, historical research.
Nomothetic: Explains a class of situations or events rather than a single one, using
one for just a few explanatory factors and seeking a partial explanation.
Define and find examples of induction and deduction. - Correct answer-Induction:
An inductive reasoning, moves from the particular to the general, from a set of
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
