Qualitative Research Methods: Examination

Please answer 2 questions.

Read the questions carefully. Before answering the questions, spend a few minutes to make some brief notes.
Only authorised dictionaries should be used during the examination.
If you require more writing paper or have any queries, please raise your hand.
Please allow sufficient time to complete two questions (1 hour for each question).

Students will not be allowed to leave the room 15 minutes before the end of the examination. If you have any spare time, check over your answers.

1. Compare and contrast positivism/empiricism with interpretivism/idealism.

2. Evaluate the different perspectives on values and ethics.

3. Assess the different theoretical approaches to social statistics.

4. ‘Despite their popularity, surveys are deeply flawed.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement.

5. ‘While the research technique of interviewing has many advantages, it is not without faults.’ Discuss this statement.

6. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of participant observation.

7. In what ways is documentary research a useful social research technique?

8. Giving research examples, explain the following concepts:

retroduction;
structures and tendencies;
‘topics, not resources’;
engagement;
methodology.

Question 9. Please, read the following exercise. In this exercise, imagine you are a consultant designing a research.

***************************** Exercise ******************************

Core Curriculum assessment.

Administration of AUCA plans to conduct an assessment of classes in ‘Introduction to Sociology". The research techniques should offer a means of :

determining whether "Introduction to Sociology" classes meet the goals of AUCA’s Core Curriculum Program;
identifying strengths and weaknesses in the Introduction to Sociology classes that are presented to students.

Please, answer the following questions:

What evaluators would you recommend for the survey: inside or outside? Why?
Who are the potential users of the research results?
What are the potential problems in the administration of this evaluation research and the problems in using the recommendations?
What strategies would you recommend to deal with these problems?

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Question 10. For the following exercise you have to formulate coding categories and do preliminary analysis concerning gender differences in advertisements

****************************** Exercise *******************************

Please, read following advertisements:

[Codes used by advertisers: LTR = Long Term Relationship, C=Christian, J=Jew, W=white, b=black, H=Hispanic, A=Asia, N/S=Non-smoker, N/D=non-drinker, S=single, D=Divorced, M=male, F=female, H/W=Height/weight, D/D-free=Drug- and disease-free, P=professional.]

1. CHRISTIAN AND KIND

SWM, 23, Christian values, 6’1’’, physically fit, attractive, enjoys summer activities, beaches, and conversations. Would like to meet a Christian female for friendship, possibly more.

2. CHRISTIAN IN SEATTLE

Attractive, Christian, SWM, 28, 6’, H/W proportionate, active person, financially secure, stable and healthy. Would like to meet Christian female, for friendship, possibly more.

3. LOOKING FOR MS. RIGHT

SWM, brown/blue, enjoys camping, hiking, outdoors, movies, quite nights. Seeking SF, 19-25, with similar interests. N/S, N/D.

4. A CUT ABOVE

Handsome, caring SWM, 47, 5’0’’, 190 lbs., honest, intelligent, business owner, enjoys arts, outdoors, travel. Seeking fit, classy lady, comfy in jeans/ high heels, for LTR.

5. HARD-WORKING MAN

Handsome DWM, 40, 6’1’’, blond/blue, beard, country gentleman enjoys outdoors, camp fires, barbecues. Seeks attractive country girl, N/S, light drinker for LTR.

6. BLACK GOLD

SBM, 37, 6’2’’, handsome, fit, romantic, easygoing, fun-loving, fit, liberal, enjoys movies, sports, the arts, travel, dancing. Seeking lady with similar interests. 5’4’’ + for LTR.

7. DON’T ANSWER THIS

Unless you seek a WM, 35, blonde/blue, who likes romantic nights and the outdoors. Please be WP/HF.

8. ROMANTIC TURK

Handsome, loving and passionate, DWM, 46, 5’6’’, 140 lbs., willing to commit to a LTR, with active, fir, N/S lady 333-45, into personal and spiritual growth.

9. CARING KENT MAN

Thoughtful, caring SM, 39, 6’, 185 lbs., brown/blue, enjoys motorcycles, music, movies, etc. Seeking SF, 21-38, H/W proportionate with similar interests, for possible LTR.

10. COURT ME WITH ROMANCE

and experience the unforgettable, SWPF, 30, intoxicating elixir of sensuality and beauty, athletic, adventurous, seeks finely tuned, extraordinary SPM who can accommodate my passion for life.

11. COUNTRY GIRL / CITY STYLE

Cute, petite, DWPF, 37, non-Barbie, seeks tall, non-Ken, must love kids, animals, and fun. N/S, light drinker. Enjoys music, travel, warm nights, no couch potatoes.

12. AGE 22-27

SCF, 21, pretty, enjoys outdoors activities. Seeking SM with a personality full of character, fun, and depth! Must be Christian, attractive, N/S, N/D.

13. BLONDE, BLUE-EYED

Educated DWF, enjoys beautiful music, dancing, outdoors, seeks DM gentlemen, 45-55, who is kind, active, good conversationalist and happy.

14. HIGHLY EDUCATED BEAUTY

Tall, exciting, athletic, natural brunette seeks 4-year degreed (or more), charming business exec, 35-45, 6’+, interested in sports, the outdoors, cultural pursuits and LTR.

15. ARTISTIC/ACTIVE/ATTRACTIVE

Petite lady, 59 years young, looks 15+ years younger due to holistic lifestyle, seeks sensitive, secure soul mate, N/S, trim, fit gentleman of intelligence, awareness and sparkle.

16. BIG, BEAUTY SWF

Redhead seeks rugged, outdoor type, smoker ok, must like cuddling and dancing. Prefer 5’11’’.

17. REDHEAD SWF SEEKS

sincere relationship with tall (6’) SWM, enjoys camping, dancing and movies, who wants to have fun. Prefer N/S. N/D, light drinker ok.

18. LOOKING FOR WHAT?

Let’s look together. DWF, 50, 5’1’’. H/W proportionate, N/S, light drinker, family-oriented, likes having fun doing almost anything. Let’s have coffee, talk, see what follows, maybe just friends.

Please, formulate categories for coding.

Examine the differences in advertisements made by males and females.

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