MCQ with answers on Methods and Tools of Data Collection in Social Science Research

1. What is the primary objective of social science research? a) To generate knowledge and understanding of social phenomena. b) To promote a particular ideology or agenda. c) To generate profit for the researcher. d) None of the above.

Answer: a) To generate knowledge and understanding of social phenomena.

2. Which of the following is an example of qualitative research? a) A survey with closed-ended questions. b) An experiment with manipulated variables. c) An observation of a natural setting. d) None of the above.

Answer: c) An observation of a natural setting.

3. What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research? a) Qualitative research involves numerical data, while quantitative research involves non-numerical data. b) Qualitative research is exploratory and descriptive, while quantitative research is deductive and predictive. c) Qualitative research involves a large sample size, while quantitative research involves a small sample size. d) None of the above.

Answer: b) Qualitative research is exploratory and descriptive, while quantitative research is deductive and predictive.

4. Which of the following is an example of a tool of data collection? a) Sampling method. b) Research design. c) Document analysis. d) Research question.

Answer: c) Document analysis.

5. What is the purpose of sampling in social science research? a) To exclude certain individuals or cases from a study. b) To ensure that the sample is representative of the larger population. c) To manipulate variables to observe their effects on an outcome of interest. d) None of the above.

Answer: b) To ensure that the sample is representative of the larger population.

6. Which of the following is a disadvantage of observations as a tool of data collection? a) They can be time-consuming and difficult to standardize. b) They can be influenced by participant bias. c) They can suffer from social desirability bias. d) None of the above.

Answer: a) They can be time-consuming and difficult to standardize.

7. Which of the following is an advantage of surveys as a tool of data collection? a) They can provide detailed information on behavior and interactions. b) They can be conducted in natural or controlled settings. c) They can gather information from a large number of people. d) None of the above.

Answer: c) They can gather information from a large number of people.

8. Which of the following is an example of mixed methods research? a) A survey with closed-ended questions. b) An observation of a natural setting. c) An experiment with manipulated variables. d) A study that combines interviews and surveys.

Answer: d) A study that combines interviews and surveys.

9. What is the purpose of data collection in social science research? a) To generate profit for the researcher. b) To validate preconceived notions. c) To draw valid conclusions and make informed decisions. d) None of the above.

Answer: c) To draw valid conclusions and make informed decisions.

10. Which of the following is a consideration when selecting a tool of data collection? a) The researcher's personal bias. b) The availability of funding. c) The research question and design. d) None of the above.

Answer: c) The research question and design.