Sample Midterm Questions

1. It has been argued that all epistemologies can be divided into two types: those derived from a priori reasoning and those derived from a posteriori observations. Please distinguish these two perspectives, giving examples of each type. Where does the so called "Scientific Method" fit? How are Poper and Kuhn relevant to this argument?

2. Concepts become variables and propositions become hypotheses through the application of measurement to observations. Provide a typology of ways in which numbers can be used as measurements in empirical research and discuss the resulting types of variables. How do the concepts of reliability and validity provide controls for this process of measurement?

3. Once established, hypotheses can be tested only through proper control over procedure. The two procedures discussed in class, sampling and experimental control address, respectively, external and internal validation. Elaborate this by first explaining the concepts behind each and then addressing when it would be more appropriate to use one over the other.

4. Surveys are arguably the most dominant form of data collection in Sociology. Discuss why this might be true by articulating what types of surveys are used and how do these types differ in procedure, sampling frame, staffing, response rate, etc. Give alternative example of research in which each might be used.

5. We often distinguish between data collection techniques such as surveys and observation vs. simulations and secondary analysis; the former being called obtrusive and the later unobtrusive. Discuss this distinction by outlining the defining characteristics of each data collection technique that would cause it to be placed in one versus the other category of this typology. Is it possible to combine techniques? Give an example from the literature as to how this is accomplished.