The First Exam for Research Methods in Criminology CRIM4370

Name: Karen Alvarado-De La Rosa (1 points X 15 = 15 points)

1. Sampling is used because:

a. it may not possible to collect information from the entire population
b. it is necessary to collect information from the entire population
c. samples are useful tools only in experimental designs
d. it is easier and you can guess if your data reflects the larger population

2. When neither the subjects nor the researcher can identify which group is the control
group and which is the experimental group the design is said to be:
a. cross-sectional
b. double-blind
c. a blind experiment
d. of no value

3. Field research uses what technique to gather data?

a. written records
b. agency data
c. direct observation
d. obtaining government documents

4. Which of the following sampling techniques would not be appropriate for field research?
a. snowball
b. purposive sampling
c. stratified sampling
d. simple random sampling

5. The words or symbols in language used to illustrate subjective thoughts or mental

images about things we may encounter in daily life are known as:
a. operations
b. concepts
c. observations
d. measurements

6. An RA at a local university devised a plan to spot check the dorm for illegal drinking by
knocking on every 5th door on each floor. What technique was the RA using?
a. stratified sampling
 b. simple random sampling
c. quota sampling
d. systematic sampling

7. A researcher concerned with whether a particular measurement technique will, after

repeated measures, yield the same results is concerned with:
a. accuracy
b. reliability
c. precise measurement
d. validity

8. Which of the following is not appropriate subject matter for a field study?
a. juvenile gang behavior following the arrest of one of its leaders
b. police-citizen interactions at a rock concert
c. homeless men’s use of shelters
d. measuring the length of jury trials

9. There are 2 different methods for obtaining data in field research, asking questions and:
a. making direct observation
b. searching documents
c. finding answers
d. analyzing existing data

10. The true list of elements in the population is called the:

a. parameter
b. sampling frame
c. population
d. sample

11. Essentially, an experiment examines the effect of:

a. the world we live in
b. modern science
c. an independent variable on a dependent variable
d. science on sociology

12. Many aspects of physical natural settings are probably best studied through
a. asking questions
b. reviewing written documents
c. direct observation
 d. surveys

13. The value for a given variable in a population is a:

a. population parameter
b. sample element
c. sample statistic
d. equal probability of selection method

14. Which of the following is not considered a strength of field research?

a. validity is enhanced
b. reliability is enhanced
c. it allows for a more comprehensive, fuller understanding
d. limited generalizability

15. External validity in an experimental design refers to:

a. the researcher’s ability to be sure that they are measuring what they think they are
measuring
b. the lack of concern with issues internal to the study
c. the ability to apply findings to other populations
d. the ability to know your measures are consistent