Final-Year Sociology Exam Paper – Research Methods in Sociology
Course Code: SOC 406
Time: 2 Hours
Instructions: Answer all questions in Section A and Section B. In Section C,
choose any TWO questions. Be clear, concise, and support your answers
with relevant examples.
🔹 SECTION A: Multiple Choice Questions (10 Marks)
1. What is the main goal of sociological research?
a) To express opinions
b) To reinforce stereotypes
c) To test hypotheses and generate knowledge
d) To promote bias
Answer: c) To test hypotheses and generate knowledge
2. Which of the following is a qualitative research method?
a) Survey
b) Experiment
c) Participant observation
d) Statistical analysis
Answer: c) Participant observation
3. In research, reliability refers to:
a) The ability to apply results to the whole population
b) The accuracy of results
c) Consistency of measurement over time
d) The honesty of respondents
Answer: c) Consistency of measurement over time
, 4. What is a hypothesis?
a) A random guess
b) A proven fact
c) A testable statement about a relationship between variables
d) An observation
Answer: c) A testable statement about a relationship between variables
5. Which method uses numerical data to draw conclusions?
a) Ethnography
b) Case study
c) Quantitative method
d) Interview
Answer: c) Quantitative method
🔹 SECTION B: Short Answer Questions (20 Marks)
1. Define primary data and give one example.
Answer: Primary data is information collected firsthand by the researcher,
e.g. data from interviews or questionnaires.
2. Differentiate between validity and reliability in research.
Answer: Validity refers to how accurately a method measures what it’s
intended to, while reliability refers to consistency in results over time.
3. List two strengths of using surveys in sociological research.
Answer:
Can reach large populations
Results are easy to analyze statistically
4. Name two ethical issues researchers must consider.
Course Code: SOC 406
Time: 2 Hours
Instructions: Answer all questions in Section A and Section B. In Section C,
choose any TWO questions. Be clear, concise, and support your answers
with relevant examples.
🔹 SECTION A: Multiple Choice Questions (10 Marks)
1. What is the main goal of sociological research?
a) To express opinions
b) To reinforce stereotypes
c) To test hypotheses and generate knowledge
d) To promote bias
Answer: c) To test hypotheses and generate knowledge
2. Which of the following is a qualitative research method?
a) Survey
b) Experiment
c) Participant observation
d) Statistical analysis
Answer: c) Participant observation
3. In research, reliability refers to:
a) The ability to apply results to the whole population
b) The accuracy of results
c) Consistency of measurement over time
d) The honesty of respondents
Answer: c) Consistency of measurement over time
, 4. What is a hypothesis?
a) A random guess
b) A proven fact
c) A testable statement about a relationship between variables
d) An observation
Answer: c) A testable statement about a relationship between variables
5. Which method uses numerical data to draw conclusions?
a) Ethnography
b) Case study
c) Quantitative method
d) Interview
Answer: c) Quantitative method
🔹 SECTION B: Short Answer Questions (20 Marks)
1. Define primary data and give one example.
Answer: Primary data is information collected firsthand by the researcher,
e.g. data from interviews or questionnaires.
2. Differentiate between validity and reliability in research.
Answer: Validity refers to how accurately a method measures what it’s
intended to, while reliability refers to consistency in results over time.
3. List two strengths of using surveys in sociological research.
Answer:
Can reach large populations
Results are easy to analyze statistically
4. Name two ethical issues researchers must consider.
