Fall, 2001 (Roos, Soc. 311)

Study Guide: Exam #2 (Date: Tuesday, November 6th)

NOTE: These questions are broad study questions only; the actual test questions will be more explicit. The second exam will focus on that material discussed since the last test (sections V and VI on the syllabus). The chapter on survey research (Ch. 9) will be included on the test, even though we will not discuss it explicitly in class. In addition, go over the questions on the elaboration paradigm from the first study guide--the test will include a problem on the elaboration paradigm. You will be allowed to use your notes and books. You will need a calculator.

1. What are the components of the classic experimental design? the Solomon 4-group design? Why would you want to use the latter over the former? why is random assignment to groups important?

2. What is the difference between internal and external validity? of what use is a control group? what's a Hawthorne effect?

3. Why is the normal distribution such an important outgrowth of sampling theory? How do you compute a standard error? What is "p," "q," and "n?" What are the characteristics of standard errors? Of what use is a random number table?

4. Design a research project that could be investigated using the classic experimental design. Illustrate by assigning numbers to observations and describe your results.

5. What is a quasi-experimental design? Why would one use a quasi- experimental design over a pre-experimental design? Why would one use a control-series design rather than a time-series design? Choose one quasi-experimental design and describe a study you could do using this design.

6. What is the difference between nonprobability and probability sampling designs?

7. What is the difference between anonymity and confidentiality in survey research? what are contingency questions? what is meant by a response set? what are the advantages and disadvantages of survey research?

8. What is the difference between a target population and a study population? between a population and a sample? between an observation unit and an analysis unit? between parameters and statistics? between descriptive and inferential statistics? what is a binomial variable?

9. Practice using the three different sampling strategies we discussed--simple random sample, systematic sample with a random start, and stratified sample. What is a multi-stage cluster sample?