Research Methods II

Chapter 9

Study Guide

1. Define and explain secondary analysis.  What types of data can be used with this method?

2. Define and explain content analysis.  What are the requirements of content analysis?

3. When is content analysis generally utilized?

4. Which type of research is content analysis most suited for qualitative or quantitative research or both? Explain your answer.

5. Define and explain historical analysis.  What does it mean to synthesize historical research?

6. What are the benefits of unobtrusive measures?

7. What are the benefits of secondary analysis?

8. What are the benefits of using longitudinal datasets?

9. What are the guidelines to follow when selecting a data set?

10. You are studying changing trends in smoking for the last 20 years.  What type of method would you use for this type of study? Explain your answer.

11. You are studying abortion and American views since the legalization of abortion. What type of method would you use for this type of study? Explain your answer.

12. You are studying sex and violence in American movies. What type of method would you use for this type of study? Explain your answer.

13. You are studying the development of compulsory education in America. What type of method would you use for this type of study? Explain your answer.

14. You are studying the popularity of different video games played in video arcades.  What type of method would you use for this type of study? Explain your answer.

15. What are the benefits of using multiple methods in a research design?

16. How is validity and reliability affected by secondary sources?  What must you do to assure that these two requirements are met?