Social Problems
What is the definition of a social problem?
Conditions that negatively affect many people and require collective solutions.
What is empirical knowledge?
Knowledge from direct observation or experience.
What makes a research question “clear”?
It is simple and easy to understand.
What is qualitative research?
A method focused on meanings, experiences, and perspectives.
Which method collects opinions from many people?
Survey
Give one example of a social problem affecting schools.
Example: bullying in schools.
Give an example of scientific knowledge from daily life.
Example: A survey showing local air pollution levels.
Why should a research question avoid yes/no answers?
Because yes/no questions don’t allow deep analysis.
What is quantitative research?
A method focused on numbers, measurement, and statistics.
Which method explores experiences deeply through conversation?
Interview
Why are social problems considered collective issues rather than individual ones?
Because they affect groups, not just individuals, and require social solutions.
Which type of knowledge is based on ethics and reasoning?
Philosophical knowledge.
What does it mean for a research question to be “researchable”?
It can be answered with data, observation, or research tools.
Define mixed methods research.
Combines both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Which method observes natural behavior without interference?
Observation
How can a problem map help us understand the complexity of a social problem?
It helps visualize causes, effects, and possible solutions in one diagram.
Why do researchers combine different types of knowledge when analyzing problems?
To get a broader and deeper understanding of the problem.
Transform the question “Is pollution bad?” into a strong research question.
“How does pollution in our neighborhood affect student health?”
Which approach would best study “how students feel about bullying”?
Qualitative
What is the difference between experimental and non-experimental methods?
Experimental manipulates variables; non-experimental observes without interference.
Compare “poverty” and “climate change” as social problems—what makes them similar and different?
Both are widespread and structural; poverty is economic while climate change is environmental.
Differentiate between empirical and scientific knowledge with an example of pollution.
Empirical = seeing trash; Scientific = measuring pollution levels.
Why is focus important when formulating a research question?
Without focus, the research becomes too vague or broad.
Which approach would best measure “how many students skip school due to bullying”?
Quantitative
Explain the difference between deductive and inductive methods.
Deductive goes from theory to case; inductive goes from cases to theory.