Chapter 11: ways to avoid misclassifying errors

What are some ways of avoiding misclassifying errors when doing analytic induction?










1)Select random cases from each category if possible.
2)Give three examples for each claim you make
3)Have others review your analytic interpretations
4) Report inconsistencies. Few social patterns are completely consistent.

Unobtrusive Research (Chapter 11)

Of the four options below, which are three examples of unobtrusive research?

a) Investigating written documents
b) Looking at statistical numbers available on webpages
c) Going to field to observe kids play soccer
d) Studying historical records (e.g., patterns that occur in different epochs)









Answer: a, b, and d, for there's direct interference in letter c.

Ch. 11 Reading Question

What is the difference between manifest content and latent content?

Answer: Manifest content is the visible, surface, concrete content. It is easily coded. For example, one might determine how erotic a novel is by counting the number of times the word "love" is featured in the novel. Latent content is the underlying meaning of the communications. Latent content is difficult to code and less reliable-- what may seem erotic to you may be prudish to others.

Babbie, Ch. 11 Question

According to Babbie, the advantages of content analysis include all of the following EXCEPT:

a) It is an inexpensive method of research

b) It allows for the study of processes occurring over a long period of time

c) Errors found in the study are easily fixed

d) Problems of validity are unlikely


















Answer: d

Problems of validity are in fact likely to occur in content analysis.

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Quiz Question (Cracks in the Pavement)

Which of the following is NOT an aspect of one's position in the status hierarchy of a mom/pop store?

a) time spent in the store

b) degree of closeness to the store owner

c) personal resources

d) generosity in aiding others

e) physical proximity to the store

e) physical proximity to the store

Though physical proximity to a store influences how often you may frequent it, it does not play a role in your position in the status hierarchy. The other four aspects are listed and explained on page 139 of the chapter, or page 260 of the reader.

Quiz Question: Inter-/Intra-group(ethnic) Relations in "Cracks in the Pavement"

Which of the following are true?
a) Mom and pop stores increased conflict within groups (ethnicities).
b) Mom and pop stores decreased conflict within groups.
c) Mom and pop stores increased conflict between groups.
d) Mom and pop stores decreased conflict between groups.
e) Mom and pop stores increased integration between groups.

Mom and Pop Store Legitimacy Sanchez-Jankowski

From what two sources does Sanchez-Jankowski argue that mom and pop stores attain legitimacy in their neighborhoods? What are four important types of constituent groups that used these stores?














(1) Supplying provisions and owner's willingness to allow space for social interaction Sanchez-Jankowski argues that the substance, strength, and quantity of these interactions were very important to the resident's everyday lives.

(2) Those of ethnicity, economic status, gender and age, none of which can be understood in isolation.

Quiz Question: Uses of Gossip from Cracks in the pavement

All of the following EXCEPT one are uses of gossip by women at local mom-and-pop shops, according to Martin Sanchez-Janowski.

A) Power enhancement

B) Exaggeration of information

C) Symbol of friendship

D) Establishment of social norms

Correct Answer: D: the actual fourth use of gossip among women in mom and pop stores was called pseudosecretive, this means that the women indicated that the information they were about to digress was not meant for the public, but they were going to tell it any way, this could be indicated with word or by common hand gestures indicating secrecy. The discussion of social norms was one of the common topics of gossip among the women, and it was used to discuss when other members of the community violated social norms in an unacceptable way, the example Sanchez-Janowski gave of this sort of gossip was a group of women talking about the burning of a child that indicated possible abuse.