Foundations Of Causal Inference In Social Science Research Practice Tests

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the Advanced Research Methods (ARM) course?

Accepted Answer

B. To develop a basic understanding of advanced research methods and the ability to critically judge the quality of analysis, particularly in relation to causality.

Answer

A. To provide full mastery of advanced research methods and specific practical skills in applying them.

Answer

C. To prepare students for conducting independent research projects using advanced statistical techniques.

Answer

D. To teach students how to use specific software packages for data analysis.

Question 2

In the context of this course, active participation in seminars and lectures is considered optional and does not contribute to the learning process.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 3

What percentage of the final grade does the written exam account for in this course?

Accepted Answer

100%

Question 4

According to the provided materials, what is a theory?

Accepted Answer

C. A set of logically interrelated propositions about empirical reality.

Answer

A. A proven fact about the world.

Answer

B. A hunch or guess about something.

Answer

D. A detailed description of a specific event.

Question 5

What is the primary goal of inference in social science, according to King et al. (1994)?

Accepted Answer

A. Inferring beyond immediate data to broader, unobserved phenomena.

Answer

B. Simply describing the data at hand.

Answer

C. Proving a hypothesis with certainty.

Answer

D. Avoiding any form of generalization.

Question 6

Which of the following are examples of descriptive inference?

Answer

A. Determining the average income of residents in a city.

Answer

B. Explaining why a particular policy failed.

Answer

C. Identifying the demographic characteristics of voters in an election.

Answer

D. Testing a hypothesis about the effect of education on political participation.

Question 7

What is a key limitation of causation as robust dependence, as discussed in the provided materials?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to causal explanations that lack theoretical grounding.

Question 8

Which of the following is a central critique of causation as robust dependence?

Accepted Answer

A. It relies too heavily on statistical inference without considering underlying mechanisms.

Answer

B. It emphasizes the importance of experimental design above all else.

Answer

C. It adequately accounts for the role of human agency in causal processes.

Answer

D. It perfectly captures the complexities of social phenomena.

Question 9

Define causation as a generative process and explain its key components.

Accepted Answer

Causation as a generative process requires an account of the processes that are believed to be creating the statistically demonstrated dependence. This account must be informed by subject-matter knowledge and prevailing theory and must be open to empirical testing.

Question 10

Methodological individualism suggests that causal explanations of social phenomena should primarily focus on macro-level societal structures rather than individual actions.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 11

What is the core idea of consequential manipulation in defining causation?

Accepted Answer

B. Causes are factors that could, conceptually at least, serve as 'treatments' in experiments, meaning they must be manipulable.

Answer

A. Causes are factors that are statistically associated with an outcome.

Answer

C. Causes are factors that are determined by historical precedent.

Answer

D. Causes are factors that are inherently unchangeable.

Question 12

Discuss the challenges of applying consequential manipulation in social science research.

Accepted Answer

A major challenge is that most sociological research is not and cannot be experimental due to practical and ethical reasons. Observational studies, which mimic experimental designs, are often used, but they face difficulties in ensuring that treatment assignment and unit response are independent of each other.

Question 13

Which of the following statements accurately describe the problem of agency in the context of consequential manipulation?

Answer

A. It allows conceptual space for human action only in the roles of experimenter or intervener.

Answer

B. It fully integrates the role of individual beliefs and goals in causal explanations.

Answer

C. Action taken by individuals in other roles cannot be accorded causal significance because of its 'voluntary aspect.'

Answer

D. It perfectly aligns with explanations based on individual motivations and decisions.

Question 14

In the three-phase sequence for sociological research, which phase involves demonstrating the existence and nature of social regularities?

Accepted Answer

A. Establishing the Phenomena

Answer

B. Hypothesizing Generative Processes

Answer

C. Testing the Hypotheses

Answer

D. Data Collection

Question 15

Explain the role of social action theory in the 'Hypothesizing Generative Processes' phase of sociological research.

Accepted Answer

Social action theory provides a framework for developing theoretical accounts of the processes that generate observed social regularities, such as rational action theory or norm-oriented action theory.

Question 16

In testing hypotheses about generative processes, verification is more important than falsification.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 17

What is a key challenge highlighted in the chapter regarding regression-based inference?

Accepted Answer

B. The Problem of Omitted Variables and Confounders

Answer

A. The Simplicity of Regression Models

Answer

C. The Abundance of Available Data

Answer

D. The Lack of Statistical Software

Question 18

According to the text, which of the following factors contribute to the instability of regression results?

Answer

A. Changing the set of included control variables

Answer

B. Inconsistencies in time periods and data sources

Answer

C. The use of standardized statistical software

Answer

D. Large sample sizes

Question 19

What is one limitation of newer regression techniques, such as instrumental variables, in addressing causal inference challenges?

Accepted Answer

Newer regression techniques do not easily resolve concerns about omitted variables and reciprocal causation.

Question 20

What does the chapter suggest as a more productive approach to testing causal mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

A. Scaling Down to Mechanisms and Qualitative Evidence

Answer

B. Increasing the Number of Control Variables

Answer

C. Relying Solely on Quantitative Data

Answer

D. Ignoring Theoretical Literature

Foundations Of Causal Inference In Social Science Research Practice Tests

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Foundations of Causal Inference in Social Science Research

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