Self-reports __________.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Self-reports can range from relatively unstructured interviews to highly structured interviews, questionnaires, and tests. This variety allows researchers to collect information from participants in different ways, depending on the research goals and the type of information being sought. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the range and flexibility of self-reports as outlined in the field of research methodology.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Jade was using ethnography. Ethnography involves the systematic study of people and cultures through participant observation and interviews. In this case, Jade spent two years in a Mexican-American community studying communication between parents and children, which aligns with the methodology of ethnography. Ethnography allows researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular cultural group's behaviors, practices, and beliefs. Choice A, naturalistic observation, involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference or manipulation. While similar to ethnography in some aspects, naturalistic observation does not typically involve the same level of cultural immersion and participant interaction as ethnography. Choice C, self-reports, refers to data collected directly from participants about their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. This method relies on participants' subjective responses and may not provide the same depth of cultural insights as ethnography. Choice D, structured observation, involves observing behavior in a structured and controlled environment. Unlike ethnography, structured observation does not focus on the cultural nuances and immersive study of a specific community.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ethnographies reveal that immigrant parents prioritize education as the surest way to improve life chances for their children. While learning English is important for integration, education is considered the key for better opportunities and success in the long term. Close ties to an ethnic community can provide support but may not directly lead to improved life chances. Moving into an urban area is not highlighted in the context of immigrant parents' views on improving life chances through their children's development.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In an experiment, the independent variable is the one that the investigator expects to cause changes in another variable. It is the factor that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe its effects on the dependent variable. The purpose of manipulating the independent variable is to study its impact on the outcome, allowing researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships in their investigations. Choice A is incorrect because the independent variable is not influenced but rather influences another variable. Choice C is incorrect as the independent variable is intentionally manipulated by the researcher. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a different concept unrelated to the independent variable in an experiment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In field experiments, researchers randomly assign participants to treatment conditions in natural settings. This method allows for a higher level of control over potential confounding variables compared to non-random assignment. Random assignment helps ensure that the groups being compared are comparable at the beginning of the study, which strengthens the internal validity of the research findings. Choice A is incorrect because selective assignment may introduce bias. Choice B is incorrect as researchers can use random assignment in field experiments. Choice D is incorrect because field experiments typically have less control over the treatment compared to laboratory experiments.