Suppose That a Sociologist Notices a Correlation Between the Rate

question 31

Multiple Choice

Suppose that a sociologist notices a correlation between the rate of personal bankruptcy filings and the suicide rate. As the bankruptcy rate increases, the suicide rare increases, and vice versa. The sociologist concludes that personal bankruptcy is a cause of suicide. What method did the sociologist use in drawing this conclusion?

• A) The method of concomitant variation.
• B) The method of agreement.
• C) The method of difference.
• D) The method of residues.
• E) The joint method of agreement and difference.

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Definitions:

Endorsing

The act of giving public approval or support to something or someone.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

The psychological conflict resulting from incongruous beliefs and attitudes held simultaneously, leading to a state of mental discomfort that individuals strive to reduce.

Self-Serving Bias

A common tendency for people to attribute positive outcomes to their own character but attribute negative outcomes to external factors.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overemphasize personality traits and underestimate situational influences when explaining others' behavior.