Crafting SMARTER Research Questions

Questions and Answers

What type of research design involves random assignment of participants to treatment conditions?

Comparative

True Experimental (correct)

Correlational

Quasi-experimental

Which type of research question is best suited for exploring relationships between two variables without implying causation?

True Experimental

Descriptive

Correlational (correct)

Comparative

In a quasi-experimental design, what limitation is typically present compared to true experimental design?

Participants are randomly assigned to groups

It measures variables in a standardized way

Lack of random assignment of participants (correct)

Control over extraneous variables is enhanced

What is the primary role of independent variables in research?

To cause changes in dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

What type of research design is exemplified by comparing COVID-19 awareness between two grades?

Comparative Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes an essential characteristic of experimental research designs?

It manipulates conditions to study effects on participants. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research, what is an example of a dependent variable?

Scores on an exam Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates a correlational research question?

Is there a relationship between exercise frequency and mental health scores? Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when selecting a research topic?

Identifying topics that intrigue you. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an element that should be included in a research title?

Key variables relevant to the study. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research title poses a question without providing study details?

Interrogative Title Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of research title development emphasizes clarity and simplicity?

Avoiding jargon and keeping the title concise. Signup and view all the answers

How should a researcher ensure the relevance of their research topic?

By ensuring it tackles contemporary societal issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a declarative title?

It states the results of the study. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of title is a straightforward statement describing a study?

Single Title Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers avoid when crafting a title for their research?

Excluding numerical values. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an active independent variable?

It is manipulated by the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates an assigned independent variable?

Investigating the effect of age on test scores. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable?

The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

In research, what is a continuous quantitative variable?

A variable that can take any value within a range. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a discrete quantitative variable?

The number of students enrolled in a course. Signup and view all the answers

Why is planning essential in research?

It helps to provide a framework and direction for the study. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of an assigned independent variable concerning participant attributes?

It is determined by the intrinsic characteristics of the participants. Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if a researcher lacks a conceptual framework?

The research could be disorganized and unfocused. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the research background in a study?

To introduce the topic and contextualize the research Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential for identifying research gaps?

Clearly identifying what has not been studied Signup and view all the answers

What should a well-crafted problem statement accomplish?

Minimize obstacles in the theoretical framework Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline is NOT recommended when formulating research questions?

Make the question complex to challenge the researcher Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of addressing research gaps?

It clarifies contributions to the field of study Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for research questions in quantitative studies?

They should define variables and their relationships Signup and view all the answers

Why is reviewing existing literature essential before developing research questions?

To ensure questions align with already established concepts Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when crafting a research question?

Making statements instead of questions Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'R' in SMARTER stand for?

Relevant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the 'scope' of a research study?

The extent of the research area being investigated Signup and view all the answers

What does 'delimitation' in research primarily address?

Parameters such as sample size and time Signup and view all the answers

In a comparative study, which variable is manipulated by the researcher?

Independent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a conceptual framework in quantitative research?

To visually illustrate connections between phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research question focuses on analyzing population characteristics?

Descriptive Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a part of making research questions SMARTER?

Quantitative Signup and view all the answers

When researchers justify their choices in delimitation, what should they explain?

How exclusions may influence research outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Design Types

Descriptive research examines levels of knowledge among specific populations, e.g., COVID-19 awareness in Senior High School students.
Comparative research evaluates differences in knowledge or attitudes between groups, such as between grades 11 and 12.
Correlational research explores relationships between variables without implying causation, e.g., study hours and academic performance.

Experimental Research Designs

True Experimental designs involve random assignment, allowing for control over extraneous variables. Example: Assessing the effectiveness of Strategic Intervention Material (SIM-Module) through random selection.
Quasi-experimental designs lack random assignment, limiting control over external factors. Example: Analyzing SIM-Module effectiveness when sections are selected without random assignment.

Importance of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research serves to dissect topics across disciplines with clear objectives and systematic methodologies.

Types of Variables

Variables are characteristics that can change and are classified as independent or dependent.
Independent Variable: Potential cause affecting other variables, categorized into:
- Active Independent Variable: Manipulated by the researcher, e.g., Vitamin C in health studies.
- Assigned Independent Variable: Naturally occurring, cannot be controlled, e.g., grade level in COVID-19 awareness studies.
Dependent Variables: Outcomes influenced by independent variables, e.g., academic performance based on study hours.

Nature of Variables

Continuous variables can take any value within a range, such as weight (e.g., 45.5 kilos).
Discrete variables are whole numbers with no intermediate values, e.g., counting individuals in a group.

Designing Research

Research planning begins with identifying an area of interest that resonates personally or socially relevant issues.
Factors to consider include timeliness, clear goals, contributions to society, and availability of information.

Crafting a Research Title

A title should accurately convey the study's main elements and include key variables, location, population, timeframe, and research design.
Types of titles:
- Declarative: Conveys study outcomes.
- Descriptive: Focuses on methods.
- Interrogative: Poses a research question.
Good titles are clear, informative, avoid jargon, and lack numerical values.

Research Background

Offers context by summarizing relevant history and key issues, aiding in understanding the research topic.
Identifies gaps in literature that the study aims to fill, enhancing the significance of the research.

Statement of the Problem

Articulates existing issues needing exploration and forms a foundational basis for the study, guiding questions and methodology.

Research Questions

Derived from the study's purpose, guiding initial research proposals.
Should be specific, researchable, defined, and SMARTER (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-constrained, Ethical, Relevant).

Scope and Delimitation

Scope defines the extent of research, focusing on specific aspects while recognizing the impossibility of covering all factors.
Delimitation establishes boundaries, defining parameters like sample size and geographic focus, and justifies methodological choices.

Conceptual Framework

Visual representation illustrating connections between key concepts and variables in the study, based on existing theories.
Clarifies relationships between independent and dependent variables in comparative research designs.

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Description

This quiz helps you develop research questions that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-constrained, Ethical, and Relevant. By focusing on these SMARTER criteria, you'll enhance your research design and improve the clarity of your objectives. Test your understanding of how to create effective research questions for various contexts.