Experimental Designs and Validity Analysis
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a common error in reasoning within social research?

  • Hypothesis testing (correct)
  • Illogical reasoning
  • Selective observation
  • Overgeneralization

    • Constructivism emphasizes understanding the subjective constructions of reality by different stakeholders.

    True

    Which of the following is NOT a type of social research design mentioned?

  • Evaluation research
  • Survey research
  • Longitudinal studies (correct)
  • Qualitative methods

    • Name one qualitative method used in social research.

    <p>Interviews</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Experimental methods focus on establishing causal connections.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Social science involves the systematic study of __________, societies, and social processes.

    <p>individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of evaluation research?

    <p>To assess the effectiveness of programs or policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of social research with their descriptions:

    <p>Descriptive research = Focuses on providing a detailed account of a phenomenon Explanatory research = Aims to understand the causes behind a phenomenon Exploratory research = Used when little is known about a topic Evaluative research = Assesses the effectiveness of programs or policies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In qualitative research, __________ is a method where researchers engage with participants through direct interactions.

    <p>intensive interviewing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research philosophy is primarily associated with quantitative researchers?

    <p>Positivism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following research designs with their definitions:

    <p>Survey research = Data collection from a sample of respondents using questionnaires Qualitative methods = Focused on understanding human behavior through detailed contextual analysis Unobtrusive methods = Research that does not disturb the subjects being studied Evaluation research = Assessing the outcomes and impacts of a program or policy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Qualitative research methods are structured and rigid compared to quantitative methods.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of institutional review boards in research?

    <p>They examine the ethics of proposed research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is triangulation in social research?

    <p>The use of multiple methods or data sources to enhance the validity of research findings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Quantitative research primarily focuses on numbers and measurements.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify one common error in social research.

    <p>Neglecting ethical considerations in study design.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common error in survey research that affects the validity of the results?

    <p>Poor Measurement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Causal validity is primarily concerned with whether the relationship between variables can be generalized to other settings.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one ethical issue associated with experimental research.

    <p>Deception</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ in survey research refers to the difference between the sample population and the larger population from which it is drawn.

    <p>sampling error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of survey with its characteristic:

    <p>Mailed Surveys = Cost-effective and can reach many respondents In-Person Surveys = High response rate and can clarify questions Phone Surveys = Quick to conduct but may exclude certain demographics Web Surveys = Accessible but may suffer from selection bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a strategy to minimize bias in survey questions?

    <p>Avoid confusing phrasing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Using factorial surveys can help researchers analyze complex relationships between variables.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one main focus of validity in experimental designs?

    <p>Causal validity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common error in social research?

    <p>Overgeneralizing findings beyond the study sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broader generalizations.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one type of research design that is focused on data collected over time.

    <p>Longitudinal design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of ensuring that a research study is ethical involves obtaining __________ consent from participants.

    <p>informed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the research design with its description:

    <p>Cross-sectional = Data collected at a single point in time Longitudinal = Data collected over a long period Case study = In-depth analysis of a single case Mixed-methods = Combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Factorial surveys are used primarily for measuring sample size in research.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one ethical issue that can arise in experimental research.

    <p>Deception</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sample ________ refers to the difference between the selected sample and the larger population.

    <p>generalizability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of social research with their descriptions:

    <p>Experimental Research = Investigates causation by manipulating variables Survey Research = Collects data through questionnaires or interviews Qualitative Research = Explores phenomena through themes and patterns Longitudinal Research = Studies the same subjects over a period of time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy can minimize bias in survey questions?

    <p>Avoid confusing phrasing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is causal validity primarily concerned with?

    <p>Whether the relationship between variables is legitimate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Generalizability refers to how well study findings apply to different settings.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research design primarily focuses on understanding cause-effect relationships?

    <p>Experimental methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Qualitative research primarily focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one type of unobtrusive method used in social research.

    <p>Content analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In survey research, __________ refers to the extent to which the survey questions accurately measure what they intend to measure.

    <p>validity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of institutional review boards (IRBs) in research?

    <p>To oversee research ethics and ensure participant safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Causal connections can be easily established using qualitative research methods.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ approach involves collecting data without interfering in the natural environment of the subjects.

    <p>unobtrusive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Constructivism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of objective data collection.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one type of research design that focuses on describing a phenomenon.

    <p>Descriptive research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A research design that investigates relationships between variables over an extended period is known as __________.

    <p>longitudinal research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each research design with its primary focus:

    <p>Descriptive research = Describes phenomena Exploratory research = Explores new areas of inquiry Explanatory research = Explains relationships Evaluation research = Assesses program effectiveness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of research design involves collecting data at one point in time?

    <p>Cross-Sectional Design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of qualitative research methods?

    <p>Understanding subjective experiences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Causal validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized across different populations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Triangulation in social research only refers to using multiple quantitative methods.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research?

    <p>The IRB ensures that research studies meet ethical standards and protect the rights and welfare of participants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common strategy to improve the validity of survey research?

    <p>Pretesting survey questions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Longitudinal designs are often categorized into repeated cross-sectional designs, fixed-sample panel designs, and __________ studies.

    <p>event-based</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ error occurs when researchers make broad conclusions based on limited observations.

    <p>overgeneralization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of validity with their definitions:

    <p>Measurement Validity = The accuracy of the measurement instrument. Generalizability = The ability to apply findings to broader populations. Causal Validity = The extent to which a causal conclusion is justified. Authenticity = The credibility of the research findings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following types of research aims to establish causal relationships?

    <p>Explanatory research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exploratory research aims to clarify and define the nature of a problem through existing research.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify one primary function of explanatory research.

    <p>To identify relationships and causal connections between variables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ethical principle of __________ requires researchers to obtain informed consent from participants.

    <p>honesty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of research is characterized by collecting data through repeated measures over time?

    <p>Longitudinal Research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the primary focus of qualitative research?

    <p>To gather in-depth understanding of social phenomena</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inductive reasoning starts with generalizations and moves toward specific observations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The test-retest method is used to measure ________ in a measurement procedure.

    <p>reliability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the research designs with their focus:

    <p>Longitudinal = Investigating relationships over time Cross-sectional = Collecting data at one point in time Experimental = Establishing cause-effect relationships Qualitative = Seeking in-depth understanding of cases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data do qualitative researchers primarily focus on?

    <p>Qualitative text and observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Validity in research refers to the extent to which a measurement accurately represents what it is intended to measure.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name a strategy to minimize bias in survey questions.

    <p>Using neutral language</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research design collects data from different samples of the same population at two or more points in time?

    <p>Repeated cross-sectional design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fixed sample panel designs always collect data from the same panel members at different times.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue may arise from panel studies that can affect data quality over time?

    <p>Subject fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A research design that involves gathering data at two or more time points from individuals who share a common starting point is known as a __________ study.

    <p>cohort</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research is primarily focused on generating theories based on observations?

    <p>Inductive research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exploratory research is a type that seeks to establish cause-effect relationships.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key characteristic of a good research question?

    <p>Socially important</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ________ is a research design where data is collected at multiple points in time.

    <p>Longitudinal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of research with its description:

    <p>Deductive research = Testing hypotheses Descriptive research = Providing a detailed account of a phenomenon Exploratory research = Gaining new insights into a subject Explanatory research = Establishing cause-effect relationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term refers to the use of multiple methods to study one research question?

    <p>Triangulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Quantitative research relies primarily on qualitative data such as interviews and observations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one common error in social research.

    <p>Sampling bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Causal __________ is concerned with whether the relationship between variables can be generalized.

    <p>validity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research strategy involves observing phenomena to form hypotheses?

    <p>Inductive reasoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes validity?

    <p>When a measure accurately reflects what it intends to measure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Generalizability concerns whether study findings can apply to different populations.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of triangulation in social research?

    <p>To strengthen measurement and increase confidence in validity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ____ refers to the process of specifying what we mean by a term in research.

    <p>Conceptualization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of validity with its description:

    <p>Causal validity = Correctly identifying a relationship where A leads to B Internal validity = Ensuring the study accurately reflects the relationship among variables External validity = The extent to which findings apply to other populations or settings Construct validity = How well a test measures the concept it is intended to measure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about closed-ended questions is true?

    <p>They restrict respondents to fixed choices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inductive reasoning moves from general observations to specific conclusions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one common error that researchers should be careful to avoid in social research.

    <p>Sampling bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The type of research design that collects data over time is called ____.

    <p>longitudinal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of survey is characterized by asking questions that allow for a wide range of responses?

    <p>Open-ended survey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inductive reasoning involves moving from specific observations to broader generalizations.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary focus of exploratory research?

    <p>To investigate what happens when certain conditions are met.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The research design that examines the relationship between variables over a long period is called __________.

    <p>longitudinal research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a strategy to enhance validity in survey research?

    <p>Including varied question formats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify one common error researchers may face in causal validity.

    <p>Confounding variables affecting the results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In social research, ________ validity assesses whether findings can be extended beyond the study sample.

    <p>external</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of research is primarily used to establish causal relationships?

    <p>Explanatory Research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Limitations of True Experimental Designs

    • True experimental designs have limitations

    Quasi-Experimental Designs

    • Quasi-experimental designs are alternative approaches for social research
    • Offer ways to investigate research questions where true experiments are not feasible

    Validity in Experimental Designs

    Causal (Internal) Validity

    • Internal validity addresses the extent to which a study's findings can support causal claims.

    Generalizability

    Sample Generalizability
    • Sample generalizability refers to the extent to to which the results of a study can be generalized to a larger population.
    Factorial Surveys
    • Factorial surveys are a specific type of survey design used to explore and examine multiple possible effects
    External Validity
    • External validity assesses the extent to which study results can be generalized to different contexts, populations, or times.
    Interaction of Testing and Treatment
    • The interaction between the testing process and the treatment (or intervention) can affect the validity of findings.
    Predictive Validity
    • Predictive validity refers to the extent to which a measurement procedure accurately predicts future outcomes.
    Measurement Reliability

    • Reliability, in measurement, means a measurement procedure will yield consistent scores

    • Test-retest reliability: Scores do not change when retested

    Ethical Issues in Experimental Research

    Deception

    • Deception in research can raise ethical concerns.

    Selective Distribution of Benefits

    • Ethical issues arise when benefits or outcomes of research are selectively distributed among participants

    Survey Research in the Social Sciences

    • Surveys are essential tools in social sciences.
    • Allow researchers to gather data on a large scale.

    Errors in Survey Research

    Poor Measurement

    • Poorly designed questions can lead to inaccurate results.

    Nonresponse

    • Nonresponse bias can skew the results of a survey by disproportionately excluding particular types of people from being included.

    Inadequate Coverage of the Population

    • Failure to include important segments of the population can skew survey results.

    Sampling Error

    • Sampling errors are a statistical source of errors that can occur in the survey design.

    Writing Survey Questions

    • Clarity and neutrality in survey questions are crucial.
    • Avoid Confusing Phrasing
    • Minimize the Risk of Bias
    • Maximize the Utility of Response Categories
    • Avoid Making Either Disagreement or Agreement Disagreeable
    • Minimize Fence-Sitting and Floating
    • Combine Questions in Indexes

    Designing Questionnaires

    • Utilizing existing instruments is advantageous to ensure rigor and streamline processes.
    • Refine and Test Questions
    • Add Interpretive Questions
    • Maintain Consistent Focus
    • Order the Questions
    • Make the Questionnaire Attractive
    • Consider Translation

    Organizing Surveys

    Differences by Survey Type

    Manner of Administration
    • Various methodologies are used for survey administrations.
    Questionnaire Structure
    • Structure of the questionnaire is a variable.
    Setting
    • Settings in which a survey is conducted can differ significantly.
    Cost
    • Survey cost is a factor that varies significantly depending on the design.

    Mailed, Self-Administered Surveys

    • Detailed and carefully crafted surveys are essential for mailed surveys.

    Group-Administered Surveys

    • Gathering participants in designated groups for surveys can be more efficient

    Phone Surveys

    • Reaching sample units can be challenging in phone surveys
    • Techniques for improving survey response rates are employed.

    In-person Surveys

    • Strengths of in-person surveys are discussed

    Web Surveys

    • Advantages and disadvantages of web surveys are considered.

    Mixed-Mode Surveys

    • Combining different survey modes can improve efficiency and reach.

    Comparing Survey Designs

    • A comparative analysis of survey designs is necessary

    Ethical Issues in Survey Research

    • Ethical considerations in survey research are detailed.

    Qualitative Methods

    • Methods of qualitative research have their unique logic and types.

    Unobtrusive Methods

    • Various methods fall within the "unobtrusive" approach to social research.

    Evaluation Research

    • Evaluation research is a type of research to assess the impact of policies or programs.

    Research Philosophy

    Positivism

    • Positivism emphasizes the objective understanding of realities.

    Constructivism

    • Constructivism highlights the subjective realities constructed by social actors.

    Types of Social Research

    • Different types of social research are described (descriptive, exploratory, explanatory, etc.)

    Research Errors

    • Common errors in reasoning in social research include selective observation, overgeneralization, illogical reasoning, and resistance to change.

    Social Science

    • Social science utilizes systematic methods to study societies and individuals.

    Quantitative vs. Qualitative Data Analysis

    • Qualitative data analysis focuses on text rather than numbers (e.g., interviews, articles, pictures)
    • Qualitative analysis is inductive; no predefined measures/hypotheses
    • Focuses on the whole case, social context, and in-depth comprehensive understanding (vs. finding relationships between variables).
    • Qualitative approaches include ethnomethodology (how does it create reality?) and ethnography (rather than describing the social world) with quantitative data analysis relying on numerical data.
    • Qualitative methods often use written/spoken words or observations and are often for exploratory research.
    • Positivism is associated with quantitative data collection methods, whereas constructivism is associated with qualitative data collection methods.
    • Triangulation uses multiple methods to study one research question.

    Research Question Characteristics

    • Socially important
    • Feasible
    • Scientifically relevant

    Key Social Research Strategies

    1. Deductive research: Theory -> hypothesis -> testing (explanatory research, cause-effect)
    2. Inductive research: Observations -> hypothesis -> testing (exploratory research)
    3. Descriptive research: To provide pictures for theories (qualitative and quantitative)

    Longitudinal Designs

    • Data is collected at one or more points in time.
    • Compared to cross-sectional research (data collected at one point in time).
      • Repeated cross-sectional designs (trend studies): Data is collected at two or more points in time from different samples of the same population.
      • Fixed sample panel designs (panel studies): Data is collected from the same panel at two or more points in time. Possible problems include subject fatigue, drop-out, or growing weary.
      • Event-based design (cohort study): Data is collected at two or more points in time from individuals in a cohort (a group with a common starting point).

    Measurement Validity/Generalizability

    • Measurement validity: When a measure measures what we think it measures.
    • Sample generalizability: Extent results can be generalized to a larger population.
    • Cross-population generalizability: Extent results can be generalized to different populations.
    • External Validity
    • Causal/internal validity: When a conclusion that A leads to/results in B is correct.

    Conceptualization and Operationalization

    • Conceptualization: Specifying what we mean by a term (translates abstract theory into specific variables).
    • Operationalization: Specifying measures that will indicate the value of cases on a variable
    • Indicator: Indicates the value of cases on a variable

    Types of Questions

    • Closed-ended: Fixed-choice
    • Open-ended

    Triangulation

    • Using two different measures of the same variable to strengthen measurement validity.

    Levels of Measurement

    • Levels of measurement are affected by ego-based and institutional commitments, excessive devotion to tradition, uncritical agreement with authority, and the internet.

    Social Science and Limitations

    • Social science uses scientific methods to investigate social processes, but there are limitations in studying individual societies and the knowledge produced.

    Types of Social Research

    1. Descriptive: Defining and describing social phenomena.
    2. Exploratory: Exploring what happens when...
    3. Inductive/explanatory: Identifying causes and effects, predicting how things will change.
    4. Evaluation: Examining efforts to affect social patterns.

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    Description

    This quiz delves into the limitations and strengths of true and quasi-experimental designs in research. It also explores the concepts of internal and external validity, generalizability, and the role of factorial surveys. Test your knowledge on these crucial aspects of research methodology.

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