Introduction to Practical Research

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Questions and Answers

What does the acronym PCEA in the theoretical framework represent?

Proponent, Content, Emphasis, Application (correct)

Purpose, Context, Engagement, Analysis

Procedure, Criteria, Evaluation, Assessment

Principles, Concepts, Evidence, Analysis

Which statement correctly describes the scope of a study?

The choices made by the researcher that limit the study.

The specific influences the researcher cannot control.

The researcher's specific hypotheses regarding the study.

The area of the study and its temporal focus. (correct)

What is the role of the null hypothesis in research?

To provide a conceptual definition of key terms.

To propose a significant relationship between variables.

To outline the limitations faced by the researcher.

To assert the absence of any significant difference. (correct)

What is the significance of defining terms in a research study?

To clarify key concepts and variables for readers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes qualitative research methods?

Methods that prioritize participant feelings and experiences. Signup and view all the answers

In what section of a research study would you find the blueprint or framework that guides the study?

Research Design Signup and view all the answers

What does delimitation refer to in a research context?

Choices made by the researcher to narrow the study focus. Signup and view all the answers

The analytical tool used in conceptual frameworks helps to achieve what?

Organize ideas and make conceptual distinctions. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes true experimental research design?

The researcher has control over independent variables. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of research design is a pretest administered only to two of the groups?

Solomon Four Group Signup and view all the answers

What do independent variables represent in research?

Variables that are manipulated to observe their effect Signup and view all the answers

Which research design involves observing subjects over time without assigning them to groups?

Time-Series Design Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable can take on missing or undefined values?

Interval Variables Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of pre-experimental research design?

It does not utilize a control group. Signup and view all the answers

Which design provides a comparative analysis of a group both before and after treatment?

One Group Pretest Posttest Design Signup and view all the answers

What defines a confounding variable?

A variable that influences both independent and dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines ordinal variables?

They can be ordered from highest to lowest Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of quantitative research?

Utilizes structured research instruments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strength of quantitative research?

Provides immediate answers to specific questions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding attributes?

Attributes represent specific values of a variable Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature for a good research title?

Clarity and specificity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of control variables in a study?

To account for variables that might affect the dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

Why is sample size important in quantitative research?

Larger sizes ensure reliability and generalization Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the SCAAK acronym, which of the following is NOT emphasized?

Including unnecessary phrases to elaborate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes intervening variables?

Variables that explain the relationship between independent and dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the weaknesses of quantitative research is correct?

It ignores the meaning behind social phenomena Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of quantitative research?

To seek accurate measurement and analysis Signup and view all the answers

What role does randomization play in quantitative research?

It ensures that all demographics are represented Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes quantitative data?

It is numeric and often presented in charts or tables Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of descriptive research design?

To explore and provide a detailed understanding of a research problem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sampling techniques involves dividing the population into groups before selection?

Stratified Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes non-probability sampling methods?

Subjective judgment of the researcher plays a role in selection Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling technique can be described as using available members for selection?

Convenience Sampling Signup and view all the answers

In systematic sampling, what characteristic does the selection process exhibit?

There is a specific pattern for selecting samples Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Gantt Chart in research?

To guide the discussion of study activities and timeline Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sampling is primarily concerned with a certain proportion of different groups in the population?

Quota Sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes primary data?

Data gathered by researchers directly from the source Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Research

Research involves systematic inquiry, data collection, documentation, and analysis to evaluate hypotheses, build knowledge, and generate further questions (EAH acronym).
Quantitative research specifically employs statistical techniques for empirical investigation, focusing on observable data.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Utilizes structured research instruments to gather actionable data through surveys and questionnaires.
Requires a sample size that adequately represents the population for reliability and generalizability.
Data collected is numerical, often displayed in tables or charts, enhancing understanding and proving validity.
Defined research questions drive objective outcomes and rigorous measurement practices.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

Achieves higher sample sizes, facilitating accurate and credible generalizations.
Allows quick data collection from experiments, surveys, and interviews.
Employs randomized sampling for demographic diversity.
Ensures replicability for validating results and focuses on specific factual data.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Lacks depth regarding the meaning of social phenomena.
May incur significant costs.
Limited access to in-depth feedback.
Randomized samples may not yield useful information due to variable existence implications.
Requires large samples to ensure validity.

Good Research Titles

Should be specific, clear, and attractive while indicating the subject and scope without abbreviations.
Must identify key variables and adhere to standards like using declarative forms and concise language.
Titles shouldn’t exceed three lines and should summarize the entire research focus.

Types of Variables

Variables are attributes that can change and are measured in research.
Common variables include age, sex, education, and income.
Types include:
- Nominal: Categories without order (e.g., gender, blood type).
- Ordinal: Ordered categories (e.g., satisfaction ratings).
- Interval: No true zero (e.g., temperatures).
- Ratio: Data that cannot fall below zero (e.g., height, weight).

Variable Types in Research

Independent Variables: Cause and influence outcomes, manipulated to observe effects.
Intervening Variables: Explain relationships between independent and dependent variables.
Control Variables: Known influences on dependent variables, measured for tracking.
Confounding Variables: Unmeasured elements that can skew study results.

Chapter 1 Components

Background of the Study: Contextualizes the issue, outlines problems, and gaps in knowledge.
Theoretical Framework: Identifies the theory's proponents, content, and applications.
Statement of the Problem: Articulates research challenges in past tense after oral defense.
Conceptual Framework: Provides a researcher-defined analytical tool.
Significance of the Study: Discusses impact and contributions to research literature.
Scope and Limitation: Defines study parameters and acknowledges uncontrollable influences.

Hypotheses

Null Hypothesis: Suggests no significant difference exists.
Alternative Hypothesis: Indicates a significant difference exists.

Definition of Terms

Clear definitions are provided for key terms and variables in alphabetical order.
Both conceptual and operational definitions are presented for clarity.

Chapter 3 Overview

Research Method: Overview of qualitative and quantitative methods.
Research Design: Framework guiding data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Setting of the Study: Describes the research locale and characteristics.
Subject of the Study: Defines participant characteristics and selection process.
Procedure of the Study: Outlines activities necessary for conducting research.
Sources of Data: Distinguishes between primary and secondary data.
Sampling Technique: Criteria for selecting respondents.

Probability Sampling Types

Simple Random Sampling: No patterns, akin to a chance draw.
Systematic Sampling: Applies a defined pattern for selection.
Stratified Sampling: Divides the population into strata for representation.
Cluster Sampling: Selects entire groups as representatives.

Non-Probability Sampling Types

Convenience Sampling: Based on availability of participants.
Quota Sampling: Reflects proportions of groups within the population.
Purposive Sampling: Selects participants based on research goals.
Snowball Sampling: Participants recruit additional members.

Data Gathering Procedure

Details the administration process of tests or surveys, including statistical treatments for analysis.

Quantitative Research Designs

Descriptive Design: Explores foundational questions about research subjects.
Experimental Designs: Includes true, quasi, and pre-experimental frameworks:
- True Experimental: Researchers control variables extensively.
- Quasi-Experimental: Lacks random assignment; examines causal relationships.
- Time-Series and One-Shot Case Studies: Measure effects over time or after treatment.

Other Experimental Models

Pre-Test, Post-Test Controlled Group: Measures outcomes before and after treatment between experimental and control groups.
Post-Test Only Controlled Group: Focuses on outcomes after treatment in both groups.
Solomon Four Group: Combines pre-test and post-test methods across multiple groups to analyze effectiveness.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of practical research, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative methods. Dive into systematic inquiries, data analysis, and the principles behind formulating valid hypotheses. Understand how to assemble knowledge and generate new research questions.