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Questions and Answers
What are two primary purposes of research as mentioned in the content?
What are two primary purposes of research as mentioned in the content?
To understand a problem (basic research) and to solve problems (applied research).
Describe the characteristic of exploratory research.
Describe the characteristic of exploratory research.
Exploratory research is aimed at studying topics that have not been investigated yet.
What distinguishes qualitative research from quantitative research in terms of data expression?
What distinguishes qualitative research from quantitative research in terms of data expression?
Qualitative research expresses data through words and descriptions, while quantitative research uses numbers.
What are two common techniques used in qualitative data collection?
What are two common techniques used in qualitative data collection?
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What is the difference between longitudinal and cross-sectional studies?
What is the difference between longitudinal and cross-sectional studies?
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How does the research process portrayed differ between quantitative and qualitative methods?
How does the research process portrayed differ between quantitative and qualitative methods?
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What role does systematic investigation play in the definition of research?
What role does systematic investigation play in the definition of research?
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What is one potential drawback of quantitative research?
What is one potential drawback of quantitative research?
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Why is ethical consideration important in research design?
Why is ethical consideration important in research design?
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What does the cyclical nature of the research process imply about the pursuit of social truth?
What does the cyclical nature of the research process imply about the pursuit of social truth?
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What are two primary types of quantitative instruments used in research?
What are two primary types of quantitative instruments used in research?
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Name one advantage and one disadvantage of using surveys in research.
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of using surveys in research.
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How does qualitative research benefit from high validity?
How does qualitative research benefit from high validity?
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Identify a potential ethical issue that can arise in research.
Identify a potential ethical issue that can arise in research.
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What are two methods of qualitative observation?
What are two methods of qualitative observation?
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What are the key differences between inductive and deductive research methods?
What are the key differences between inductive and deductive research methods?
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Define the terms independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV).
Define the terms independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV).
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What is operationalization in the context of research?
What is operationalization in the context of research?
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Explain the difference between primary data and secondary data.
Explain the difference between primary data and secondary data.
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What is the main goal of a literature review in the research process?
What is the main goal of a literature review in the research process?
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What is the purpose of sampling in research?
What is the purpose of sampling in research?
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Differentiate between probability sampling and non-probability sampling.
Differentiate between probability sampling and non-probability sampling.
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What is validity in research, and why is it important?
What is validity in research, and why is it important?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Research Methods
- Research is a quest for knowledge and understanding.
- It informs decision-making, including assessing existing programs, policy development, and effecting change.
- Research can also be a career path.
- Research is a way of thinking, involving questioning and systematic examination to find answers.
- Research is a systematic investigation to find knowledge.
- Research is an investigation or experimentation focused on discovering and interpreting facts, revising theories or laws based on new facts, or applying theories or laws practically.
Research Process
- Positivistic Approach: A scientific approach emphasizing objectivity, theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and cumulative knowledge.
Dimensions of Research
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Style of Research:
- Exploratory: Studies that haven't been done yet.
- Descriptive: Narrative studies.
- Explanatory: Studies of cause and effect.
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Purpose/Focus:
- Basic: Understanding a problem.
- Applied: Solving problems.
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Time Dimension:
- Longitudinal: Studies over a period (often a year).
- Cross-sectional: Studies at one point in time.
- Triangulation: Combining multiple methods (quantitative and qualitative).
Research Design
- Factors influencing research design: current knowledge, cost, ethics, and researcher skills.
The Scientific Method
- Science is systematic knowledge leading to correct predictions or reliable outcomes.
- The scientific method explains natural events reproducibly and uses these findings to make predictions.
- Scientific thinking is one way to find answers, alongside practical, professional, religious, and ideological thinking.
Research Process: Scientific Method Steps
- Define the problem.
- Review the literature.
- Develop hypotheses.
- Choose research design.
- Determine sample and method.
- Conduct the study.
- Analyze and present findings.
The Research Wheel
- A cyclical process of theory, observation/data, hypotheses, and patterns.
- Deduction: Moves from general theory to specific hypotheses.
- Induction: Moves from specific observation to general theory.
Research Process: Concepts
- Theory: A set of interrelated ideas.
- Deductive Reasoning: Begins with a general theory and moves toward specific hypotheses, with observation and confirmation.
- Inductive Reasoning: Starts with specific observations and moves towards general theories, including observation, followed by pattern identification, hypothesis formation, and theory building.
- Grounded Theory: A theory derived from inductive research.
- Hypothesis: A tentative statement.
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Variables:
- Independent Variable (IV): Presumed to cause an effect.
- Dependent Variable (DV): Shows the effect.
- Intervening Variable: Helps clarify the relationship between both IV and DV.
- Operationalization: Converting an abstract concept into a measurable one.
- Validity: The true representation of the research topic.
- Reliability: The repeatability of measurements.
- Primary Data: First-hand information.
- Secondary Data: Existing data collected previously.
Research Process: Sampling
- Population: The entire set of individuals or items to be studied.
- Sampling: Choosing a representative segment of the population.
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Probability Sampling: Each member has a chance of being randomly selected.
- Simple random sampling
- Stratified random sampling
- Systematic random sampling
- Cluster (area) random sample
- Multi-stage random sampling
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Non-probability Sampling: Does not involve random selection.
- Quota sampling: Specific population with certain characteristics is selected (e.g., gender, age).
- Snowballing: One interviewee links to another, often useful for studying unique or hard-to-reach populations (e.g., deported criminals).
- Convenience sampling: Choosing whomever is readily available.
- Self-selection: The researcher is part of the study.
Research Process: Qualitative vs Quantitative Approaches
- Quantitative Research: Expressed meaningfully with numbers, measuring and counting features to build statistical models explaining observations. Seeking objective measurements of concepts.
- Qualitative Research: Focuses on meanings, concepts, and definitions, assessing quality through words, images, and descriptions.
- (Note: The text suggests that the division between the two is a perceived "divide" rather than a strict separation.)
Research Process: Data Collection Techniques
- Quantitative: Experiments, surveys, quantitative content analysis, existing statistics.
- Qualitative: Interviews, focus groups, field research, historical research, qualitative content analysis.
Research Process: Quantitative Instruments
- Questionnaires (face-to-face, mail, web).
- Interviews (structured, semi-structured, open-ended, telephone).
- Each approach has advantages and disadvantages.
Research Process: Survey
- Used to understand behavior, attitudes/opinions, expectations, and characteristics.
Research Process: Quantitative Advantages and Disadvantages
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Advantages:
- Covers a large population.
- Allows generalization.
- Allows repeatability.
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Disadvantages:
- Questions may be vague.
- Not everyone is literate.
- Respondents limited to researchers' responses.
Research Process: Secondary Data
- Official statistics (e.g., CSO, STATIN).
- Studies by other researchers or institutions.
Research Process: Qualitative Method
- Observation: Participant, non-participant, overt, covert.
- Interviews: Semi-structured, open-ended.
- Case Studies: Focus on a person or small group.
Research Process: Qualitative Research Advantages and Disadvantages
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Advantages:
- High in validity.
- Rich in contextualization.
- First-hand information.
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Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming.
- High in subjectivity.
- "Going native" (researcher influence).
Research Process: Ethical Issues
- Harm to researchers and participants.
- Misleading participants.
- Using findings for personal gain.
- Influence of research project sponsors.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of research methods, including the research process, dimensions, and styles of research. Understand different approaches such as positivistic methodology and the varying purposes behind research studies. Perfect for students and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge in systematic investigation.
