Questions and Answers
What is the primary aim of Basic Research?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Scientific Research?
According to Theodorson and Theodorson, what is a systematic investigation intended to derive?
What is a typical motivation behind Basic Research?
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What does Applied Research primarily focus on?
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Which of the following best describes Empirical Research?
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Which aim of Social Research involves examining issues and proposing solutions?
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What is one of the main distinctions between Basic and Applied Research?
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What is the primary focus of applied research?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of empirical research?
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Which factor does NOT affect the selection of a research problem according to Singleton and Straits?
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Which question is essential for assessing the worth of a research topic?
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What step comes immediately after formulating a hypothesis in the research process?
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Which of the following is a potential limitation when selecting a research problem?
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Which type of research focuses on practical applications derived from basic research?
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Which of the following is likely NOT a concern during the selection of a research topic?
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What is the primary purpose of formulating a hypothesis in research?
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Which type of variable is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on other variables?
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In a research design, what is the term for variables that might unintentionally affect the outcome of the experiment?
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What is the role of research design in the research process?
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What should researchers do once they have collected their data?
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Which of the following methods is NOT typically used to summarize research results?
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What is the main function of tools such as questionnaires and interviews in research?
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Which statement accurately describes a dependent variable?
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Study Notes
What is Research?
- Research seeks answers to questions and solutions to problems, aiming to extend knowledge, build theories, and solve practical issues.
- It involves systematic investigation based on scientific methods to verify facts, predict events, and derive explanations.
Introduction to Research
- Research is a meticulous investigation aimed at advancing knowledge about phenomena.
- Defined as a systematic and objective approach to studying problems for general principles.
- Guided by existing information and knowledge revision based on new findings.
Characteristics of Scientific Research
- Key features include:
- Verifiable evidence
- Accuracy and precision
- Systematic approach
- Objectivity in processes
- Thorough recording of data
- Controlled experimental conditions
- Investigator training
Aims of Social Research
- To understand societal functioning and individual behavior.
- To evaluate social problems and their impacts, with a view to find solutions.
- To explore social realities and explain aspects of social life.
- To develop theories addressing social phenomena.
Different Types of Research
- Basic Research: Also known as Pure or Fundamental research, it focuses on the quest for knowledge without immediate practical applications.
- Applied Research: Targets practical problem-solving using scientific knowledge, influencing policy formulation based on basic research principles.
- Empirical Research: Gathers knowledge through direct or indirect observation; involves hypothesis testing through experiments.
Choosing the Problem for Research
- Selection criteria include:
- Focus on relationships between concepts or variables.
- Clarity and unambiguity in problem statements.
- Ability to gather relevant data.
- Influential factors (Singleton and Straits):
- State of scientific discipline
- Social concerns
- Researcher's personal values
- Social premiums
- Practical considerations
Steps of Research
- Identifying the problem and defining it operationally.
- Formulating a testable hypothesis as a proposed answer to the problem.
- Identifying, manipulating, and controlling variables involved in the study.
- Developing a research design as a procedural blueprint for the investigation.
- Constructing observational and measurement tools like questionnaires and interviews.
- Summarizing results using tabular and graphical representations for analysis.
- Performing statistical analysis and drawing conclusions based on findings.
Identifying, Manipulating, and Controlling Variables
- Variables are characteristics manipulated or observed during research.
- Types of variables:
- Dependent Variables: The outcome variable affected by changes in Independent Variables.
- Independent Variables: The manipulated factors to determine their effect on Dependent Variables.
- Extraneous Variables: Uncontrolled factors that may influence the dependent variable, potentially compromising the experiment's validity.
Formulating a Research Design
- A research design serves as a blueprint detailing the procedures for testing variable relationships.
- The selection of design depends on the research purpose, variable types, and experimental conditions.
Questionnaires and Interviews
- Essential tools for data collection; they provide structured means of observation and measurement in research.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of research, focusing on its definition, characteristics, and aims, particularly in the context of social research. Understand the systematic approach used in scientific investigations and the importance of objective analysis in problem-solving.
