Introduction to Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step a researcher would take in conducting a literature review?

Synthesize the findings

Evaluate the literature

Identify relevant literature (correct)

Identify gaps in the literature

Which databases might a researcher search to find literature on mindfulness meditation and anxiety?

Facebook and LinkedIn

PubMed and Scopus (correct)

Google Scholar and JSTOR

Wikipedia and ResearchGate

What does the evaluation of literature involve?

Searching for new research questions

Choosing the most recent studies only

Assessing study design and methodology (correct)

Only reading the abstracts

After evaluating the literature, what is the next step a researcher would take?

Synthesize the literature Signup and view all the answers

What may a researcher ultimately identify after synthesizing the literature?

Potential areas for future research Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research focuses on generating knowledge without consideration for practical application?

Basic research Signup and view all the answers

What type of research would best be categorized as explanatory?

Research that seeks to clarify why a certain phenomenon occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of applied research?

Studying the effects of a new drug on patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of correlational research?

To determine relationships between variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cannot be concluded from correlational research?

One variable causes changes in another Signup and view all the answers

What type of research seeks to explain the mechanisms behind a phenomenon?

Explanatory research Signup and view all the answers

In the example of students' art practice, a positive correlation suggests what?

Higher grades are associated with more practice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors could an explanatory research study investigate regarding students' time management?

Types of extracurricular activities Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of correlational research?

It cannot identify the direction of the relationship Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most likely studied in explanatory research regarding academic performance?

Sleep patterns and their influence on focus Signup and view all the answers

What is typically involved in the reporting phase of research?

Summarizing trends and findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of posing a research question?

To clarify the purpose and scope of the research project. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the research process?

Present an opinion Signup and view all the answers

According to John W. Creswell, research is defined as a systematic investigation intended to:

Establish facts and reach new conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

In what context is a research question considered 'good'?

It is clear, specific, and focused on a particular aspect. Signup and view all the answers

Which component comes after data collection and analysis in the research process?

Discussion and result. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the literature review primarily focus on?

Evaluating existing knowledge and sources. Signup and view all the answers

Research methodology is crucial because it helps ensure that:

The study remains relevant and feasible. Signup and view all the answers

What type of knowledge is intended to be established through the manipulation of symbols in research?

Generalized knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of exploratory research?

To generate ideas and gather preliminary information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes quantitative research?

Research that involves gathering numerical data for statistical analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT typically associated with quantitative research?

Case studies Signup and view all the answers

What type of research is suitable for solving a problem that has not been clearly defined?

Exploratory research. Signup and view all the answers

How does exploratory research assist future studies?

By identifying issues that can be the focus of future research. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of quantitative research?

It provides results that are logical, statistical, and unbiased. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding data collection in quantitative research?

It can include sampling methods and online surveys. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to incorrect results in quantitative research?

Failing to interpret data accurately or using improper methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

To collect and analyze non-numerical data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following data collection methods is least associated with qualitative research?

Surveys Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of qualitative research sets it apart from quantitative research?

Subjective interpretation of findings Signup and view all the answers

How does mixed research differ from purely qualitative or quantitative research?

It integrates both qualitative and quantitative data Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what type of findings are typically produced?

Rich and interpretive findings Signup and view all the answers

What type of sample size is commonly used in qualitative research?

Small and diverse samples Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of qualitative research?

Interviewing participants about their experiences with a product Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of qualitative research?

It lacks depth and context Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Research?

Research is a process of systematically investigating and studying information to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
It involves posing a question, collecting data to answer the question, and presenting an answer to the question.
Research can manipulate concepts, symbols, or things to extend, correct, or verify knowledge.

Research Components

Research components include: a research question or statement, a hypothesis, aim, objectives, literature review, research methodology, data collection & analysis, discussion & results, conclusion, references, and bibliography.

Research Question/Statement

A good research question is clear, specific, focused, based on existing knowledge, and answerable through empirical evidence. A good research question helps guide the research process and ensure relevance, feasibility, and value.

Literature Review

A literature review involves collecting and reviewing published resources relevant to the research question.
Steps include identifying relevant literature, evaluating the literature, synthesizing the literature, and identifying gaps in existing knowledge.

Types of Research

Based on application: Basic research focuses on generating knowledge for the sake of knowledge, Applied research focuses on solving practical problems.

Based on Objectives

Descriptive research: Describes phenomena or characteristics.
Correlational research: Examines relationships between two or more variables.
Explanatory research: Seeks to explain why things happen, focusing on cause-and-effect relationships.
Exploratory research: Used when a problem is not well-defined, gathers preliminary information and identifies areas for further investigation.

Based on Inquiry Mode

Quantitative research: Uses numerical data and statistical analysis.
Qualitative research: Uses non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations, to understand deeper meanings and perspectives.
Mixed research: Combines both quantitative and qualitative data and methods.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of research, including the research process, components, and formulation of research questions. Learn about the key elements that contribute to effective research methodologies and the importance of literature reviews in establishing a strong foundation for inquiry.