Questions and Answers
What is research?
It is the systematic study to know, understand, or establish the truth.
Which of the following are characteristics of scientific research? (Select all that apply)
What is quantitative research?
Quantitative research tends to use smaller sample sizes.
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The _______ variable is what the researcher studies to see its relationship or effects.
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What defines a hypothesis?
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What is NOT a characteristic of quantitative research?
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List two main types of variables in research.
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The research title should be descriptive, direct, and _______.
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What is the purpose of the SOP template in research?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Research
- Research involves systematic study aimed at discovering or validating truth.
- Truth can be objective (universal facts) or subjective (personal opinions).
- Importance of research lies in fostering critical thinking and informing policy formulation and improvement.
Purpose and Characteristics of Research
- Primary purposes: explore, describe, and explain phenomena.
- Characteristics of scientific research:
- Tentative: subject to constant review.
- Empirically verifiable: able to be researched.
- Ethically neutral: considers risks to respondents, ensuring confidentiality.
- Publicly shared: knowledge should be accessible to the public.
Quantitative Research
- Involves the systematic investigation of phenomena through quantifiable data.
- Characteristics include:
- Objectivity: accuracy in data gathering and analysis.
- Larger sample size: ensures reliability and minimizes bias.
- Visually presentable: numerical data can be expressed in graphs and tables.
- Faster data analysis: uses statistical tools for efficient analysis.
- Generalized data: sample findings can reflect the broader population if sampling is proper.
- Easier data collection: standardized instruments like questionnaires simplify the process.
- Valid data collection: measures are aligned with research intentions.
- Reliability of results: results maintain consistency across studies.
- High replicability: methods can be repeated to confirm validity.
- Predictive ability: capable of making inferences and predicting outcomes based on data.
Disadvantages of Quantitative Research
- May lack depth in exploring complex problems or concepts.
- Often falls short of explaining qualitative human experiences.
- Numeric data cannot encapsulate feelings or beliefs effectively.
- Research design tends to be rigid with limited flexibility.
- Participants have restricted response options.
- Larger sample sizes can drive up costs of data collection.
Research Variables
- Variables: variations within classifications (e.g., eye color).
- Constants: characteristics with no variations (e.g., grade level).
- Types of variables:
- Quantitative variable: analyzed in distinct categories (e.g., height).
- Categorical variable: grouped without variation in degree (e.g., political party).
- Independent variable: presumed cause being studied.
- Dependent variable: presumed effect influenced by the independent variable.
Hypothesis
- Clear, testable statements predicting study outcomes.
- Alternative hypothesis: indicates a relationship exists between variables.
- Null hypothesis: indicates no relationship between variables.
Research Titles
- Research titles summarize main ideas concisely.
- Key elements: descriptive, direct, accurate, appropriate, interesting, concise, precise, unique, and not misleading.
- Formula for a working title: (Cause + Effect + Respondents & Location).
Dissecting a Title
- Identify the cause and effect of the problem.
- Determine target respondents.
- Combine various elements for a comprehensive title.
SOP Template
- General objective: determine levels of independent and dependent variables among respondents.
- Specific objectives include understanding demographic profiles, measuring levels of variables, and assessing significant differences based on demographics and relationships between variables.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of research methods, including the purpose and characteristics of research, as well as an overview of quantitative research. It aims to enhance understanding of systematic study, data investigation, and the importance of ethical considerations in research.
