Literature Review Characteristics and Definitions
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What is the purpose of using "umbrella" sentences at the beginning of paragraphs?

  • To provide a concise summary of the content in the paragraph.
  • To introduce a new topic or idea related to the previous paragraph.
  • To create a sense of flow and connection between paragraphs.
  • All of the above. (correct)

    • Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good hypothesis?

  • Based on prior knowledge.
  • Testable
  • Specific
  • Based on personal beliefs or assumptions. (correct)

    • What is the main purpose of a null hypothesis?

  • To state that there is no relationship between the independent and dependent variables. (correct)
  • To prove that there is a relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
  • To identify the specific type of relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
  • To explain the reasons for the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

    • What are the two main types of variables in research?

    <p>Dependent and independent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between a research hypothesis and a null hypothesis?

    <p>A research hypothesis is a statement about the expected outcome of a research study, while a null hypothesis states that there is no effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a benefit of clearly defining variables?

    <p>It simplifies the interpretation of research findings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a confounding variable?

    <p>A variable that is not controlled for in a study and may influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between a sample and a population?

    <p>A sample is a smaller group of individuals selected from a larger population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following characteristics is NOT a necessary component of a good research hypothesis?

    <p>It is expressed in a complex and detailed manner. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a research hypothesis in the research process?

    <p>To be directly tested during the research process. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Stage II of the literature review process, what is the primary purpose of organizing literature into themes?

    <p>To define the general topic and establish a framework for analysis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is sampling used?

    <p>When a large population size makes sampling more efficient and cost-effective. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of sampling, what is a "sampling frame"?

    <p>A list of all the units in the population of interest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key difference between a research hypothesis and a null hypothesis?

    <p>A research hypothesis refers to the sample, while a null hypothesis refers to the population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of Stage III in the literature review process?

    <p>Seeking additional relevant literature based on a clearer understanding of the topic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the 'Body' section of a literature review?

    <p>Establishing the researcher’s point of view on the topic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main goal of establishing significance in a research study?

    <p>To determine the probability that observed differences are not due to chance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a census?

    <p>A study that examines every member of the target population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common denominator used for grouping research studies in Stage V of the literature review?

    <p>Methodological approaches, such as qualitative or quantitative. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a non-probability sampling technique?

    <p>Convenience sampling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is a research hypothesis considered "nondirectional"?

    <p>When it simply states that there is a difference between groups, but not the direction of the difference. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to carefully identify the target population before sampling?

    <p>To avoid bias and ensure the sample is representative of the population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the sample relate to the population in research?

    <p>The sample is a representative portion of the population that is studied to draw inferences about the whole. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following stages in the literature review process involves synthesizing related articles to ensure a logical flow?

    <p>Stage IV - Write Individual Sections (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of determining a sampling strategy?

    <p>To select a representative sample of individuals from the target population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the 'Body' section of a literature review?

    <p>To analyze and interpret the findings of the reviewed literature. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a research problem statement?

    <p>To serve as the starting point for the research and provide direction for all elements of the study. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of the literature reviewed in Stage III of the process?

    <p>This is the stage where less critical materials are usually set aside. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a research problem for quantitative research from one in qualitative research?

    <p>Quantitative research problems aim to measure variables, while qualitative ones seek to understand experiences and perspectives. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT considered a step in sampling?

    <p>Analyze the data collected from the sample. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When considering the order and flow of questions in a questionnaire, which of the following is LEAST important?

    <p>Matching question order to the specific research design. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Stage V of the literature review process, how is the integration of individual sections achieved?

    <p>By summarizing and analyzing the reviewed literature systematically. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant disadvantage of judgmental sampling?

    <p>It relies on the researcher’s judgment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes quota sampling?

    <p>It selects participants based on fixed criteria until a quota is met. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an advantage of both judgmental and quota sampling techniques?

    <p>They are both cost-effective and quick to administer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does quota sampling differ from stratified sampling?

    <p>In quota sampling, selection is based on convenience rather than randomization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential bias is associated with judgmental sampling?

    <p>Sampling bias due to non-random selection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a disadvantage of quota sampling?

    <p>It may lead to sampling bias and margin of error. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception regarding the generalizability of results from non-random sampling techniques?

    <p>Non-random techniques can achieve high generalizability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable characteristic of judgmental sampling?

    <p>It is based on the researcher’s assessment of suitability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When assessing the validity of a questionnaire, what does 'Content' validity refer to?

    <p>The extent to which the questions adequately cover all aspects of the construct being measured. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following methods for testing reliability involves comparing results from similar questions on the same questionnaire?

    <p>Alternative form reliability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key point to consider when administering a questionnaire?

    <p>The clarity and length of the questions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of pilot testing a questionnaire?

    <p>To identify any potential problems or biases in the questions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT considered a factor related to the characteristics of respondents?

    <p>Availability of resources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of administering a questionnaire offers the highest level of flexibility in terms of timing and location?

    <p>Internet and intranet-mediated responses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of a covering letter when administering a questionnaire?

    <p>It explains the purpose of the questionnaire and encourages participation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential advantage of using a questionnaire compared to an interview?

    <p>Reduces the risk of interviewer bias or influence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Literature Review Characteristics

    • A literature review is a concise analysis of existing research, synthesising and critically evaluating the relevant work.
    • It helps academic researchers understand the current knowledge on a specific topic.
    • A good literature review should be comprehensive, encompassing all pertinent studies, theories, and data.
    • It avoids omitting relevant contributions, considering diverse perspectives.
    • A good literature review also avoids gaps in the research topic.
    • Example: When exploring climate change, a complete review will include climate policies' economic analysis, meteorological studies, and the social effects on vulnerable communities.

    Literature Review Definition

    • A literature review is a thorough analysis of a body of research that addresses a specific research question.
    • Burns and Grove (2005) define a literature review as an organised summary of published scholarly work on a particular topic.
    • Taylor (2011) defines a literature review as a systematic presentation of published works by accredited scholars.

    Systemic Literature Review

    • A methodical and repeatable process ensures the review's organisation and replication.
    • A clear inclusion and exclusion criteria minimise irrelevant studies and ensures relevance.
    • Example: A study on renewable energy adoption uses the PRISMA framework to find and assess peer reviewed articles after 2015.

    Well-Written Literature Review

    • Clarity, coherence, and structure are important for a good review.
    • Logically presenting information and using proper grammar improves readability and professional quality.
    • Example: A literature review on e-learning platforms uses headings like "Introduction," "Methodology," and "Findings." Smooth transitions between the sections and concise summaries of the studies are included.

    Bias-Free Literature Review

    • A literature review should objectively evaluate sources without favouring specific studies or viewpoints.
    • Example: A review of economic theories of unemployment should examine Keynesian and New Classical theories, along with their respective supporting data and criticisms.

    Factors Affecting Literature Review

    • Researchers' experience is crucial; experienced researchers are better equipped to conduct literature reviews than beginners.
    • Easier research projects facilitate the collection of literature reviews compared to complex projects.
    • Access to resources (computers, internet, journals) directly affects the quality of the review.

    Purpose of Literature Review

    • It helps pinpoints what's already known about the research topic.
    • This builds on existing knowledge and provides recommendations for future research.
    • It helps find suitable scholarly literature in existing research studies that can help in future research.

    Sources of Literature Review

    • Primary Sources: Original research articles, dissertations, and reports written by researchers who conducted the study.
    • Secondary Sources: Summaries or interpretations of primary sources by other researchers, textbooks, and review articles.
    • Tertiary Sources: General background information, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, and databases, which help to understand the research topic.
    • Electronic Sources: Online databases, journals, and websites for literature reviews, providing wider access.
    • Printed Sources: Books, journals, and magazines, vital for older literature in certain fields.

    Steps in Writing a Literature Review

    • Stage 1: Prepare an annotated bibliography to summarize each relevant source.
    • Stage 2: Organise the annotated sources into themes, subthemes, or categories.
    • Stage 3: Conduct further readings to explore the topics for a more comprehensive understanding.
    • Stage 4: Construct individual thematic sections of the review, organising and synthesising the collected information.
    • Stage 5: Synthesise all sections into a cohesive narrative.

    Content of the Review (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)

    • Introduction: Specify the topic; context, trends, conflicts, or gaps in the literature; and the review's perspective on the topic.
    • Body: Structure the review by themes or categories; summarise, evaluate, and synthesise relevant sources, discussing different methodologies, theories, and conclusions.
    • Conclusion: Summarize the major contributions of the reviewed literature and evaluate the current state of the research by highlighting methodologies, theories, and findings.

    Research Questions

    • Research questions, specific inquiries, aim to address problem areas.
    • Strong research questions should be specific, coherent, focused, and relevant to scholarly debates, allowing for deeper investigative research.

    Research Objectives

    • Clearly defined objectives that the research intends to achieve and the steps involved.

    Quantitative and Qualitative Research

    • Use quantitative research to measure variables, assess outcomes, and test broad theories across large populations.
    • Choose qualitative research to explore viewpoints, assess processes over time, understand the perspectives of stakeholders, and study a smaller group of people, in depth.

    Questionnaire

    • Definition: Data collection method where respondents answer predetermined questions.
    • Key Assumptions: Unreasonable demand, hidden purpose or unrelated questions.
    • Questions: Clear, straightforward, and answerable questions.
    • Format: Clearly structured, numbered questions, attractive presentation, and easy-to-understand explanations.

    Questionnaire Design

    • Adjusting or copying existing questionnaires should carefully follow copyright procedures.
    • Question wording needs to be accurate, unambiguous, and understandable.
    • Questions need to be coded for efficient analysis.

    Sampling

    • Population: All members of the target group.
    • Sample: A subset of the population.
    • Sampling Frame: A list of all the population members, used to select a sample.
    • Sampling Techniques:
      • Probability: Every population member has a known chance of selection.
        • Simple random sampling
        • Systematic sampling
        • Stratified sampling
        • Cluster sampling
      • Non-probability: Some elements have no chance of selection.
        • Convenience sampling
        • Quota sampling
        • Judgemental sampling
        • Snowball sampling
    • Sample Size: Influencing factors for sample size determination include the study's purpose (statistical analysis, qualitative studies), cost and time constraints, and the desired generalizability.

    Sampling Error

    • Discrepancy between the sample's characteristics and the population's characteristics.
    • The goal is to minimise error; larger sample sizes are associated with smaller errors.

    Importance of Sampling Strategy

    • Validating the data source and examining the generalizability to the broader population for future studies.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the essential characteristics and definitions of literature reviews. It provides insights into synthesizing existing research and the importance of a comprehensive analysis for academic research. Test your understanding of what constitutes a thorough literature review and its relevance in various fields.

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