Nature of Inquiry and Quantitative Research

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of quantitative research?

To conduct open-ended interviews with participants
To explore subjective experiences in depth
To provide a narrative description of social phenomena
To collect and analyze numerical data (correct)

Which of the following is a characteristic of quantitative research?

It predominantly follows a confirmatory scientific method (correct)
It focuses on generating new theories
It emphasizes narrative analysis of data
It often relies on qualitative data for conclusions

What does the term 'non-experimental design' refer to in quantitative research?

A design that does not involve variable manipulation and often includes surveys (correct)
A research method using only qualitative techniques
A technique that is limited to laboratory settings
A design that manipulates variables to determine cause and effect

Which of the following is NOT a weakness of quantitative research?

It can provide objective and unbiased results (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are numerical data in quantitative research used for?

To express measurable quantities and facilitate statistical analysis (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the strengths of quantitative research mentioned in the content?

It provides results that can be seen as real and unbiased (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does inquiry mainly involve in the context of research?

Asking questions to explore or investigate a topic (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which aspect does quantitative research focus on primarily?

Hypothesis testing and theory confirmation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of study design involves random assignment to control and experimental groups?

Experimental designs (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research design exploits natural settings or groups without intervention?

Quasi-experimental designs (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does bivariate correlational studies focus on?

Obtaining scores from two variables for correlation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of correlational research mentioned?

Bivariate, Prediction, and Multiple Regression Prediction studies (B) Signup and view all the answers

In correlation studies, what does a positive correlation indicate?

Both variables increase together (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the null hypothesis in research?

To propose that there are no significant differences (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study combines variables to contribute to an overall prediction in an equation?

Multiple Regression Prediction Study (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an alternative hypothesis typically proposed in a research study?

That there are significant differences among the treatments (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in research?

To state an expected outcome that can be tested (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of research outlines the significant relationship between variables?

Main Problem (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do latent variables represent in research?

Concepts such as personality traits that cannot be directly observed (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Scope and Delimitation section typically include?

The variables needed in the study and their measurements (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the research paper contains the rationale and overview of research questions?

Background of the Study (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Theoretical Framework in a research study?

To discuss the theories underpinning the research (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Conceptual Framework contribute to research?

It defines the relevant objectives and maps relationships between variables (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a research hypothesis?

It is an educated guess tested through empirical data. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does a research hypothesis provide in a study?

A tentative explanation that can be tested (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which is considered the most widely used quantitative design in social sciences?

Survey research (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which type of experimental design do subjects not receive random assignment?

Quasi-experimental designs (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes true experimental designs from pre-experimental designs?

True experimental designs include randomization (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a variable in research?

A characteristic that can change and vary (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of pre-experimental designs?

To study a single group receiving an intervention (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options accurately defines experimental research?

Research involving deliberate action followed by observation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of studies is NOT classified as experimental research?

Survey studies (C) Signup and view all the answers

What defines a dependent variable in quantitative research?

A variable that is influenced by independent variables (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes extraneous variables?

Variables that may influence the dependent variable but are not the focus of the study (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable involves characteristics like intelligence or creativity?

Attribute variables (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using sample variables in quantitative research?

To account for characteristics of participants that are not the independent or dependent variables (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes a dichotomous variable?

A variable that has only two possible values (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for controlling extraneous variables in a quantitative study?

To ensure they do not influence the dependent variable (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable is primarily measured using interval or ratio scales?

Continuous variables (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of covariate variables in research studies?

To create interactions with both independent and dependent variables (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature of Inquiry and Research

Inquiry: Synonymous with "investigation"; involves questioning to explore a subject.
Research Design Types: Two main categories are experimental and non-experimental research.
Quantitative Research: Focuses on numerical data collection and analysis, emphasizing statistics.
Experimental Design: Provides control over variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Non-Experimental Design: Often equated with survey research; common in social sciences.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Hypothesis Testing: Primarily a confirmatory method aimed at testing and validating hypotheses.
Numerical Data: Involves metrics and symbols to quantify observations and relationships.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Strengths:
- Facilitates hypothesis development or testing.
- Results generally more reliable with larger populations.
- Indicates objective findings, minimizing biases.
Weaknesses:
- Can be time-consuming and costly.
- Requires extensive statistical analysis.
- May leave uncertainty in outcomes.

Kinds of Quantitative Research

Experimental Research: Involves controlled experiments with randomization.
- Types:
  - Pre-experimental: Observes a single group receiving intervention.
  - True experimental: Subjects are randomly assigned to groups.
  - Quasi-experimental: Utilizes existing groups without random assignment.
Descriptive or Observational Studies: Researchers observe and categorize behaviors without intervention.
Correlational Research: Investigates relationships between variables using:
- Bivariate studies: Correlation between two variables.
- Prediction studies: One variable predicts another.
- Multiple regression: Combines variables for comprehensive predictions.

Importance of Quantitative Research

Reliability and Objectivity: Offers valid, generalizable findings through statistical analysis.
Theory Testing: Confirms or refutes existing theories or hypotheses.
Complex Problem Simplification: Breaks down intricate issues into measurable components.

Variables in Quantitative Research

Definition: Variables are measurable characteristics or quantities, such as age, income, and eye color.
Types of Variables:
- Continuous: Measurable on a scale (e.g., height, weight).
- Attribute: Characteristics like intelligence or anxiety.
- Dichotomous: Takes on two values (e.g., yes/no).
- Latent: Traits not directly observable, such as personality.

Parts of Research

Introduction: Sets the stage for the research topic.
Statement of the Problem: Defines the research problem and objectives.
Background of the Study: Offers context, rationale, and research questions.
Theoretical Framework: Discusses foundational theories guiding the study.
Conceptual Framework: Maps relationships between variables and objectives.

Hypothesis

Research Hypothesis: A formal statement predicting the study's anticipated outcomes; serves as the basis for statistical testing.

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Description

Explore the concepts of inquiry and various research designs, focusing on quantitative methods. This quiz covers experimental and non-experimental designs, highlights the characteristics of quantitative research, and discusses its strengths and weaknesses. Understand how hypothesis testing and numerical data play a crucial role in this field.